The CHQ Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Evolve Salon and Spa, located at 517 Pine St. in Jamestown.
Evolve Salon and Spa currently operates two businesses: Kiss My Lash, which does eyelashes and nails, and Syzygy Massage. We also post advertisements for salon owners.
Mikayla Gabalski-Jones is the owner and operator of Kiss My Lush. She is also co-owner of Evolve Salon & Spa with her grandmother, Mary Gabalski.
Gabalski-Jones, who graduated in 2021 and also attended an international school, shared how she learned about eyelash extensions.
“I recently traveled to Texas for the Lash Boss Summit and it was an amazing experience. It highlighted my passion for beauty and my commitment to providing clients with the latest techniques and trends. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in this industry and to travel around the world. Making people feel beautiful and helping them achieve their goals is my biggest thing. It’s a passion,” she said.
Mackenzie Thayer is the owner of Syzygy Massage. She graduated last year with a degree in massage therapy.
She joked that when she was little, her family always pestered her for massages.
“That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue something in the massage industry,” she said.
Gabalski-Jones worked with her “nana” Mary to find a suitable location to open a business. The Pine Street location was previously Gregory’s Hair Design, so it seemed like a good choice.
“It’s taken a little while, but we’re looking for a hairstylist to bring Mackenzie on board and rent out the front room, so we have space here for anyone who wants to join us,” Gabarski-Jones said. .
Sales actually ended in July 2021, but renovations were carried out at that time. Gabalski-Jones thanked her grandparents for their efforts and support in renovating the building.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Nana and Hoppa. Their unwavering support and encouragement has been the driving force behind my journey. Even when I had doubts, they believed in me and helped me dream. Their belief in me made a huge difference, and I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “This moment feels surreal and I can’t thank everyone enough for their support. Starting this beauty business is a dream come true, especially considering my passion for eyelashes and nails. I’m excited to bring the latest beauty trends to our community and help people feel beautiful and confident. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and supported this business. We also want to thank the City of Jamestown for celebrating our grand opening with a ribbon cutting. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”
County Executive P.J. Wendell also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and said he is excited about the new venture.
“With your enthusiasm and excitement, I know you will succeed in this work,” he said.
City Councilman Bill Reynolds said he was excited for them, too.
“I see young people participating in the capitalist process and I am very proud of them,” he said.
Mayor Kim Eklund agreed. “On behalf of the City of Jamestown, I want to welcome you all. I can’t say this enough, but it’s great to see young entrepreneurs,” she said.
To contact Syzygy Massage, please call 716-708-0386. Kiss My Lash can be reached at 716-499-3140. Both businesses are on Facebook.