Studio 71 Salon

To Whom It May Concern,

I started my work week by opening your letter. As you can probably imagine, I was a little taken aback.

I was initially going to take the high road and simply ignore it. But since you put so much effort into writing, addressing, stamping, and mailing this letter and even spent a whole $0.82 on me. I figured I might as well give you my most professional response.

Not necessarily my first response, by the way. I’m not sure you would have appreciated that one quite as much. 🫣

So, here we go…

You are correct. I do have ONE parking spot in the back, which I pay for as part of my rent.

However, if you know me well enough to be keeping tabs on where I park, then you should also know that there are two of us who work here and one parking spot!

That’s Problem #1.

Problem #2: Since you seem to know so much about me, you probably also know that I drive a rather large SUV. That rather large SUV does not fit in my assigned parking spot. Therefore, my sidekick/coworker uses the parking spot, and I park in the front. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Which, apparently, is where I have offended you.

But let me explain.

Yes, I park in front of my business because I work hours on end, just as you so observantly pointed out. I take my heavy hamper full of towels home multiple times a week, carry my work bag back and forth, and have products shipped to my home which those too are heavy boxes. Carrying those things several blocks multiple times a week would be a bit much, even for the strongest person.

I also choose to park under a streetlight. I work late, as you have pointed out, and when I leave at night, I prefer to be closer to my front door and in a well-lit area.

I don’t think there is anything unreasonable about wanting to feel safe when leaving work after dark. Yes, crime happens even in a small town. I have had two different scary incidents happen to me in the back parking lot while leaving late at night incidents I don’t care to repeat. I hope you can respect that.

And since you apparently watch my comings and goings closely, you may have also noticed that I frequently pack up my equipment and travel to the nursing home to provide services to some of my former clients who now live there. I bring a large, heavy bag with me there as well, as you may have noticed. And, well, I’m getting older and I’m not the strongest anymore! 😉

You have also probably seen me walk some of my older clients out to their vehicles to make sure they get in safely. A lot of times, I even pull their vehicles closer to the door and help them get in and situated.

Since you seem to know so much about me, did you notice that too?

You clearly know I’m a cosmetologist. What you may not know is that I have been serving Sauk Centre and the surrounding communities since 2009. I absolutely LOVE what I do.

And I’m going to make another assumption: you’ve probably never actually sat in my chair. Because if you had, you’d know that I talk A LOT.

A lot of those conversations include things like:

“Have you been to the movies lately? It’s supposed to rain this weekend—you should go!”

“Oh, you started a new job? That’s awesome! Have you checked out the boutiques across the street? They would have some great options for a new wardrobe!”

“No, I don’t do pedicures, but they do across the street. You should call them!”

Or even:

“I’m so sorry for your loss. Yes, they do beautiful floral arrangements for your loved one. Let me get you their number. ”

So yes, I may be taking up an ENTIRE parking spot—sorry, I haven’t yet figured out how to park in half of one, but I am also encouraging my clients to shop locally and support the businesses around me.

That is something I have been doing for 16 years as a small business owner on Main Street and 17 years as someone serving this wonderful community.

You are absolutely right about one thing: we are short on parking on Main Street.

You nailed that one.

Since I don’t know anything about you, I have to ask: Have you brought your concerns about the parking situation to the City? Because if parking is truly the issue, that seems like a much more productive place to start than anonymously monitoring where a local business owner parks her vehicle.

I’m glad you are so passionate about our community, our downtown, and supporting local businesses.

But here’s the thing: you could have simply come to me and expressed your concerns face-to-face.

I promise, I’m not that scary.

In fact, if you ever find the courage to show your face, I’ll even buy you a cup of coffee at my favorite local coffee shop down the street, on the corner, and we can continue this conversation face-to-face, like grown adults.

Until then, please feel free to continue watching where I park and assuming you know everything about my business, my schedule, my clients, and my life.

And just a reminder: last time I checked, that is a public parking spot and I pay taxes, too.

Just remember: you see where I park. You don’t see everything that happens after I get out of my vehicle.

Sincerely,

A Not-So-Concerned Business Owner

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the local businesses and families affected by last night’s fires. We are incredibly thankful for the brave officers, firefighters, and ambulance crews who responded so quickly, helped get everyone out safely, and were able to return home to their own loved ones as well.

Please keep everyone impacted in your prayers and consider donating to help those affected during this difficult time.

Last minute Christmas hair appointments available TODAY! 🎄✂️

Dacia has openings for cuts and color—claim your spot before they’re gone!

Studio 71 Salon *New Client* Women’s HaircutBookConsultation, Shampoo with short head massage, cut and style Price: $32Duration: 60 min

🎄 Week 2 Holiday Giveaway Winner! 🎄

It’s week 2 of our Holiday Giveaway, and our lucky winner is Jessica Rose!

Congratulations!! 🎁✨

Stay tuned, more winners coming every Friday until Christmas!