Business spotlight - Styles By Brenda - By Michelle Libby

There is a lot to be said for a confident look. At Styles by Brenda, Brenda Bartlett and her nail tech Mary O’Donal, want to make their clients feel comfortable and beautiful. 
 

“We do business in a simple way,” said O’Donal. The small, homey shop is welcoming and comfortable. No one has to worry about high pressure or feeling out of place at a larger salon. Brenda will do anything for her clients. “It’s more personal and they get individual attention,” she said. 

Brenda has been cutting hair for years. She started at a small shop, then moved to a larger shop in Portland until deciding to go out on her own. She opened Styles by Brenda next to the Odd Fellows Hall on Roosevelt Trial in 2002. She is the only stylist at this time, but has a second chair if the right person came along. Three weeks ago, she brought in O’Donal to be the nail tech. 

“We’re a growing business,” Brenda said. Appointments are encouraged, but starting September 1, walk-in appointments will be available for hair and nails. 

From color and foils to brow waxing, facials, cuts and perms, Styles by Brenda is ready to meet the needs of her past customers and future customers. 

When Brenda lost her mom, she took a breather from the business, but now she is back and ready to make her mark. 

“I love to do color, highlights. I like it all,” Brenda said. Before working with a client she does a consultation, which she enjoys. She studies the shape of the person’s face and type of hair before helping to decide what the client would like. She is happy when people bring in pictures or have an idea of what they would like for a style. 

“I work more on the natural side. It’s nice to bring out their natural beauty,” she said. She does up-dos and blow outs for special occasions like weddings and proms. She also does men’s cuts and strongly encourages men’s colorings. 

With school starting, Brenda is interested in helping people get ready for the big day or for moms, who have been home with the kids all summer, to give them a chance to pamper themselves with a new look. 

“We’re a full salon with more services at one stop,” said O’Donal. 

If nails are what one is looking for, O’Donal is up on the latest techniques from natural nails, gel sets, acrylics and French tips. Her favorites are marbling and ombre colorings. “I love to learn new techniques,” she said. She looks for ideas online and tries them out on her friends before bring them to her clients. She works on men, women and children and also is available for parties. She does manicures and pedicures. “I want people to feel really good, relaxed and enjoy. That’s my goal,” O’Donal said. She will travel to homes for a nominal fee. 

 

“We want them to go away happy,” said O’Donal. 

Brenda and O’Donal are accepting new clients and encourage people to try them out. They accept cash and checks. Appointments for hair services can be made by calling 892-9747. For nails, call 749-9320.