For the past 24 years, Sunrise Hair Studio owner Denise Simmons has worked to make her salon an inviting place for customers, offering up a pleasant atmosphere and professional employees.

She said she recently hired three new employees who share her same attitude and enthusiasm for her business and who also see working for her salon as a positive career advancement and a chance to improve upon their hair styling and nail salon skills.

I came here because it offered more opportunities and education, hair and nail stylist Tina Perkins said. It was a chance to learn more and improve on my skills.

Simmons said at her salon, 175 B E. Main St., she is always looking to inspire potential in her employees.

Simmons said she works with companies that supply her with hair products to conduct classes at the salon to teach stylists new ways of cutting or coloring hair.

She and her employees also go to road-classes and conventions to inspire creativity and learn new techniques.

Employees at salon chains typically dont have the same opportunities, she said.

Hair and nail stylist Jenn Solina said the opportunities provided by Simmons present more chances for her to learn and grow in her profession.

I dont want just a job, Solina said. I want a career. Sunrise Hair has provided that opportunity.

Simmons said, in addition to offering professional development classes, she has also upgraded equipment, renovated the building and more to help inspire creativity.

Her passion for her business, she said, has stemmed from her initial love for hair.

I always wanted to be a hair stylist, ever since I was 15 years old, she said. I didnt know I would actually own my own salon for 24 years. That blows me away.

Simmons said she purchased the salon in 1989 after working for the business for about one month as a hair-stylist.

She said she took out a loan on her old Volkswagon Beetle to buy it from the previous owners and that every year since she has worked to build her business.

She said word of mouth has helped to grow her customer base, and she thinks many customers return because they are attracted to the friendly, family atmosphere of the place.

I love talking with everyone that comes in, she said. When you have a pretty open mind and a good personality, I think that people like you.

Simmons said as a team, staff also work very hard to limit the drama within the business.

We throw everything out on the table, and we are all pretty open. she said. We work as team players.

Hair and nail stylist Stephanie Hasty said, aside from being able to grow as a stylist, the team atmosphere was also a huge draw to the position.

They welcomed me in, and it feels like home, she said.

Everybody is easy to work with. For me, it was a no-brainer. I love what I do, and I wouldnt do anything else.

Simmons said the salon offers hair cuts, hair coloring, perms, manicures, pedicures and waxing. Haircuts for men and children are also available.

She said she and her four employees typically see eight to 10 customers each per day.

To sign up for an appointment, call 541-567-0289.

The salon is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.