By Naomi Bonman

June 2007 marks the one year anniversary that Eclectic Hair Designs has been in operation. Nancy Smith and Cherise Robinson are the owners of the Riverside hair salon located on Magnolia near Central Avenue.

Both Nancy and Cherise have been in the hair industry working at other salons like "A Perfect Touch" for several years. Last June they decided to venture out on their own. "At first we didn't want to, but now I'm glad we did," said Cherise.

Nancy and Cherise chose the name ‘Eclectic' because they don't specialize in just one field; they like to do all phases of hair. Eclectic means a wide variety of things. "We want to provide service to everyone in the community," says Cherise.

Some of the other services provided at Eclectic are eye lash application, waxing, facials, Locks, Braids, Hair Extensions and massages. They also soon hope to get a person in the shop that does manicures and pedicures.

"The unique thing about our shop is that we try to make it a warm experience. Somewhere where you don't have to worry about a lot of gossiping and a place that is more personal for the customers where they can have one on one time with the stylist," Nancy says.

To help celebrate Nancy and Cherise's one year anniversary, retired pastor Rev. Charles Brooks came in to bless the shop. "It is phenomenal to see her grow from Corona to here in Riverside to the Alton area to this shop," said Pastor Brooks. He is also pleased that she puts God first and was happy to be a part of their anniversary celebration.

Several of the clients said that they were pleased with the shop as well. Most of them are original clients that have followed Cherise and Nancy from shop to shop and some are new clients. Some of the comments made were, "I think that Eclectic is an image of elegance, style and grace." "They cater to you here." "Everything is professional and top notch." "The operators are wonderful and they really care about their patrons." "Nancy lets you know that she cares," said client Yvonne Palmer.

Miram Gray who has been at the shop for about a month specializes in individual braids and cornrows.