Kristen Tidmarsh Araujo, an Islander who grew up in Oak Bluffs, has been honing her hair stylist skills since the sixth grade, which is when she first started to cut and style other people’s hair.
She has run with this childhood venture: over the course of 20 years, she began professionally at Blaine Hair and Beauty School in 1993 (now known as Empire Beauty School) where she graduated with honors, and has recently celebrated a large expansion to her well known Shear Inspiration Salon in Edgartown.
Recently, Ms. Araujo was very excited to share how she was able to expand her own salon business, which started in her home due to having two young children to watch over, into a 2,000-plus-square-foot facility that offers everything from haircuts, colors, and styles; to nails (manicures, pedicures, gel, and acrylic); make-up, along with a full selection of spa treatments from facials to waxing.
“I started my career off-Island, after school, in a fast-paced salon so that I could sharpen my skills,” Ms. Araujo said. “I then moved back home and continued developing my abilities while working along side my mentor, master stylist Judy Kent Drake of Hair Solutions. In 2006, armed with a year-round clientele, I opened Shear Inspiration Salon in its first location, my home. As the years went by and my children grew, it became apparent that I needed that space for them, so I ventured out and opened the salon in Edgartown at 15 Mariners Way. I quickly outgrew that space, so just this month, after some major renovations, I moved across the hall to open the expanded version of my salon, adding in a full accompaniment of spa services.”
The new Shear Inspiration Salon & Spa is a hip, bright space with many private areas to make each customer feel comfortable and able to relax.
When you step into the salon, you will see that Ms. Araujo has achieved her personal goal of “passionately creating an environment that exceeds the expectations of my guests while developing a place that employees simply love coming to work at.”
Ms. Araujo, who is the owner, master stylist, and the nail technician, is joined by master stylist Melissa Vasiliadis, and esthetician Elizabeth Carroll, who has also designed a Fine Mineral Makeup Collection. In the summer, Ms. Araujo plans on expanding her staff to accommodate the seasonal increases, especially in light of the high demand for her work with wedding parties.
With her two-story facility, hair and nails are upstairs, while the esthetician services are in the relaxing nook downstairs, and make-up can be had everywhere.
Ms. Araujo is also very excited to have not one but three areas to relax and unwind, including a wonderful outdoor deck that in the warmer weather will be a great place to relax while in between services or waiting for a service to set.
To see the warm and inviting new Shear Inspiration Salon & Spa, still located at 12 Mariners Way just across the hall from their previous location, located in Edgartown just behind Post Office Square at the Triangle, all are invited to attend their Grand Opening Reception this Sunday, March 11, from 2 to 5 pm.
There will be refreshments, light fare, door prizes, and a raffle. You may also call them to book an appointment at 508-627-8333 during their hours of Tuesday through Saturday from 9 to 5 pm or visit them on the web anytime at shearinspirationmv.com.
The Salon is designed for women, men, and children, so families can make it a one-stop shop. Keep in mind there is always plenty of free parking.
