Business notebook: Stylist takes her biz downtown

Shelby Allee always has been on the move. Growing up with a father in the military, she and her family relocated whenever the job called for it.

Allee employs a similar tactic in her professional life. Since she began as a stylist, she's made her way through several salons, but never without a purpose.

"My moves have always been a push for a better environment, a more professional environment, for my clients," Allee said. "In this industry, our clients are what puts food on our tables, so you have to do what's best for them."

But instead of traveling around the country, Allee has moved through salons in the Cape Girardeau region, bringing her client base with her. Her measured moves have culminated in her new business: PLUSH Salon at 437 Broadway.

Stylists at PLUSH offer a variety of services, including cut, color, updos, facial waxing and men's cuts and beard trims.

Shelby Allee trims Parker Estes' hair Friday at PLUSH Salon on Broadway in Cape Girardeau.Laura Simon

On-site wedding hair and makeup services also are available.

The salon sits in Old Town Cape next to the Corner Grocery Store. The location, she said, hadn't been occupied for about three years.

"I can't believe this place was vacant for as long as it was," Allee said.

With freshly painted walls and several styling stations installed, Allee has transformed the space she's proud to call her own.

Alongside Allee is one other stylist, Brynna Downing. But Allee would like to bring more stylists into PLUSH and has the room to do so.

She has booth space available for rent, so a stylist would pay a weekly fee to use the space and have the freedom to make his or her own schedule.

A commission option also is available. In this situation, the stylist is "more like an employee," Allee said, and has the opportunity to build a reputation. This option, Allee said, is more for stylists starting in their careers.

"It's kind of a way for them to work their way into our industry. It really takes a year to a year and a half to build a clientele," Allee said.

Opening a salon was not what Allee set out do to when she graduated from cosmetology school, but she's excited about the future and about welcoming new and returning clients into her new salon.

She is thankful for the support she's received, not only from family, friends and her church, but also the community, including Old Town Cape and the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

"This is definitely not something I did on my own. This was with everybody's help," she said.

PLUSH Salon is open Tuesday through Saturday. Allee and Downing are taking appointments and also accept walk-ins.

Merci to close; Filled Haus moving there

Merci Boutique at 637 Broadway is closing. Owner Cathy Pinkston does not know when the store will close but has confirmed the news.

When Pinkston's home-decor boutique closes, The Filled Haus at 635 Broadway will move into the space. Owner Kristy Robison expects to have her interior architecture and design store in its new location in May or June. When that happens, Shoppe La La, the paint supplier and DIY studio on Broadway, will move into the location left vacant by The Filled Haus.

"We are moving literally across the parking lot," Shoppe La La owner Susan Hall said.

St. Louis mag cites Drury Hotels

St. Louis Business Journal announced its list of the Top 150 Privately Held Companies. At No. 37 was Drury Hotels Co. LLC, which originated in Southern Missouri and now spans 21 states.

Love's, Dunkin' opens in Sikeston

Residents of Sikeston, Missouri, and those traveling on U.S. 60 now have a place to fill up on fuel and fuel up on coffee and pastries. In March, Love's Travel Stop and Dunkin' Donuts opened in Sikeston at the U.S. 60/61 interchange.

Wal-Mart yanks dog product

Through the efforts of the Better Business Bureau, Wal-Mart has announced it no longer will sell Dynamic Pet Products' Real Ham Bone.

According to a news release from the BBB, the product has been the focus of dozens of complaints "alleging the bones splintered and killed or injured their dogs."

The BBB first reported concerns about the bones in 2010, according to the news release, and alerted pet owners to potential dangers associated with the bones in 2015 after a jump in consumer complaints.

"Some pet owners paid thousands of dollars in veterinarian bills they said were a direct result of their pets consuming the bones," the release said. According to Michelle Corey, BBB president and CEO, Wal-Mart's decision is a victory for dog owners who have been affected by the bones and all consumers who fought for the removal of the product from store shelves.

bbrown@semissouriancom

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