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scissors/paper/rock, Yolande Carson’s salon and boutique at 1864 N. Allen, strives to be a place to be stylish and a place to relax.
“We like it to be intimate, so the clients get one-on-one treatment, like it’s their place,” she said. “A place to go to go to the refrigerator and get a drink, a place to relax.”
Carson has been in the hair styling business for 25 years, but she and her husband followed parallel careers as musicians -- they met each other playing in bands, and moved up to the Pasadena area to be closer to family. She says she worked in big salons and spas, but never wanted her own, until she decided that “I kind of wanted arenas for music, and to do my thing.”
That idea became scissors/paper/rock, a place for “shopping, fashion, and music,” Carson said. In addition to hair styling and beauty services, the store sells fashion jewelry and hosts trunk shows and hair and makeup seminars.
Besides the funky but serene decor, music is a big part of scissor/paper/rock’s experience -- jazz or Sinatra are always on the sound system, and every summer she holds an acoustic music concert series at the salon.
The staff includes hair stylist Rickelle Howard, who has spent 17 years in styling in the area and specializes in black hair care; manicurist Tracy Vuong; and assistant Celeste Oliverez. The salon plans to add skin care and waxing services in the near future.
scissors/paper/rock has been in business for ten years, the last four at the Allen location . The salon is also expanding into the storefront next door by mid-February.
Carson also believes in giving back to the community: every Christmas the salon holds a fundraiser for URDC Human Services, a nonprofit program for women and children in Pasadena trying to conquor substance abuse. Every Mother’s Day, they hold a beauty day with makeovers for URDC clients.
As for the name? The “scissors” comes from the hairstyling, the “rock” comes from the funky chunky jewelry -- but “paper?” “We’re still working on it!” Carson said.
Pictured: Yolande Carson, left, and RIckelle Howard.
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Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsor, Curves Altadena.
Rose West circled around the idea of owning a Curves franchise for several years.
"Seven years ago, I met a woman who opened one in Duarte, and was fascinated. I joined immediately," she said. "I was fascinated that I could work out in 30 minutes, which suited my lifestyle."
When a franchise opened in Altadena five years ago, she said, "It broke my heart -- If I had one, it had to be in my own community." But the idea of ownership didn't go away -- during a women's retreat in 2008, she participated in an exercise to imagine what one would do if money was no object -- and for West, it was "either go to makeup artistry school, cooking school, or buy a Curves."
Then she heard the Altadena franchise was for sale. After several months of indecison, her husband, Keith West, in exasperation, said, "buy it or don't buy it, but don't talk about it any more!"
So she bought the franchise and opened it up in its new location, 2525 N. Lake, No. 6, in July 2008. West sees it as an extension of the work she's done professionally all her life. "I sold Mary Kay for 18 years," she said. I never sold lipstick. I sold a chance for women to take care of themselves, to feel glamorous." With Curves, "I'm taking care of women in a different way, but it really is the same thing."
The Curves formula Is simple but elegant: a circuit of equipment that provides a mixture of cardio and resistance training, piped-in music that encourages a steady pace, and and verbal cues to remind members to change equipment or cool down. It's quick, easy, and adaptable for women of every age and fitness level. Curves members in Altadena are as old as 84 years of age.
It's also a commitment: new members receive a health history and discuss their goals. "If they don't come for a couple of days, we'll call or email," she says. Members are also weighed once a month, and analyzed for body mass.
West says that Curves never says you're going to lose weight with their program, but you will reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass. The Curves franchisees recently were named the best fitness/weight loss program by the Pasadena Weekly.
Curves is open on Mondays and Fridays from 6 AM- 1 PM, and from 3-8 PM; Tues. and Thurs. from 12:30-3:30; and Sat. 7 AM-noon. To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Week, until Oct. 31, you can join for free with proof of a mammogram or a $25 donation to breast cancer research. Curves Altadena is also fielding a team of walkers for next summer's American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
(Pictured: Rose West and Curves manager Laura Honore.)
