There, Border watched a beautiful magnolia tree bloom every spring, gave her daughters and granddaughters their first haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. She pierced her daughters’ ears, and styled her daughter’s wedding hair. Salon & Company even became an Aveda Concept Salon.

But with Kwik Star building a new location next door, Border decided that it was time for a new space with closer parking, natural sunlight, and the same homey feel.

“It was hard to say goodbye,” said Border. “We have a ton of memories in that building, but I’m really excited to be here now. Customers don’t have to worry about parking or walking across a busy street to get to us, and I really love everything about this salon, too.”

According to Border, she had very specific ideas about what she wanted the salon’s new location to look and feel like, not just for herself, but also for her clientele.

“When we were driving around looking for a new building, I saw this one and told Mark, my husband, ‘I want that one,'” said Border. “But it wasn’t for sale or for rent. But when we asked the owner, he said yes and remodeled it for us. I love the windows and all of the natural light just like we had before. The parking is ideal for all of our older clients. This new location just made sense.”

Now open at 110 N. 12th St. in Fort Dodge, Border and long-time co-worker Andrea Anderson are loving the new location, the upgraded salon amenities including dimming mirrors, and easy access for customers.

“We offer all of the same services,” said Border. “We’re an Aveda Concept Salon and I’m very proud of that. Andie is an Aveda Brand Ambassador and we get to have her, an expert, in the house. We still provide stress relieving treatments with salon or hair services, body waxing, spa pedicures, spa manicures, shellac, brow waxing and shaping, etc.”

In addition to celebrating the new location, Border is also celebrating 41 years as a hairdresser. According to Border, she started as an 18-year-old and has seen the industry as well as styles and hair tools change dramatically through the decades.

“There were a lot of boundaries and limits when I started and a lot of consistency,” said Border. “Now there’s a lot of diversity in what people want, how they wear styles, cuts and colors. The creativity for us is endless and there’s so many other things that we can do.”

Border and Anderson are both licensed cosmetologists, grandfathered into the profession, whereas now, Border said, students must go to school to become certified in each service such as a separate nail license, esthetician license, etc.

“A lot has changed,” said Border. “I’m really proud of our journey and of what we do here. Andie has been here for 22 years. She’s like a sister. She doesn’t work for me, she works with me. We have a lot of fun. We love our clients, and we love our new location, too.”

Appointments for Salon & Company can be made by calling 515-955-4888. Aveda products are available at the salon as well as by shopping Shop.Aveda.com/Salon/SalonAndCompany.

Salon & Company

New location: 110 N. 12th St, Fort Dodge