The word that stands out in Gardnerville resident Carlene Olsen's mind is bittersweet: the sweet appreciation that comes with taking over a small business, but the bitter sadness that comes with the reason for the change.
"It's hard walking in these doors," Olsen said Friday, while holding back tears.
The new owner of Lasting Impressions Salon in downtown Gardnerville explained how the previous owner, Debbie Roberts, left a lasting impression on her and others before succumbing to cancer in February.
"I'm officially a business owner," Olsen said. "It was scary at first, but I wanted to do it. I wanted all of us to stay together. I think I'm getting the hang of it. I just want to do a good job and honor her (Debbie's) memory."
Olsen, 41, has worked as a hairstylist in the Valley for 17 years. She came on at Lasting Impressions when Roberts opened the shop in 2004. Joining them that same year were stylist Tracy Kizer, 26, and massage therapist Terry Welty, 64. The latter runs her own business within the salon called A Touch of Experience.
"We consider each other family," Olsen said. "I wouldn't have put my name on it if these two weren't with me."
Olsen said the transition was emotionally difficult.
"For me, I felt glad to take over the salon, but I didn't feel like a celebration," she said. "The only reason it happened was because we lost a friend."
In one corner of the salon, the women set up a memorial to Roberts. Displayed next to Roberts' picture are gifts that customers gave her over the years. Olsen also repainted the interior.
"The first brushstrokes were hard," she said. "But I was glad to be able to buy the salon and keep Debbie's memory here. Someone else would have made changes, and she wouldn't be here with us."
Olsen said most of Roberts' clients still come to the salon. Redesigning the shop's exterior signage has also helped draw more walk-ins.
"I would love to be a full-service salon," Olsen said. "I have two empty stations and a room in the back I could rent out to an esthetician."
Presently, Lasting Impressions offers hair, waxing and massage therapy. Olsen's niece, cosmetologist Lauren Olsen, comes down from Reno one day a week to do hair and waxing.
"We'll be doing the wine walk on May 20," Olsen said. "We'll be doing the first one to see what response we get and if it works. We're going to have a free drawing for gift certificates."
Located at 1528 Highway 395, Suite 120, the salon can be reached at 782-2284.