Mike Gibson Service Center
Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsor, Mike Gibson Service Center, 1701 E. Walnut in Pasadena.
Mike, the eponymous owner, a longtime Altadenan, boasts almost 50 years
in the automotive business. He started working in a service station in
Altadena when he was 15. In 1966, when he was 20, he bought the
business, which was located near Eliot Middle School. And after all
those years in the automobile service business, Mike says, "I still
like it."
Mike describes the business as "general repair -- we work on all makes and models," Mike says. "We specialize in doing the best we can."
(Pictured: l-r, Gene Cummings, Mike Gibson, and Herb Hopkins.)
And it seems to be working -- Mike says he has had some customers for decades, some even since 1966. This year, he will be named the best auto repair service in Pasadena Weekly's "Best of Pasadena" issue. Why? Quality, customer-centered service. Gene Cummings, a 20 year employee, says "Customer service is contagious -- we started the epidemic."
Mike Gibson Service Center shows the craftsmanship and care that can only come through long-term dedication to their work. "We're like a family here," Mike says, which isn't just a saying. Other employees include mechanic Herb Hopkins (30 years) and Mike's children, mechanic Robert Gibson and daughter Lisa Gibson.
Open five days week from 7:30 AM - 5 PM, Mike describes the shop as "busy," and isn't afraid to grab a wrench himself. "I still get greasy," he says: "Whatever it takes to do it."
If you're looking for car service by experienced hands, with an old-fashioned sense of craftsmanship and love for what they do, Mike Gibson Service Center is the place to go. For prompt service, call ahead of time for an appointment (ask for Gene) at 626-795-3726.
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Brio Spa & Salon and Brio Cafe
Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsors: Brio Spa & Salon and Brio Cafe in their recently spiffed-up location at 2003 and 2009 Lake Ave.
A few years ago, Nick Flores was working as an information technology professional, a network engineer and business analyst. Now, he's crafting healthy sandwiches in the cafe while his co-owner, wife Kaye, pampers clients at the spa next door. And, once a month, they move the spa equipment to the side and throw a wine tasting with entertainment -- as they recently did with local favorites the Bohemian Soul Rustlers performed their unique take on folk music as Brio and La Luna Negra presented a "Sangria-Fest" in September. "We have a lot of fun entertaining and putting on events," Nick said. "It gives us a chance to let our hair down and have a good time with people."
Kaye takes great pride in the calm, healing atmosphere of the salon, which provides a full range of services: pedicures, manicures, nail treatments, facials for men and women, waxing, and a full range of massage services (deep tissue/Swedish, hot stone, shiatsu, reflexology, and much more).
Everything at the spa keeps the client's comfort in mind: "We provide a clean and protected environment for all of our clients to enjoy," Kaye says. Everything from clean sheets to sanitized equipment keeps the customer in mind, and their trained staff concentrates on providing the best service to the client.
It's actually a return to the spa: they started Brio in 2005 at the location, moved away, and moved back in again after the buildings were recently renovated. SInce the renovations included a cafe space, they opened an eatery where Nick provides thick, healthy gourmet sandwiches and other treats.
Come join them this weekend for sangria and the Bohemian Soul Rustlers, or any day from 10 AM - 7 PM for pampering, sandwiches, or some combination of both!
Pictured: top, from left to right: Spa staff Tasarah, Gabby (seated)Jeff, co-owner Kaye Flores, Gina, and Rubia (seated). Bottom: Nick Flores in the cafe.
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www.binary-monk.com
Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsor, www.binary-monk.com.
Binary-Monk is an Altadena-based web hosting service run by, appropriately, an Abbott -- K. Zachary Abbott, a 17-year Altadena resident. With three levels of plans (The Novice, the Brother, and the Abbot), binary-monk can set up a business or personal website that's easy to manage, with easy-to-set-up email accounts, FTP accounts, and mailing lists. Features are totally customizable according to your needs.
The Abbott says, "I've been building/selling/repairing computers since 1994, have been in business as MyPCBiz since 1997, and in the web hosting business for about a year now.
