Business is more than quality service provided at Images Hair Design. Owner and stylist Katie Gilbert, alongside stylists Cary Isaac, Theresa McNew and Kara Granadino also enjoy the relationships they have built with their clientele over the years.
“It’s definitely a hometown feel,” Granadino said. “We are most definitely a family salon.”
Images provides hair coloring, perm, cuts and facial waxing. Granadino also offers Gelous Gel Polish, which is a gel-based polish which will not chip or peel for two weeks after it cures. The salon provides toys and suckers for children.
Granadino, who has been part of the Images team for 10 years, enjoyed watching a young man who had just received his driver’s license come to the salon on his own a few weeks ago. He has been her client since he was in sixth grade.
“You see from little kids on up to teenagers, and you can watch them progress as they get older,” she said.
The four stylists live in and raise their children in Mahomet.
“I love being right here in Mahomet,” Granadino said. “I’m close to the schools with my kids. I also love seeing the clients come in and out. Not just my own, but the other stylists’ too.”
Gilbert opened the salon 14 years ago with her mom, who had to get out of the business due to health concerns. McNew, Isaac and Granadino joined the team shortly after.
To show appreciation for their customers and to introduce the community to their services, Images Hair Design will host their annual Open House on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Stylists will be available to answer product questions for clients.
“It’s a chance to stop in, have some snacks, socialize and if you learn something, that’s great!” Granadino said.
All products will be 20 percent off during the Open House. Images carries Aquage, Kenra, China Glaze, Joico and Fairy Tales brands.
Snacks from Beth Burdette’s Tastefully Simple business will be available. Los Zarapes has also donated chips and salsa.
Guests will receive a free Paraffin Hand Treatment, and Granadino will demonstrate the gelous gel polish. Giveaways will happen every 30 minutes with the Grand Prize giveaway at 4 p.m. The $300 to $400 Grand Prize basket will include gift certificates, styling equipment and products.
Images Hair Design is open Monday through Saturday. Stylists take evening appointments Monday through Thursday.
