VALLEY CITY, Ohio -- Sasha Vilimonovic made the long trek from her home in Valley City to Pepper Pike each day for 10 years to work at Santo Salon and Spa. Then her husband, Mike, surprised her for her birthday by cutting her commute to 2 minutes each way.
Mike’s surprise was her own salon -- KMS BeautyLab -- in the heart of Valley City, where the couple have lived for 24 years. A ribbon-cutting on Thursday (Nov. 4) marked the occasion, with the help of the Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance (NMCCA), area residents and businesspeople.
NMCCA Executive Director Debbie Boehmke learned that this was the first ribbon-cutting ceremony in the heart of Valley City in three years, making it even more special.
Sasha said she has worked in the salon business for a long time, and credited Santo for teaching her the ins and outs of the salon-spa business and encouraging her to expand her horizons.
The couple spent some time renovating the building at 6689 Center Road. Even a new sidewalk welcomes patrons.
The 900-square-foot salon is in a building with additional space for expansion, because Sasha would like to eventually have it become a complete day spa. There are now three stations, and Sasha said she is hiring stylists.
She noted that since KMS BeautyLab’s soft opening in September, “I never thought we’d be this busy!” The KMS in the name is for the first names of the owners and their son.
Traffic didn’t come to an official stop during the ribbon-cutting, but it drew a lot of attention to the new business.
Hours now are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays.
“I’m so excited and so grateful for the positive feedback we’ve already received,” Sasha said. “And I’m so grateful to Mike for the wonderful surprise birthday gift.”
You can learn more at www.kmsbeautylab.com.
Meanwhile, just down the road in Brunswick …
Brunswick residents Jenn and Tim Lang also opened their new business at 3511 Center Road on Oct. 29. The couple believe that every day should start with coffee and end with wine, and they are excited to give others the opportunity to indulge in them both at The Tangled Vine.
The new shop encompasses an inviting and relaxing environment to learn more about coffee and wines from all around the world. Whether you know everything about wine and coffee, nothing about them or somewhere in between, the staff is there to help you learn all about it.
In addition to the array of beverages, patrons can enjoy a few small plates with their wine, such as caprese, charcuterie and hummus. They are also welcome to bring in their own food to enjoy.
Of course, there are sweets: Zari’s CakeZ provides an assortment of fresh pastries and baked sweets daily that staff will help you perfectly pair with your beverage.
Several special events are coming soon, including a Thanksgiving Pie and Wine Pairing from 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 23. The $35 ticket offers Apple Pie and Sweet Champagne, Pumpkin Pie and a Tawny Port, Cheesecake and a Gewrtraminer/Riesling fusion, and Pecan Pie and Beaujolais.
And something the younger members of the family can enjoy, from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 27: Hot Cocoa and Cookies with Santa. For the $10 ticket, kids will receive a cup of hot cocoa, a cookie and a craft. Adults can spend time taking their own pictures with Santa. And the jolly old elf will read a Christmas story.
You can make reservations and learn more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thetangledvinebrunswick/.