North Augusta lounge burgled two weeks before opening

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC (WRDW / WAGT) – After late nights of painting and decorating, the Beauty Studio Salon and Spa in Graniteville was broken into about two weeks before it officially opened. The owner says more than $ 20,000 in tools and technology has been stolen, but they don’t let this bump in the road slow them down. The owner says he has a lot more to give back to the community than what was taken.

“I want to like people,” Merrill Steelman said.

Ever since the day Steelman was old enough to pick up his first pencil.

“I have always dreamed of opening a salon,” she says.

She always scribbled and imagined having her own special place – a place for people to feel beautiful.

“A place that was beautiful and made people feel beautiful,” she said. “A family-oriented living room, a place where girls could grow up. “

Over time, his vision grew closer to reality.

“The Lord opened the door,” she said.

But just two weeks before they opened their very first salon, someone broke inside stealing around $ 20,000 worth of items.

“Things have been taken but the Lord is restoring,” she said.

Steelman says they stole tools and technology, but not his hope and vision. She says the thousands of dollars taken doesn’t compare to the amount of love they plan to pump back into the community.

“If anything, I’m more encouraged, I know it will be a full space,” she said. “What we can give to the community will serve a more fulfilling purpose than what has been taken from us.”

Because what was taken will double in the amount given.

“I keep this promise,” she said.

The salon says it offers things like bridal hair and makeup as well as nails and skin care. They also hope to grow throughout the community and encourage anyone who wants to join them to email them at: [email protected].

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