Staff Writer
Robin Holmquist, a lifelong resident of Caribou has realized the dream of opening her own business in her hometown. Magic Scissors, a new hair salon at 147 High Street, offering colors, cuts, perms, waxing and updos opened its doors on Tuesday, Feb. 19, and had fairly steady business during its first week according to Holmquist.
Aroostook Republican Photo/Andrew DyerRobin Holmquist is shown in her new salon, Magic Scissors, located at 147 High Street, which opened on Feb. 19.
Holmquist, a 1994 graduate of Caribou High School and a 1996 graduate of Pierre’s School of Cosmetology has nearly 10 years’ of experience in her field. Holmquist worked in the J.C. Penney hair salon for over 2 1/2 years, after graduating from Pierre’s, and was then offered the management position at SmartStyle salon in Wal-Mart, where she has worked for the past 6 1/2 years.
During her years working in Presque Isle Holmquist gained a number of repeat clients, who she hopes to better serve with her own salon.
“At SmartStyle appointments were by walk-in, and there was a lot of foot traffic there, so I’d have clients come in who I’d been working with for years, and they would have to wait maybe 45 minutes. So I wanted to venture out on my own, and be able to make appointments for my clients. I had to start looking out for my clients and myself,” said Holmquist.
Holmquist also had personal reasons for opening her own business, such as her desire to be closer to her family.
“My son is a freshman at Caribou High School, and my husband works for U.S. Customs, and I thought my son needed me at home now. I also have family in Fort Kent and Eagle Lake, and it’s so hard to see them when you’re working 45, 50 hours per week in Presque Isle. So I was ready to settle down, open my own business and be able to do things with my family on weekends, and be able to make plans without asking anyone’s permission. So the owners of the Old Iron Inn were looking to rent this space, and things just started falling into place,” said Holmquist.
Holmquist also noted that the space Magic Scissors occupies had been home to a barber shop for around 35 years, and that some customers may feel strange coming to a cosmetologist rather than a barber.
“I know a lot of people are used to barbers, but I’ve been trained exactly the same way that barbers are. The only difference is that I can’t shave with straight razors,” said Holmquist.
Joining Holmquist at the new salon is Amanda Beaulieu, who brings with her five years’ worth of experience in the field. Beaulieu who formerly worked at SmartStyle along with Holmquist, decided to follow Holmquist to her new business.
“We work very well together, and we work at the same pace,” said Holmquist.
Magic Scissors is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday.
“Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. I want it to be convenient for everybody,” said Holmquist.
For more information about Magic Scissors call the salon at 496-3300 or visit the High Street location during business hours.
