Beauty Marks, Ink

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Hello everyone! Ashley Collins here. I was really hoping to not have to make this post, but due to recent online/social media activity, I feel the need to clear the air a bit.

Recently, our salon has been at the center of some scrutiny. Well, not our salon per se, but rather our exterior wall that sits on Third Street. If you’ve been around town over the last 4 years, then I’m sure you’ve seen our “Welcome to Murray” mural that was thoughtfully placed at the eastern entrance into Murray. Elias Reynolds was the talented artist commissioned by our Convention and Visitors Bureau to complete the mural for a sum in excess of $20,000, which was paid for by the CVB. We wanted to ensure the CVB had all of the information before making such a large investment, so I emailed them and attached photos of the portions of the wall that were crumbling, broken, or cracked. I attached a screenshot of their response for full context.

A couple of weeks ago, some fairly extensive construction began on our salon. Our interior wall that runs almost the entire length of the Third Street portion of our building needed to be replaced. We’ve had moisture issues during most of our occupancy at 300 Main St. We’ve noticed things like the wall sagging, being soft to the touch, anchors slipping out of the wood and drywall, and it was clear something had to be done.

As my husband is the owner of the building, he and I have worked closely in communication with CDM Construction, who is widely considered the expert in renovating and repairing the historic buildings on the square. CDM repaired the deteriorating brick above our Third & Mane entrance and were able to begin work on our interior wall swiftly.

Once the damaged drywall was removed, it became clear that many areas of the framing behind it were completely rotten and had nearly disintegrated. That framing was removed, and the brick behind it was assessed. Unfortunately, it was also evident that the brick had been compromised over decades of water intrusion from the exterior wall. CDM has dealt with this type of issue before and began filling cracks, skimming the brick with concrete to strengthen the structure, and bricking up old window openings that were allowing significant water intrusion.

Once those repairs were completed, the wall was observed during the recent heavy rains. Unfortunately, water was still coming in—significant amounts of it. At that point, we were informed that additional work would need to be done on the exterior Third Street wall, including sealing and waterproofing. Within two hours of being informed, we notified the Convention and Visitors Bureau of the situation. My husband delivered that update and received a strongly worded response in return.

As work continued, it became clear that the entire wall would need to be properly waterproofed and sealed in order to stop the ongoing water intrusion. We agreed and gave the construction crew approval to proceed. The moment sealing primer was applied to the wall, online discussion and concern began to circulate, along with additional emails and texts.

For clarity: we loved that mural. We were genuinely proud to host such a beautiful piece of public art. However, no mural—no matter how meaningful—takes priority over the integrity of the building or the people working in it.

As many in the community are aware, a building has already collapsed not far from where we work every day. Preventing anything like that from happening again is not something we take lightly.

Lastly, I want to address the rumor that we refused an offer for the artist to “fix” the mural for $11,800. The mural itself was not a viable solution for the underlying issue, which was water infiltration and damage behind the wall. This was already evident given the multiple prior efforts to address ongoing issues. Paint and surface sealing are not waterproofing solutions for an already permeated exterior wall.

Thankfully, CDM has worked tirelessly, and we now have a properly filled, sealed, waterproofed, and primed wall. As many of you have probably guessed, any future mural on that wall will not be funded by the CVB, as they have already stated. So what will be painted there? We honestly don’t know yet—but I suppose that’s the fun part. You’ll just have to stay tuned.

EDIT: There was concern that we painted over the mural to cover the visible cracks throughout the mural from where it was filled. That beige color is actually a sealant, not just a way to cover the mural. It was a necessary step our contractors said was a nonnegotiable for longevity of the waterproofing efforts.

“I want extensions, but I want them to look natural.” GIRL, say no more. Hi! My name is Ashley & I really, really like doing natural lash sets! I would call these a classic brown set. So, if you like these, tell your tech to do a classic brown set using 2 .03 lashes per natural lash, with a kitten/doll eye map.
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I’ve been asked lately for current lash pics & while I am proud of my work, I rarely take pics. Why? Y’all, ya girl’s busy. Like, mom of 3 boys ages 4, 6, & 8, salon owner that still takes clients kind of busy. When I’m in the salon, I’m with clients back to back all day. I don’t usually have time to take pics, because I’m trying to get as many of you in as I can. But, when enough of you ask, I see what I can do 😅. My girl Anna here was kind enough to lend me THAT FACE.
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Is this a busy season for you too? In what ways?

Check out this healed Nano Brow in its natural habitat 🐅.

My client had existing Microblading that needed a refresh, so she opted for Nano Brows(machine hairstrokes). Take a look at her results before her touch-up appointment! We touched up a few spots that needed a bit more definition & now she’s good to go!

👉🏻Swipe to see her before!

What sets Nano Brows apart from Microblading:
1. Longer appt times are necessary for machine hairstrokes to achieve the desired density of each stroke. Microblading, on the other hand, gives instant density on the 1st(sometimes 2nd) pass.
2. Unlike Microblading, Nano strokes can overlap for a more realistic look.
3. Pain-wise, Nano is often reported as virtually painless, while Microblading can be uncomfortable.
4. Nano doesn’t require cutting the skin like Microblading does, resulting in less pinpoint bleeding.

Any questions?

Please reach out if you’d like some info on where to go for pico removal! Some may say this is career su***de, but if your injector can tell you when you need your filler dissolved because of migration, then so can I. 😘

We’re proud to sponsor our very own MSU’s College Rodeo team! If you didn’t know, owner Ashley was on the Equestrian team in college & loves to support our teams. Good luck next weekend! We’re rooting especially loud for our client, Emma!

Did you know we can do Nano Brows over older microblading? This client was microbladed several years ago with us here at Beauty Marks. She was due for a color boost & we decided to go over her work using the machine technique of Nano Brows.

Why Nano instead of Microblading?
Nano Brows are less invasive and are easier to take care of post appt. The healing time is much easier & they fade super well. In addition, Nano Brow hairstrokes can cross, overlap, and connect more than they can with Microblading. All of our clients that have made the switch are so glad they did!

Do you have faded Microblading, but have your eye on Nano Brows? Book your Color Boost appt today!

From barely there to “Where did you get your brows done?” Loved giving this beauty her brows back!

My clients & I like to joke that with age comes losing hair from certain places only for it to pop up in random places like your chin 🤣. If your brows have taken a beating over time, come see me!

Nano Brows are the newest and most gentle form of eyebrow tattoo. It uses a very small needle cartridge paired with a tattoo machine to implant the pigment without having to cut the skin, like with Microblading. It fades beautifully & naturally. I can do Nano on top of older Microblading too!!!

We get it - you’ve been going to the same brow/lash/hair girl for years! But you’ll be calling MKY home for the next 4 years, so let us be your home salon away from home! Ashley has been doing brows for 7 years & lashes for 6. Our hairstylists have years under their belt. When you come in, you’re not hoping it’ll turn out OK. No ma’am - we send you out the door with confidence & expertise.

So come see one of our experts! We have so many services: brow threading, brow henna, lamination, lash extensions, hair extensions, hair cut & color, event makeup, & now men’s cuts! We can’t wait to meet you! We’re the building with the Welcome to Murray mural 😏.
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