October 2, 2008 Issue
Business Spotlight
Studio 153—A New Hair Affair In Blowing Rock
Story by Sam Calhoun
Even though the economy is in a downturn, it’s not like you’re going to forgo getting your hair done. And to help, there’s a new stylist in the High Country—David Jenkins of Studio 153, located at 153 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock.
Jenkins has been styling hair in Cornelius for the past decade, making a name for himself in the profession based on the unique styles he produces, and in May he opened a new location in Blowing Rock.
“We’re always different. We’ve always beaten to a different drummer. We don’t check out our competition; we just do our own thing,” said Barbara Jenkins, co-owner of Studio 153 and David’s wife. Barbara operates Studio 153’s boutique, a collection of clothes, jewelry and artwork that Barbara handpicks. “It’s very eclectic,” she added.
Barbara and David are the sole employees of Studio 153—David handles the styling duties and Barbara books appointments and runs the boutique. The couple still owns their salon and boutique in Cornelius, but recently bought a home in the High Country and now stay here six days a week to tend Studio 153.
“Studio 153 is a hair salon. David is the stylist. He has 37 years’ experience and does all types of hair,” said Barbara.
David is originally from England but has lived in the United States on and off since 1959. In the 1970s, David showed signs of his styling talent by placing in the top 2 percent on the National Boards of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Today, he continues his excellence in that field by annually passing the state and national boards. In 1986, David married Barbara, one of his clients. In 1995, David and Barbara moved to Cornelius and opened a salon and boutique.
Studio 153 offers haircuts, perms, highlights and lowlights to a wide customer base. Customers are aged 10 to 70 and come from all over the High Country. Studio 153 is popular with Blowing Rock residents and second homeowners.
Studio 153 is currently taking new clients and offers free consultations to all walk-ins. Haircuts for women start at $50, and haircuts for men start at $20.
Highlight and color jobs that include haircut and style are priced on an individual basis.
“Our specialties are highlights and lowlights, and we offer perms and cuts. David has years of experience and he is up on all the latest styles—we go to shows multiple times per year in New York, Florida and Atlanta,” said Barbara. “But we try not to close down the business too often.
“We carry very different product lines than most salons—nothing generic,” added Barbara.
Barbara and David are hoping to see even more locals frequent their business as they get settled into their new community.
“We want to stay,” said Barbara. “We love it here.
Studio 153 is located at 153 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock. The salon and boutique open at 10:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and close after the last customer leaves. For more information or to make an appointment, call 828-295-4277.
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