Gracefully Rooted is a local beauty salon that strives to be a cut above the rest.
Located at 4351 Timberline Road, the business is run by a group of three: Owner and hairstylist Erica Austin, Hairdresser Ashley Bondurant, and Massage Practitioner Caroline James.
Having aspired to own her own shop for years, Austin described the opening of the salon in April 2024 to be nothing short of a dream come true. Bondurant could not agree more.
“I’ve wanted to be a hairdresser since I was a little girl,” she said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. When Erica told me that she was opening up a shop and asked if I wanted to be a part of it, my immediate answer was absolutely yes.”
James’ story is no different. Not one of the stylists found themselves at the steps of Gracefully Rooted by coincidence.
“I have been giving massages since I was about 15, just not professionally,” explained James “When it was time for college, I pursued nursing–but then COVID hit, and I decided it was time for a change.”
James decided to return back to her heart’s desire–massage–a decision she did not regret.
Opening the business in the Village they all call home was a decision that Austin does not regret either.
“My time here so far has been amazing,” Austin exclaimed. “This has to be the most supportive community I’ve ever been a part of, and I am always surrounded by great people.”
Bondurant concurred, having practiced for her first time as a licensed cosmetologist at Gracefully Rooted.
“I love it here,” she offered. “Everyone is so friendly, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
The group encourages folks to come and see what the one-stop-beauty-shop has to offer.
Located just minutes away from the college, Gracefully Rooted is open from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. Appointments can be booked online or through the phone at (540) 420-0739.
“We can definitely get busy sometimes,” James described, “but we would love to get busier. The more, the merrier–and everyone is welcome.”
A typical day at the salon includes a schedule full of hair care, massage, makeup, and sometimes even a new set of nails. The shop has a tanning bed, too.
Local client Kylie Parmelee has booked just about every single option–and could not be more pleased with her experience.
“They are really awesome hairdressers,” Parmelee said. “And they are always the best, day in and day out. It’s the perfect place to get a tan, and I love to support a local business.”
Austin hopes that such satisfaction will spread as more members of the community become aware of their establishment.
“Our ultimate goal here is success,” she said.
And Austin believes that her salon is headed in the right direction.
