Polished Looks owner says excitement about Columbia helped motivate expansion
The Polished Looks Boutique and Salon at Merle Norman has been in business for nearly 30 years and has continuously made strides to grow. Six weeks ago owner Tina May added a salon so customers can get a full makeover.
May said adding a salon has been a dream of hers for quite some time, and with all of the excitement in downtown Columbia with the Christmas celebration and Freedom Fest she felt it was the right time.
“It just kind of gave me some excitement for Columbia, and I thought that salon that’s kind of been resting in the back of my head I think we need to get on it. It just inspired me to do a little more and offer customers a service. They can come in and get their hair done, get their makeup done and walk out in a new outfit. From head to toe we can make them feel and look their best.”
The new salon has three chairs, though, only one is filled at the moment by Wendi Holland Watts. She had been May and her daughter’s hair stylist, and May said she knew Watts was the right person to start the salon with.
“She’s young and has some new techniques with her hair styling and color that she’s doing now,” May said. “I knew the quality of service that she gave. She was very professional and always on time.”
May added that in time she will look to fill the other two chairs as the salon adds more customers.
When May began Merle Norman in Columbia 27 years ago, she only worked in cosmetics at first, which remains a staple today.
“In the Merle Norman, I have a full selection of skincare products and also the cosmetic end,” she said. “We do skincare analysis to find out what your skin type is. We do makeovers for proms, weddings and special occasions.”
After listening to her customers’ input, though, May decided to add a boutique five years in. In the boutique, The Polished Looks offers women’s clothing, particularly Ivy Jane and Uncle Frank brands.
“They’re real stylish and trendy but yet you can have these clothes five or six years from now. You don’t want to get rid of them. They’re still in style, and the quality is excellent,” May explained. “I have ladies come in all the time and say, ‘You know that dress I bought from you seven years ago? I still have it in my closet.’ It’s because it’s quality. It’ll stay the same way as you bought it.”
May said listening to her customers and trying to take care of their needs is the foundation of her business. The goal is to try to make customers feel better about themselves when they leave.
The Polished Looks also carries jewelry, with earrings costing $12 to $15 and necklaces $15 to $20.
There have been a few other boutiques open on Main Street recently, but May said the quality and customer service sets The Polished Looks apart. May added she understands what her customers are looking for, and she is always adding to the selection to bring in new customers.
While adding the salon, The Polished Looks also renovated its 710 Main St. location with new interior walls, paint and flooring.
“There’s always room for growth in any business, and I’m always looking for new ways to service my customers. I do listen to them. If a lightbulb goes off, I investigate and do what I can to keep business growing,” May said. “Since Wendi came on, I’ve realized she has a young clientele and an old clientele so when I go to market I’ll probably be shopping for the younger clientele as well. I think I’ll be adding a lower price point in clothing.”
Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pictured Above: The Polished Looks Boutique and Salon at Merle Norman owner Tina May said the goal of her business is to make its customers look and feel their best. | Photos by Joshua Campbell
