Self-employed cosmetologists Ronda Accoe and Jaclyn Kamp decided to open their own business with the premise that Niles needs a “fresh, upbeat” salon.

“We’ve worked very hard for what we have, so we decided to take the next step and become salon owners,” Accoe said.

Accoe, a Dowagiac resident, and Kamp, of Buchanan, opened Vixen Hair Studio last week at 1221 S. 11th St., Suite 105, the former location of Kutters Unlimited.

Vixen specializes in men’s and women’s haircuts, color, perms, facial waxing and formal hairstyling.

The owners are the only two stylists at the salon, but they plan to hire as many as four for booth rentals.

This is the third salon Accoe and Kamp have worked in together.

“We started out as co-workers and became really good friends,” Accoe said.

Accoe, 28, is a Dowagiac Union High School graduate. She attended cosmetology school in St. Cloud, Minn. Accoe will be married this summer and plans to have Kamp as her matron-of-honor.

Kamp, 23, is a married Buchanan High School graduate who received her training at Michiana Beauty College.

Vixen Hair Studio is open Monday through Saturday, including evenings. Walk-ins will not be accepted until more stylists are hired. It can be reached at (269) 683-8500. Visit Vixen Hair Studio on Facebook.