Falls salon debuts new look

Owning a business may be brand new to Mary Ellen Schmidley, but she is certainly no stranger to the business she owns.

After working as a massage therapist at Hairitage Salon in Sheboygan Falls for five years, Schmidley took over the ownership duties April 26.

With Schmidley at the helm, the name of the salon has been changed to Falls Salon and Spa.

“Owning a business is something I always knew I would do someday,” she said. “It was just a question of when the right opportunity would come along.”

Schmidley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the health, wellness and beauty field, as a massage therapist and a registered nurse.

“I have quite a bit of experience in several different aspects of health and wellness care,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people live a better, happier and healthier life.”

Longtime Hairitage Salon customers shouldn’t expect any major changes in the immediate future.

“I’m proud that we didn’t keep a beat, during the ownership changeover,” Schmidley said. “We didn’t close or do anything to disrupt business. So far, the transition has been amazingly smooth.”

Along with her husband Rick Hovde, Schmidley purchased the business from Brian and Maria Kuehmichel, who served as the owners for the past five years.

“The Kuehmichels thought it was time to move on and I was ready to take on the challenge,” Schmidley said. “This is a well-established business that has many loyal customers. That’s a great thing for a new business owner to have.”

Although the building as housed a hair salon for well over 20 years, Schmidley would like to draw more attention to Falls Salon and Spa.

“We have a really good location that gets a lot of traffic,” she said. “My goal is to make more people aware of us.

“I think there are a lot of people that drive by the building and take a quick glance at the sign. But I think there are a lot of people that don’t take a second look. Quite a few people have no idea of what we do at Falls Salon and Spa.”

Hair care and skin beauty lie at the heart of the business.

“We do all types of hair styling, as well as pedicures, manicures, facials, body wraps, waxing and massage,” Schmidley said. “I’ve been learning a lot about cosmetology, since I took over the ownership duties. It has helped me a lot to have a great staff with a ton of experience.”

The Falls Salon and Spa features several experienced staff features, including Sandy Bender, Mary Eder, Raelynn Wentz, Cathy Thiessen and Mary Jo Huber.

“A few of our staff members have been around for nearly 20 years,” Meyer said. “I’m glad to have such an experienced staff.”

As a way to draw additional attention to the business, Schmidley has organized a food drive and art display contest leading up to a planned grand-opening celebration Saturday, July 24.

“I am a very community-oriented person,” she said. “I was a youth recreation and sports director with the United States military in Germany for 12 years. I really enjoy working with kids.

“I thought it would be nice to do an art contest for kids and a food drive to help support the Sheboygan Falls Food Pantry.”

From now until July 24, Falls Salon and Spa customers are asked to bring non-perishable food items the salon’s special drop-off site.

In addition, customers are invited to cast a ballot for the most visual, creative and unique art display by placing food items in front of their favorite display.

The three art posters were designed and prepared by girls from the Madison All-Stars 4-H Club, Sheboygan Falls Boys & Girls Clubs and Girl Scout Troop 8735.

“I always enjoy getting the community involved in a worthwhile project,” Schmidley said. “The girls from each of the clubs did a great job putting together the three posters. I’m hoping that a lot of people bring food items for the Sheboygan Falls Food Pantry.”

The special food drive, art-display contest runs through Saturday, July 24.

“The winners of the art-display contest will be rewarded with a mini spa,” Schmidley said. “I think the girls had a great time doing the projects. They look great in the store.”

Participating in the project were Girl Scout Troop 8735 members Sara Klemme, Carolyn Judnic, Ariana Mendez, Payton Steinherdt, Nicole Fessler, Natalee Nachtwey, Elyssia Perez and Alyssa; Boys & Girls Club members Stephanie Castrodi, Alisa M'endez, Izzie Schamburek, Savanna Ridge, Lily Meyer, Lilly Beaudoin, Allison Antonie, Emily Olson and Ellie Storessner and Madison All-Star 4-H group members Elizabeth, Sarah and Katie.

Schmidley, who is a state and nationally licensed massage therapist, is focused on enhancing the strong assortment of offerings already in place at Falls Salon and Spa.

“I don’t plan to do a whole lot of changes,” she said. “Our offerings will stay basically the same, with the possible exception of adding to our spa program, with an increased focus on facials, pedicures and manicures.”

“I would really like to develop the health and wellness aspect,” she said. “I would like to do more massages for people with knee and hip replacement surgeries and cancer-related issues.”

Aimee Peters recently completed the new Falls Salon and Spa logo, while Hovde is working to complete a new Web site at www.falls-salon-and-spa.com

Entering her third month of business ownership, the Green Bay native is taking it all in stride.

“Owning a business is a major change from being an employee,” Schmidley said. “There is a big learning curve and so many things to worry about and take care of.

“So far it has been an amazing experience. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”

Falls Salon and Spa is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 467- 8610.