 "Photo: Morgan Crutchfield/Echo staff photographer")
How many Universities can you name that have a full service hair and nail salon right on its campus?
Built and owned by SBC Contracting, Centennial Salon and Spa is the newest addition to the Alfonso Elder Student Union.
It is a full service hair and nail salon that also specializes in several waxing services.
"A salon was suggested by many of our students to complement the barber shop and provide contemporary and natural hair services," said Maria Lumpkin, director of Student Union.
Pamela Hall is manager of the salon and has spent 20 years as a nail technician.
She works along with two other staff members, Velicia Howard, stylist of 22 years and evening manager of Centennial, and Randalyn Ladson, licensed cosmetologist instructor and stylist of four years.
The three of them together bring much experience and knowledge about hair and nails.
"They do great nails and hair I was totally satisfied," said criminal justice, sophomore Krystal Johnson.
There is a frequent surge of people coming in to check out the new salon.
"People are always flowing in and out. It gets very busy." said Hall, and with such low prices, compared to other salons, their busy schedule is not surprising.
Centennial donates $1 from every service visit to the Student Association Fund Organization.
All the prices at Centennial are priced for students.
"I came in and was shocked.
I was ready to spend more money than I did," said political science, sophomore Javan Walton.
Hall and Howard have both owned their own hair salon.
Howard is currently owner of a salon here in Durham.
"It is extremely different working on a campus than working on a strip. The walk-in volume is much larger and it gives us a lot more business," said Howard.
Centennial had its grand opening October 19. "We're loving it," said Hall. Staff members of the Student Union have all been assisting and doing what they can to make Centennial a success.
"The staff is genuinely concerned about making good and comfortable accommodations for us and the students here," said Howard, "and everybody's help is greatly appreciated."
Centennial Salon and Spa is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and walk-ins are more than welcome. For an appointment call 919-530-6039.
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