PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Vincene Lewis is the new owner of Rose’s Beauty Salon, at 45 Alabama Road N., Suite 2.

Rose’s Beauty Salon, a long-standing favorite of local residents, recently changed ownership.

The new owner, Vincene Lewis, took over after purchasing the salon in May. Located at 45 Alabama Road N., Suite 2, the salon was originally opened by Rose Elrod and her husband in 1987, according to Lewis.

Rose’s kind and gentle personality drew customers and staffers who have remained with the salon over time. Lewis said she is very excited to lead the beauty shop into the next decade while retaining the same charm, as well as the same dedication to excellence.

“Many of the salon’s clientele have stayed loyal to Rose and the staff for years,” she said.

Lewis is a long-time Lehigh resident, having lived in the community for 35 years. For more than six years, she made the long commute to her shop in Naples until one day she had a pivotal conversation with her neighbor and friend, Rose Elrod.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Stylist Diane Compton, with Rose’s for 16 years, works on a customer’s hair.

“After Rose told me that she was ready to retire, I decided to approach her about taking over the shop. I thought about it and realized it was a great opportunity,” she said. “I originally planned to run both shops, but quickly found it to be too much. I then sold my barbershop in Naples and began running Rose’s full-time.”

Lewis has a wealth of experience in the salon industry and is a licensed barber. She is one of the few barbers to offer her customers a hot lather neck shave with a haircut. She said her former Naples salon, Vinnie’s Barber Shop, won first place in the city’s People’s Choice Awards and was very successful.

The original staff at Rosie’s has welcomed the new management.

“We are like a family here. It’s always a joy to come to work,” Diane Compton, a stylist at Rose’s for 16 years, said. “I think that it’s the environment that keeps many of our clientele coming back.”

The other stylists include Jenny Oldeack and Cheri Short.

MELISSA BILL Vincene Lewis, seated, the new owner of Rose’s Beauty Salon, with her team of stylists. They are, from left, Diane Compton, Jenny Oldeack and Cheri Short. Rose’s Beauty Salon is at 45 Alabama Road N., Suite 2.

Lewis noted that each one brings their extensive knowledge in cosmetology.

Short was the manager of Atlantic Beauty Supply before coming onboard at Rosie’s nearly five years ago. She specializes in dramatic color and highlights.

“I really like to do the fun stuff and come up with wild color combinations,” she said. “I also feel like all my clients are good friends.”

Rosie’s offers a range of services including men’s grooming, haircuts, perms, color, highlights and blowouts, as well as pedicures, manicures and waxing.

Clients can also book an appointment for special services, such as razor cuts.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Entrance to Rose’s Beauty Salon.

“Razor cuts are great for people who are looking for that messy look or have ultra-thick hair,” Oldeack, the former manager of Fountain Crest Retirement Community’s salon, said. “Using a razor produces more softness and movement.”

Rose’s Beauty Salon is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are suggested.

For information or to make an appointment, call 239-368-7766.

PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN Inside of Rose’s Beauty Salon.