SISTER LAKES — After a year of renovations, new ownership and a brand-new name, Studio 204 Salon is ready to figuratively open itself back up.

Studio 204 is inviting the Dowagiac community to attend a grand reopening from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday at 92402 County Road, Dowagiac. The event will show the salon’s updated space and allow clients to meet and greet the salon’s six full-time hairstylists, massage therapist and salon technician.

“We have been here for a good 18 years,” said Michelle Hassle, the salon receptionist. “The first owner was Kris Kramer. Back then, it was Studio 690, and she ran it for a good 15 years before she got sick and passed away. Rachel Rice, who still works here now, stayed with Kris’ brother and sister-in-law and ran it for a few years.”

Last January, Brenda Atkinson, a Paw Paw native and salon owner of Studio 204 in Paw Paw, bought Studio 690 and changed the name to Studio 204.

“The salon actually found me,” Atkinson said. “It was in danger of closing down due to the owner passing away and it had been for sale for a very long time. The salon [employees] were losing hope of finding a new owner. It needed a lot of work, so I went to take a look and told myself, ‘no way can I buy another salon.’ When I stopped in to see it, the girls were so sweet, they had been praying someone would come and save their salon that meant so much to the previous owner. How could I say no?”

Shortly after purchasing the salon, Atkinson decided to move to Florida, prompting the salon’s stylists to become their own bosses.

“All the ladies that work here are basically their own boss anyways,” Hassle said. “We just kind of make it work from long distance into short distance.”

Studio 204 prides itself on being located in the Sister Lakes community, Hassle said. They are using the event to remind residents of the salon’s full list of services including massages, pedicures, manicures, massages, spray tans, facials, make-up, haircuts and color.

In true Sister Lake fashion, Hassle said the event will have giveaways every 30 minutes from local businesses in Sister Lakes. Food from The Strand and Sister Lakes Brewing Company will also be provided, Hassel said. 

Hassle, who has worked at the salon since its early Studio 690 days, has always felt at home, whether in the salon or in the community.

“Of course, we love the lake life,” Hassle said. “I grew up here, born and raised. I like being here because this was Kris’ dream to own this building and I was related to Kris before she passed away. It’s nice that we can keep this going.”

Miles away in Florida, Atkinson sends her support for the salon’s event.

“The girls are and have been 100 percent in charge of the event,” Atkinson said. “I think the staff is super proud of how great it looks and it’s been completely resurrected.”