Taking part in Rich Beauty Parlor’s ribbon cutting ceremony, Jan. 2, in Syracuse were, from left, Jeanetta Slabaugh, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber ambassador ; Brittney Shepherd, stylist; Marlies West-Chambers, Chamber ambassador; Phil Rich, owner Rich Gallery; Jessica Croquillard, stylist; Kassie Perzanowski-Wolf, stylist; Britt Rich, owner, master stylist; Brooke Morgan, nail technician; Alicia Yoder, receptionist; Lindsay Senders, esthetician; Prescilla Guevara, stylist; Brittany Everage, massage therapist; Renea Salyer, executive director, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber; Sherry Giese, chamber ambassador.

Text and Photos by David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Friends, family and members of Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce gathered Saturday, Jan. 2 for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Rich Beauty Parlor at 808 S. Huntington St. in Syracuse. The business will celebrate its grand opening on Monday, Jan. 4.

Formerly known as Babes and Combs, Rich Beauty Parlor’s ribbon-cutting marks the culmination of what owner Britt Rich called “a six-month journey,” during which a former doctor’s office was transformed into a multi-faceted beauty parlor, featuring separate areas for hair styling, nails, massage and more.

“No inch of this building was left untouched,” she commented of the overhaul, much of which was performed by Rich’s father, Bruce Bushong.

Among the many features of Rich Beauty Parlor is the concrete epoxy floors, found in many of the uniquely designed rooms.

“I’ve lived in Syracuse my entire life, and it has always been my dream to own a building in Syracuse and provide jobs for people,” said Rich. The new location addresses her growing business’ need to expand.

Babes and Combs was started in 2014 with Rich and two other stylists. Rich Beauty Parlor now employs seven hair stylists, one nail technician, one eyelash technician and a massage therapist.

Rich Beauty Parlor stylists and technicians are an experienced crew usually booked up to two weeks in advance, with some customers traveling from Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Goshen and beyond.

Britt Rich’s husband, Phil Rich, continues to operate Rich Gallery featuring art, piercing and tattooing at 101 E. Main St.

The importance of jobs and the welfare of some of Syracuse’s less fortunate residents also became an issue when, during renovation, the new owners discovered evidence the building had at some point been inhabited by a homeless person.

“I have been feeling passionate about homelessness lately,” said Rich. “It’s an issue that is showing up even in smaller towns.”

In an effort to shed some light on the problem, Rich organized a raffle in conjunction with many local businesses to coincide with the ribbon cutting and grand opening events. Participants can buy five tickets for $20 or one for $5 for the chance to win one of the dozens of valuable gift baskets. Proceeds will go to Fellowship Missions of Warsaw, which addresses homelessness and addiction recovery.

For more information visit Rich Beauty Parlor at 808 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, or call (574) 457-4970. Book online at https://square.site/book/APBREXE2GB554/rich-beauty-parlor.

Rich Beauty Parlor stylist Jessica Coquillard squeezed in client Amanda Powell of Warsaw before the ribbon-cutting.

Stylist Brittney Shepherd organizes the many gifts donated by local businesses to be raffled off to support Fellowship Missions of Warsaw.

The new location gives each of Rich Beauty Parlor’s services room for maximum comfort.