Fremont woman realizes dream with opening of salon
By Chris Bristol/Fremont Tribune
For Vicky Baker, business is more than just making the cut, it's a life ambition.
"I definitely have a passion for cutting hair," Baker said of her desire to start her own shop.
Vicky's Hair Hub at 224 North Main St. opens its doors Wednesday.
Baker has had various jobs during the last 30 years including housekeeping, bartending and working as a nurse's aide, but it always comes back to hair.
"Two days after I graduated high school, I started school at Bahner's College of Hairstyling," Baker said.
For the last eight years, Baker has been the beautician at A.J. Merrick Manor before deciding to start her own business.
"When my contract at Merrick was terminated, it gave me the opportunity to start on my own," Baker said, "And that's a wonderful thing."
Baker prides herself on customer service and friendliness.
"I love taking care of people ... I like to see my customers happy," Baker added, "I'm looking forward to having people just stop in and say 'Hi.'"
Baker's customer service-oriented attitude is reflected in her business hours: from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Friday and also by appointment.
"I want to be here for the working class," Baker said, adding that it is difficult for many people to get off of work for a daytime haircut.
Due to the relationships Baker had developed with residents at Merrick, "I also want people to know that (Vicky's) is wheelchair accessible."
The customer service attitude, however, is not without its difficulties.
Baker, a single mom with two kids, Linzy, 15, and Beau, 13, knows it will be difficult to attend all of their school and sports activities.
Beau, who has donated much of his summer to his mother by aiding in the construction and finish work at Vicky's, doesn’t seem to mind, saying, "I think it’s great that Mom is opening her own shop."
"I've always thought that I would have my own business, but, just never had the time," Vicky said. "Now is the time. I'm very pumped."
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact 721-0495.
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