EAST OFFERS 'HOMEY' ENVIRONMENT

A mother of two, Shawn East knows what it feels like to tote youngsters along.

Her goal in opening A Complete Image beauty shop, therefore, is to provide an ideal situation for a mother to have her beauty needs met without having to dispose of the children.

"I wanted an environment where mothers would be comfortable," East said. "I couldn't create that kind of environment working for someone else. Here I can."

That desire led East, who has worked in other beauty shops, to strike out on her own. A Complete Image opened Feb. 1 at 635 Blanch Road just off of East Jackson Boulevard, north of Brennecke's Chevrolet. She has found the response to be quite promising.

"It's been pretty good," she said. "I've been impressed. I've picked up several customers."

East, whose husband, Alan, works at Procter & Gamble, thinks her mother-friendly approach will help her fill a void and build her clientele. The salon opens into a living room, complete with television, VCR, and toys and games for children. Sofas, carpeting and other touches make it seem more like a house than an office.

""When they walk in they like the homey environment," she said. "It's like a living room. I'm hoping that's the response I get from everyone."

East offers a full range of services, from hair care to nail care to facials and (coming soon) a tanning bed. On Wednesdays she offers special discounts to senior citizens.

"Cosmetically, I can offer everything," she said.

She can offer it whenever needed, too. Although her business hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, she is happy to schedule appointments outside those time slots.

"We have set hours, but I'm available by appointment almost anytime," she said. "I have the luxury of being able to come up whenever a customer needs something done."

That's because of the same mother-friendly environment with which she hopes to draw in customers also allows her to bring her own children when necessary.

East may be reached at A Complete Image at 243-2722 or at home at 204-7749.