How do you beat the summer heat? Let us count the ways, a dip in the pool, a relationship with A/C, or another way is opting for a shorter haircut. Summer cuts are cooler and fit the relaxed, carefree lifestyle of the season. At Summer Cuts in Aiken, Summer Engelberg is standing by with scissors in hand to give you a “new do.”
“The seasons seem to run in my family. My sisters are named Autumn and Winter, but a customer gave me a sign that reads, ‘Summer cuts all year round’,” Engelberg said with a laugh.
The young Aikenite opened her salon earlier this month at 1643 Whiskey Road in the Mitchell Shopping Center. Next week, she’ll celebrate her 27th birthday and as a first-time business owner, she can also celebrate a business that’s off to a good start.
“I had worked for three other salons in the past eight years and had built a client base in that time. I knew I would never reach my full potential working for someone else. So, I decided to branch out and open my own place. You know, go big or go home.”
Her mom and boyfriend were supportive and helped provide some muscle for a three-week renovation prior to Summer Cuts opening. It’s a full-service salon experience including cuts, color, and waxing.
“Things are going better than I expected. I’ve already added two stylists and plan to add more. As business continues to grow, I’d like to expand. I have first dibs on the space next door in the event it ever closes. It’s currently occupied by a vape shop.”
Engleberg is dedicated to making her salon successful. Although opening her own business was scary, she isn’t looking in the rearview mirror.
“These past three weeks since opening the salon have been the happiest of my life.”
Summer Cuts is open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and weekends are by appointment only. Call or text 803-507-6577 to book appointments. You can also find the salon on Facebook.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
