By Ruthann Carr
Correspondent
Lauren Bishop always wanted to have her own salon.
As she was working toward her cosmetology license the pandemic hit. But rather than derail her, it put Bishop on the right track.
On Saturday (Jan. 22) Bishop – surrounded by family, friends and customers – cut the ribbon officially opening Devoted Hair Salon at 68 Heritage Drive.
“I started this business in my parents’ basement,” Bishop said. “I was working at a salon in town and COVID sent us home. And you know, we’re an eating bunch so we still had to work. So my parents were gracious enough to let us start this journey. This has been built basement up. This is a happy COVID story”
Bishop said in 14 months she went from one chair in her parents’ Lake Monticello home to a commercial space with five chairs, a massage and esthetician room.
“All because of the needs of the community,” Bishop said.
The salon owner said a goal is to give back to Fluvanna in the same way it supported her. She has already sponsored a sports team, given to Boy Scouts and the Carysbrook Performing Arts
“We are committed to diversity. We want a safe, happy, loving place for everyone to get their hair done,” Bishop said.
Bishop’s fiancée, Marcus Brice is a barber at Devoted Hair Salon.
Darryl Gibson, president of the Fluvanna Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Bishop. Her salon fills out the plaza that includes Verizon, Papa Johns Pizza and the Elephantz Trunk.
Fluvanna Economic Director Jennifer Schmack came to the event to support Devoted Hair Salon and encouraged others to see Fluvanna as a viable place to open a business.
