“A Classic Impression” Beautysalon – Keeping Bay County beautiful since 1968
Visitors entering “A Classic Impression” beauty salon for the first time quickly get the feeling of entering a piece of the past.
The long room resembles something out of the 1970’s with its predominantly pink and gray décor, wood paneling and individual beauty stations.
For regular clients who have been patrons, some as long as 40 years, it’s more like a gathering place for friends. The inviting dark paneled waiting room allows the women time to chat and catch up while awaiting their turn.
Owner/stylist Brenda Bell, 64, opened the shop in the early 1990’s, but she said the shop has been in the same Cherry Street location under different names since the early 1970’s. Brenda and Gail Newton, 65, started working together in 1970. The third stylist and only manicurist at the shop, Carol Smith, 61, joined them in 1976.
“We could tell all kinds of funny stories,” Brenda says. “We’ve had clients go home with the wrong glasses or somebody else’s walking stick or walker.”
The best part of her job she said is “Knowing I have clients I could depend on for support all these years. I have
some who’ve followed me since 1969. We have become friends over the years.”
One of Brenda’s long-time clients, Mae Creamer, has been a steady client for 40 years. “Everybody here is friendly and we all love each other,” Mae said. “We like to cut up and have a good time.”
Many of A Classic Impression clients are widows in their 80’s, 90’s and 100’s. Many of them rely on the use of canes or walkers to help them get around. A few have personal assistants.
“When we started working with some of our clients they were young women, but now most of them are seniors,” Gail said laughing.
Gail started her beauty career in 1968 at the old Dixie Sherman Beauty Salon after graduating from beauty school. “I never thought my legs would hold out this long,” she said. “I’ve had some of the same clients for more than 40 years. My oldest client died several years ago at the age of 104.”
All three women agree that their clients have become more like family through the years. They have talked through many of life’s challenges, illnesses and family issues and have cheered each others’ successes, the births of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and job promotions, Gail said.
“A lot of our clients come here more for the company and enjoy being around other women their age,” Gail added. “We talk about how their week has been, illnesses, family issues and we pray for each other.”
Loyal customer Holly Bingham Suber has been a regular client of Gail’s for 45 years. She now lives in Tallahasse and her daughter drives her all the way to Panama City for her beauty appointments with Gail. She used to wear her hair shorter until about 10 years ago, she says. Her hair style is called a French twist and she cannot imagine having her hair styled by anyone else but Gail.
By Diane Mercado