Gemini Studio, a new full-service salon, is open in Trenary under owner Lisa Johnson.
“I’ve been working about 3-4 days a week, but we’re getting busier and busier,” Johnson said. “We’re getting people from Escanaba, Munising and all the surrounding areas, so it’s nice to see referrals getting that far out.”
The salon is located in Johnson’s former house at N1083 Second Ave in Trenary, which was put up for a short-term rental after she moved out. She said the rental worked for a time, but that her employment needs changed after becoming pregnant and having her first child. Now, there is a full service salon in a 12-foot by 12-foot room with plenty of space for other potential uses.
“There’s no need for anything bigger,” she said. “At the tail end of COVID, and as a new mom, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do and utilize the space I had.”
Johnson has over 14 years of experience in cosmetology, formerly working in Marquette. After a small career change to work with senior citizens in Escanaba, Johnson decided to switch back to her original trade, giving her more flexibility in work-life balance.
Gemini Studio offers all the traditional salon options from hair cuts to eyelashes to waxes. It is a service needed in the rural parts of the Central Upper Peninsula, as some salons and even barber shops are booked weeks in advance in Alger, Marquette and Delta Counties.
“The area needed something like this and I took the plunge,” Johnson said. “There hasn’t been a lot (of advertising), just word of mouth and the Facebook page, but word of mouth is bringing in more than social media.”
Already starting to push the envelope, Johnson is incorporating a number of new technology to assist the business. Payment options through QR codes and platforms like Venmo and CashApp are popular in many urban areas, but are still rare to see in the country. Gemini Studio is the only licensed business in Alger County to use these payment methods.
Further upgrades will make the outdoor area leading to the building more ADA compliant. A possibility of including space for things like massage therapy and small exercise classes is also available.
For now, Gemini Studio will continue under Johnson with an unofficial open house on November 3. Some of the entertainment options have already been booked, but tarot card readings, drinks and snacks will be available. For appointments, call 906-250-5824.
