Salon debuts on Main Street in Port Henry

PORT HENRY | Young Andrea Whitford looked up at sophisticated, elegant Julie, her blonde-haired, red-nailed aunt that held a most special place in her impressionable heart. Aunt Julie and Andrea would spend a lot of time together, doing what you would imagine a little girl and her beloved aunt would do. They experimented and learned about makeup, hair was sculpted into any style the firmest hold hairspray could tackle, manicures were executed with the same care as a gifted artisan, stores were patronized and outfits and accessories were bought a plenty. It was like spending time with a princess, and that time spent between a little girl and her second mother would lay the mental and emotional building blocks for a successful business. "At a young age I realized I wanted to make people feel just as beautiful inside and out as she did with me and everyone she came into contact with," says a little-bit-older Andrea Lobdell of her aunt that passed away at the tender age of 37 when Lobdell was just 11. The owner of Port Henry's newest salon, Creative Hair Design, Lobdell made the leap from working out of her home to having the 4317 Main Street location. Creative Hair Design, quickly becoming known affectionately as the "Babe Cave," held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 7, and with its classy, shabby chic style, officially became the new place for ladies and gentlemen to look and feel like their best selves. "My main goal is to give the utmost professional service in a classy, relaxing setting while catering to each and everyone's own needs," said Lobdell. "I want each and every individual to feel absolutely fabulous, beautiful, and on-point when they leave the Babe Cave." With her motto, "We all should sparkle," Lobell also added, "Yes, men can be babes, too!" to her front window to answer the expected question of whether or not she has male clientele. She definitely does, catering to all ages and genders. "I have a mixed variety of clientele, which keeps my day super fun- work never feels like work," she said enthusiastically. With her clever marketing strategies and ambitious drive, Lobdell has become an accomplished businesswoman in the 22 years since she graduated Moriah Central School. The eldest of eight siblings, her childhood dream was to pursue a career in teaching, but the passion to play with makeup always burned ardently inside her. As expected, the path to take upon high school graduation wasn't a black-and-white one (more like glittery and pink), and Lobdell ultimately opted to pursue a career in cosmetology. Attending Champlain Valley Vocational School in 2001, she began her career in Crown Point upon graduating at Eveda Salon. From there, she built a salon in her home to accommodate raising her children and enjoying the flexibility the option offered. But a new era is now upon her. "After 20 years of working out of my home, three children later, I decided it was time to separate my business from my home as it was tremendously expanding," Lobdell explained. "My business is at its peak and my children are now at the perfect age to allow me to do so." The Babe Cave is a full-service salon offering women's, men's, and children's haircuts, along with specializing in makeup and hair color. "Every color is finished with a complimentary Olaplex treatment," Lobdell added. Other services offered are facial waxing, keratin treatments, powder dip nails, formal updos, with eyelash extensions and lifts also on the horizon. "I'm looking for an experienced nail tech, massage therapist, or cosmetologist to rent a space," Lobdell said, inviting interested parties with experience to reach out to her. Lobdell spoke with gratitude of her significant other, John, for his moral support and encouragement, her brother Michael for being her "handyman," and her friends who assisted in transitioning her business so quickly and efficiently. "I can't thank them enough," she assured. One would like to think Aunt Julie would be proud of the Babe Cave, with it's freshly painted pink walls that sparkle with glitter when the sun hits it; the effect is the perfect touch to Lobdell's vision. Creative Hair Design, a.k.a. the Babe Cave, located at 4317 Main Street, Suite 2 in Port Henry, will be Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., and every other Saturday. Later appointments are available upon request. Please call 518-572-5183 to book.

Signup for our newsletter

Salon debuts on Main Street in Port Henry

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS