Web posted
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Deja Vu all over again
Winfield salon changes owners after 31 years
By TYLER GASKILL
Courier Staff Writer
The old cliche "history repeats itself" is ringing true in the lives of two Winfield salon owners making a transition in their careers.
On July 12, 1977, Jodi Odell, wife of a Cowley County sheriff's deputy, opened The Parlour, a beauty shop at 703 E Seventh.
Thirty-one years later -- to the day -- Brandi Wilt, wife of a Cowley County sheriff's deputy, is taking ownership of that same shop.
"It was a little ironic," Odell said.
"I looked at Brandi and said, 'My last day will be July 12!'"
Odell is retiring, and her shop has changed hands and changed names. The shop, Persona, will be owned and operated by Wilt.
According to Odell, the transition took less than two days.
"I called her and asked if she was interested and she said 'I'll think about it,'" Odell said.
"The next day, she called and asked, 'When can I move in?' "It was quick."
When Odell opened The Parlour after 14 years of working out of her home, her husband, Sheriff Bob Odell, had been a deputy with the sheriff's department for almost 11 years.
Wilt's husband, Sgt. Barclay Wilt, has been with the sheriff's department for almost 10 years.
Shortly after Odell bought the building in 1977, she added on. She has since expanded.
Wilt also plans to make changes, and that is fine with Odell.
"I've encouraged change," Odell said. "That way, it's her shop."
Wilt plans to continue offering the services now available at The Parlour, while adding her own services including a spa pedicure chair. One special addition will be "glamour girl" parties. At the parties, a girl can invite several friends to get their nails painted and a gift, as well as cupcakes.
Wilt also has a boutique business which includes purses, jewelry, sunglasses and hats. She will soon be offering spray-on tans and a coffee bar.
Wilt plans on keeping the retail line that has been available at The Parlour and adding the items she sold at her former salon, Exquisite.
"I invite everyone to come in and see the changes and try us out," Wilt said.
Persona will employ five stylists and four nail technicians.
Odell is looking forward to retirement. When asked what she plans to do, her response was to the point: "Anything I want."
She plans to continue doing what she has done all her life, now on a part-time schedule.
"I'll have a spot here at Persona," Odell said.
"It's a profession where you make people feel good."
Throughout the years, Odell said she has gone through her fair share of employees but has had a consistent customer base. Some were going to her for their styling needs even before she opened The Parlour.
Odell is happy Wilt is the one to take over her business. She is very optimistic about the future of the shop and the future of Wilt's career.
"(Wilt) is going to do a nice job," Odell said. "She's got a lot of vim and vigor."
"I want her to be here another 31 years."
A reception welcoming Wilt and honoring Odell for her years of service is planned for Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m., at Persona.
A grand opening celebration will be held at Persona on Aug. 20.
For more information on Persona, call Wilt at either 221-2010 or 221-9490.
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