Kris Lemieux, owner and operator of Northern Exposure, reopened last week in her new beauty salon at 413 Fourth Ave. in International Falls.
It is quite a change after 15 years at the original Third Street location. Now, with 3,000-square feet of space — more than three-times the size of the original salon — Northern Exposure offers a relaxing if not resort like welcome.
“I am a person that likes change and I felt like making a change,” said Lemieux. “I am trying to get more of a spa feeling and a place where people could just come and feel comfortable.”
Lemieux said that she has always had a dream salon in mind. She looked at several buildings over the years and didn’t mind waiting for the right place and location to come along. She said the former Salvation Army Thrift Shop building had it all: location, size, price, ample parking and possibilities.
“I felt it was a building I could do what I wanted with,” she said.
Lemieux bought the building last spring and moved in Nov. 6. It was a project she enjoyed and said working with family and friends made it even more special.
“Things went pretty smooth,” she said.
Dale Madson, Lemieux’s father, took her design and helped to create a new building within the old one. They wanted to keep the full length front windows and the ridges of the external roof.
Madson added internal rooms to accommodate spray tanning beds and to complement hair, nails, facials, waxing and ear piercing services. He also built a new ceiling, a waiting area fireplace and the salon cabinetry.
There is also more retail space to carry a full line of hair products.
Terry Wood did the color scheme and painting to enhance the wall of windows and create a relaxing atmosphere with track lighting.
Lemieux went a step further and added track lighting and luxurious décor furniture for the waiting room and work stations. She said it is a nice atmosphere for her clients and the three stylists.
“They deserve it,” she added. “They stuck with me for a long time.”
Stephanie Mason, cosmetologist, said the natural lighting is a great improvement from the old salon where the only sunlight came in through the door.
“There is a lot of natural light to see the clients hair color and get a better visual,” said Mason. “Hair color is totally different in fluorescent than with natural lighting.”
“I love it,” said Christie Cronin, an esthetician who also does pedicures and manicures as part of her waxing and spa treatment services.
“There is a larger nail room and larger pedicure spa.”Jane Slatinski, cosmetologist, also handles nails and ear piercing.
Lemieux credits Tim Fulton, vice president of TruStar Federal Credit Union, with helping her over the hurdles of the financing applications. She noted that her clients are pleased with the new location and like that the prices have not changed.
