Louisville Magazine

JUN 2017

Louisville Magazine is Louisville's city magazine, covering Louisville people, lifestyles, politics, sports, restaurants, entertainment and homes. Includes a monthly calendar of events.

Issue link: https://loumag.epubxp.com/i/827364

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 16 of 140

14 LOUISVILLE MAGAZINE 6.17 LIBA Partner Pages facebook.com/BeechmontBombshells After spending 40 years as a barber shop, the aged 200-square-foot space at 309 West Woodlawn Avenue needed new life. Something spectacular, something outrageous. Or, on the other hand, how about a quirky twist on its authentic heritage? With thoughts of red-and-white striped barber poles and a comfortable, inviting interior, owner Cindy Venture went to work creating Beechmont Bombshells. "It was really cool," Venture says of the space. "Aside from painting and redoing the floors, it is really all original. We have pictures of the old barber shop on the walls." Through Venture's creativity, the brick storefront and its storied history came to life as a retro and vintage 21st Century salon. Rather than chic stylists wearing all black walking through minimalist décor, Venture and her team seized upon the barbershop's heyday as a theme. There are lots of posters of vintage pin- up girls on the walls. "They were the original bombshells," Venture explains. "It's definitely a huge part of the atmosphere I wanted to create here," Venture says of the artwork and colors that make up the interior. "It's a relaxed and fun place." With three cutting stations and two shampoo bowls, the salon has an intimate feel all its own. Customers include women and men, and services range from haircuts to color to waxing. "I liked that it was originally a barber shop A Conversation with Cindy Venture, owner of Beechmont Bombshells By Rachel Reynolds because I definitely focus on a lot of men's cuts," Venture says. Venture's staff includes Jessica Greenwell, 32, and Heather Warra, 29. Venture, who is 31, rounds out the young team of professionals. "I didn't think it was possible for three people to get along so well," Venture says. "It was kismet. I don't think I've ever been this happy at work." The salon doesn't believe in selling an image or pushing products. "We're not going to use fancy language to get you to believe that you're going to get a cut or color that's unrealistic," Venture says of their low- key and straightforward approach. "And we're not loyal to a particular brand of product. If we believe in something, we sell it." Of the small space, Venture says, "The only time it's not relaxed is when we're really busy and we're bumping into each other going in and out of the supply closet. But that's okay." As for coming up with the name "Beechmont Bombshells," that was a collaborative effort. Venture wanted to keep the word "Beechmont" because it had formerly been the Beechmont Barber Shop. But they needed something clever to go with that. "It was actually my mother who thought of Beechmont Bombshells," Venture says. "I thought, 'That's perfect! It's not too feminine. It's strong.'" The salon opened in May 2011 and its prices are very competitive. Haircuts cost $20 and a cut, wash and blow dry costs $35.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Louisville Magazine - JUN 2017