Anybody in search of proof that economic development efforts and an advancing community attract even small business enterprises needs look no further than the perimeter of The Orchards Mall where a veteran stylist with more than three decades in the business recently returned to her home base to establish a new salon because of her excitement over the progress she had seen from afar.
Michelle Warner once owned and operated Expressions Salon in St. Joseph, but she moved for greener pastures more than 17 years ago. In the ensuing time, she owned and operated two other salons in southeast Michigan, but decided it was time to come home and be a part of the renaissance she was seeing upon every visit to the region.
Now she’s back full-tilt, having opened up her new Shear Bliss Hair Studio across the parking lot from J.C. Penney of Benton Harbor, and is busy with a sizable renovation of the space next door which will triple the size of her business when complete.
Warner took a second job in 1992 in the space that she now calls her own. At that time it was well known as Artistry Hair Salon. After a brief 5-month run there, she headed for the Lakeview Beachcomber Salon next to Rooster’s Party Store in St. Joe. She enjoyed a solid 9 year run there before heading east in search of new adventures.
Having watched the transformation and economic development growth of the entire area, she couldn’t wait to return home and she landed a job at Great Clips in the Fairplain Plaza. Eager to spread her wings and be an actual part of the ongoing development of the area, she finally decided to act on the impulse to respond to signage indicating that the former Artistry space was available for lease.
After working nights and weekends during her off time to establish Shear Bliss, she recently opened for business and immediately went to work on the much larger task of renovating the space next door. Once complete, Michelle’s current 3-chair salon will triple in size to 9 chairs and a full service salon bringing manicures, pedicures, facials and more in addition to hair styling, cuts and colors.
Shear Bliss Hair Studio caters to men, women and children at 1880 Pipestone Road in Benton Charter Township on the periphery of the Orchards Mall. From the Pipestone Road entrance across from Brookfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep and behind Victory Lube, Shear Bliss is open from 10am unitl 7pm Monday through Friday and 9am until 4pm on Saturdays. You can reach her at 269-849-9190 to arrange for an appointment.
Calling her new facility a great opportunity and excited about the ongoing progress of the entire community, Michelle Warner’s homecoming has been a true labor of love and she’s looking forward to many great years in business on the local scene. Follow along on Facebook for additional news.
