New business opens next to R Coffeehouse in Riverside
A salon is once again at 1136 N. Bitting next to R Coffeehouse, and it offers some nontraditional services.
Rose Carson has opened Rose & Shone in the small space, which most recently was an office.
“I remember when I was 16 it was a salon,” said Carson, who is almost 43.
That salon was Curl Up & Dye, she said.
In more recent years, Studio 11 Hair and Beauty was there.
Carson’s salon is a play on her name and is the past tense of rise and shine.
She’s been doing hair for about eight years and has had a booth rental.
“So this is my first time . . . being a salon owner.”
She said the booth rental space was a bit busy and chaotic, and Carson said she wants a different atmosphere for her clients.
“I consider myself an artist, and a lot of my clientele are artists.”
Carson said there can be a lot of trauma for some people who go to salons.
“Oh, yeah, big time.”
She said there’s “the stereotype that you’re being judged.”
Carson said a lot of people can’t afford to go to a salon frequently, so sometimes they’re insecure or uncomfortable when they do go. She said even people who are viewed as supermodels by others bash themselves once they’re sitting in her chair.
“It’s kind of sad, actually.”
So she offers mirrorless and silent services if clients prefer. She also offers earplugs and emphasizes a one-on-one experience.
“It’s just a small, more curated environment.”
Carson said she plans to keep it that way, though she does want one other renter, whether that’s a stylist, a massage therapist or an aesthetician.
She’s taking clients now, but Carson said the salon still is in its opening stages. For instance, there’s no proper signage yet.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
