Ravenna – The best way I can describe what it is like walking into Downtown Betty’s Salon/Roots and Wings Boutique and seeing the smiles of the shop owners is like Christmas morning or having a great slice of peach pie. A feeling of warmth washes over you as you’re greeted by their positive personalities.
Every time I blink another dream is being fulfilled in my hometown of Ravenna. A new symbiotic relationship between two entrepreneurs has recently been achieved by hair stylist Stacie Seacrist and fashionista Sommer Shaw. The collaboration of their businesses has given even more life to the socio-economic development we are witnessing in Ravenna. “The salon and boutique offer a cohesive effort to make every lady find that level of self-love they are searching for,” said Sommer.
Downtown Betty’s is a vintage salon with “a creative, laid-back energy” exhibited by unique and beautiful local artwork on the walls, along with a touch of hippie/semi-gothic décor. Stacie’s salon cannot be described in one word, but somehow everything in it just works. A mix of dark maroon walls, vintage salon chairs, leopard print pillows, hanging plants and an original hardwood floor with sprinklings here and there representing her personality. She accredits her husband, Tony, a master tradesman whose skills allowed him to design, build and maintain her shop.
A soft, soothing (not to be under-estimated) voice with a great head of hair, business oriented with tattoos on her neck and hands all work together to give Stacie the edginess not seen in your average business owner. She opened in May 2019 and has been going strong ever since. Stacie explained she grew up in Salem, Ohio and eventually started working at Aveda Salon in Canfield. “I fell in love with the salon environment and the beauty industry and decided to go to school to do hair.” Over the last decade she has operated various studios and discovered a lot on the journey that has landed her at 256 West Main Street. “In that ten years, I have opened and closed three studios. Made some good business decisions and some very bad. I have learned a lot about myself and being a business owner over the years.”
“Owning a salon, being your own boss in the beauty industry allows for creative and personal freedom which is very important to me,” she said. Stacie has sought to encourage and support others along the way and this has evolved into a two-fold enterprise with Sommer Shaw at the helm of Roots and Wings Boutique. The clothing side of the studio started as a pop-up shop and has become a permanent store front. The energy that comes from the relationship Stacie and Sommer feed off of is an especially unique draw for their collaboration. Two separate businesses united in the goal of creating beauty and making customers feel special, whether it’s with a customized style session or a new hairdo. “What better way to practice self-care than pampering yourself,” said Sommer.
From growing up on a rural South Carolina farm to becoming a northern hometown shop owner, Sommer Shaw has seen and done a lot.
“My first job was at 12 years-old, I was a helper on a tobacco farm. That’s pretty far from boss babe, boutique owner,” Shaw said.
It is her genuine charm that grabs you and that southern accent that just draws you into her presence. When you’re welcomed into the shop by Sommer, it’s like a great cup of coffee that greets you in the morning, as she suggests this top or those shoes while you are perusing her collection.
Stacie, the ever-savvy entrepreneur, had been brainstorming ideas for expanding and thought why not ask Sommer to host a pop-up shop. Sommer had been a long-time client who had a dream of opening her own boutique. “It worked out so good during the pop-up that I asked her to stay,” Stacie said.
Roots and Wings became a permanent resident as of January 1, 2020. “My business is still in the early stage so there are many struggles, but Ravenna has been very welcoming to me. I get so excited hearing the optimistic feedback from locals excited about having a boutique in town,” Sommer said. After spending time in the corporate world and leaving her job to start her own business she will tell you dreams can come true, but you must work for it. “It wasn’t until I was a female manager standing up for my ideas in a male driven car industry that I started to believe I was capable of actually making this happen.” Stacie concurred by stating that growing a business develops over time with many hours spent at the shop, staying positive and dedicated.
If you walk in and look right, you’ll see Roots and Wings clothing on racks constantly being updated and curated by Sommer. Tiger print yoga pants, turquoise belts and cardigans with western style designs are all in Sommer’s wheelhouse of fashion, which you will enjoy exploring as I have on many occasions. She continually updates her followers with style tips and tricks on Facebook and Instagram stories showing how great clothes can be worn by the everyday woman.
Sommer accredits her father Dean Hucks for her tenacity. He always said, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” Her passion for fashion was influenced by her grandmother, Shelby Jean. “I grew up with a combination of this work ethic and love of pretty clothes.” Ever humble, Sommer dreamed for years of owning her own business. “I often feel like I’m not supposed to be here, but I made it anyways.”
With the mentorship from Stacie, a seasoned business owner, Sommer, the semi-novice, has been able glean knowledge and experience. This is a localized example of the enduring relationships that can be built and maintained when small businesses support each other.
Downtown Betty’s Salon can be found on Facebook with @downtownbettys or contacted at (330) 937-3868 and emailed at downtownbettysravenna@gmail.com.
Roots and Wings Boutique is on Facebook with @rootswingsboutique and Instagram. The website you can also shop from is www.rootswingsboutique.com.