"MyPCBiz grew out of a hobby and has been my primary "side business" since 1997 - I build custom desktop and laptop computers, sell pre-built computers and other hardware, and also do repairs and consulting.
"I followed the adage 'Find something you love doing so much you would do it for free, then make yourself so good at it that people will pay you to do it.' I guess it worked, because as well as running MyPCBiz for 12 years, I've spend my weekdays as a Senior Systems Administrator at Caltech since September 2003."
Why Binary Monk? "Binary Monk was started by a good friend who has moved on to the priesthood; I took over the business so he would be free to dedicate his time to ministry. I liked the name, though, and since I also have an M.Div. (from Fuller) but work in computers, I thought it was a good fit.
"We take our cue from Jeff Smith, a.k.a. The Frugal Gourmet - that is to say, while we will not always be the least expensive, we strive to provide our customers with the best value for the money in all things - whether that be our products, service, or advice. "
If you're looking for a good web hosting service that can fit itself to your needs -- and want your problems to be solved from Altadena, not India -- you've got it at www.binary-monk.com!
Phone No. :626-354-3032
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Webster's Fine Stationers: Home Office Supplies....and so much more!
Altadenablog welcomes its new advertisers, Webster's Fine Stationers at 2650 Lake Ave., Suite B in Altadena,
Owned by Scott and Lori Webster, it's a lot more than stationery: it has a full line of children's books and educational items, fine art supplies, UPS and FedEx shipping services, faxing and copying, and "is the only place in town where you can buy one envelope, or one file folder," Lori says.
They are also planning to expand a gourmet food selection before the holidays and increasingly emphasize home decor items.
The stationery shop is part of the new configuration of the Webster's dynasty that has done business in Altadena for 82 years. Frank Webster opened Webster's in April, 1926, as a one store pharmacy with a soda fountain, cosmetics, liquor, and photo supplies. During the 1960's and 1970's, his son William Webster expanded the stores and services up and down the block, and connected the stores by removing walls.
Starting in 2007, new walls went up to separate the stores into separate entities, both physically and as businesses. Scott Webster, who has been involved in his family's businesses for about 40 years (starting with the ice house in the parking lot), and Lori now own the stationery store. William's stepdaughter Karen and her husband Robert Myers bought the Hallmark department and repoened it at Karen's Hallmark and Gifts.
Webster's Pharmacy Corp., headed by Susan Webster Felt, retains ownership of the pharmacy, liquor store, and Hallmark Gold Crown store located in the Orangewood Village complex across from Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. Michael Miller, formerly of Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, will be managing the pharmacy. Gary Webster manages Webster's Fine Wine and Spirits, and his wife Dianna manages the Orangewood Hallmark.
While the businesses are becoming separate entities, what unites
them all, Lori says, is the emphasis on customer service. The staff at
Webster's Fine Stationery -- all local residents -- are knowledgeable
about what's available at the store and in the area. Lori says that
they are also emphasizing local arts and artists -- the store sells
cards by Altadena artist Donna Barnes-Roberts and photographer Athena
Metzler, and jewelry by Diana March.
While Webster's is also the best (maybe only!) local store to find
quality papers and pens, they also sell computer printer ink and
speciality paper (photographs, labels, etc.). Webster's also has
a full stock of fine art supplies (watercolors, acrylics, oils, pencils
... everything!).
Since taking over the stationery store, Scott and Lori are also working to increase Webster's involvement in the community. Besides featuring the work of local artists in the shop, Lori has just joined the board of Dr. Sandra Thomas' Quality of Life Center, and has plans for to involve it in their belated grand opening.
Despite downturns in business from the economy and customer uncertainty over the changes at Webster's, Lori and Scott are dedicated to running a thriving local business.
"I'm Altadenan at heart," Lori said. "I raised my daughter here and she went to St. Elizabeth's. We employ local people. We're trying to keep the economy in Altadena."
UPDATE JULY 09: Webster's has their new website here:
http://www.webstersfinestationers.com/
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