By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
As of the new year, Hairitage Salon, 121 North Davis Street in Vicksburg, will continue under new ownership. Kemi Laing, the shop’s owner since 2012, is selling the business to a familiar face: Sarah Fiengo, a current Hairitage nail technician.
Laing, a lifelong area resident, has stood “behind the chair” for nearly forty years. Laing has loved it. “It’s so much more than hair. Many of my clients have been with me for most of these years. We have grown to be close friends, and I look forward to seeing them.”
Laing began her career in cosmetology in 1984 at the Crossroads Mall. After a year, she worked in Milwood for a short time before coming home to Vicksburg. A stylist was retiring at the Beauty Fountain, a salon on Main Street owned by Gay Willis and Kay Jensen. Willis called Laing and offered her the opportunity to take over the clientele. “It was a great start to building my own business.”
After eight years, Jensen retired and Laing became co-owner with Willis for another eight years. “It was a special group there,” Laing says. “We had so much fun!” Laing eventually worked at two other locations in the village.
Hairitage Salon was established in 2012. Laing’s parents, Tom and Janet Cousins, and her brother Tom, along with other friends in the skilled trades, worked together to get the shop open quickly. Throughout the years, Laing’s husband Jim was a huge support, painting the salon and helping to maintain it. The staff has felt his generosity with his deliveries of coffee and treats.
Laing says, “It’s the girls that make people want to come back here to Hairitage.” She stresses the great work the staff does and the special treatment of clients. “There is no drama. God blessed me with a great team who have created a warm and friendly atmosphere.”
Fiengo and Laing know each other well and have worked together for many years. Fiengo has been a nail tech for sixteen years. “We have eleven-year-old twins who keep us busy, but it’s time for this new journey,” says Fiengo. She also stresses the positive work environment. “I am blessed beyond measure to have such a wonderful work family.”
Fiengo says the operation and staff will remain the same. Her goals include growing the business and working to expand the space. “I hope we can make space for another nail technician, and possibly for an additional stylist,” Fiengo says.
The salon will soon welcome Lynn Hettinger’s daughter, Morgan Kline, to the group. Fiengo recognizes the importance of this new addition. “It’s a fast-paced industry where styles, techniques, and products change rapidly. It’s important for us to stay current. Morgan will teach us new tricks while we show her the secrets of the trade.” Kline will be available for weddings and formal events.
Laing will continue to cut and style two days a week, but she and her husband Jim look forward to a little more freedom and the flexibility to travel and visit their children and grandchildren.