Christopher Amira Studio held its grand opening last Thurs., at their new location 12611 Larchmere. From the wine, fruit and B & M Barbeque’s ribs, chicken, Cole slaw and Mac and cheese, everything was wonderful.
Kim Thomas, owner of Christopher Amira Studio, has worked in the beauty industry for over 30 years. The name of the studio comes from her son Christopher and daughter Amira.
In the new location, she has infused art work all through the salon and even raffled off an original piece painted by Eldis Rodriguez-Baez. The painting values at around $500 and he has about 12 pieces of art throughout the studio.
He is the 2014 winner of the Incite Mixed Media Competition.
Through the relationship of Dr. Elia Pestana Knight, Thomas was introduced to Rodriquez-Baez. “I love my clients and I appreciate all their support,” said Thomas.
A number of other doctors, Larchmere merchants, and supporters including representatives from the City of Cleveland and David Alvarez-Carbonell an HIV/AIDS Researcher from Case attended the grand opening.
“This community is a multi ethnic community and we welcome Kim here,” said Alvarez-Carbonell. Some of the great features this studio offers include a special wash house and they specialize in a color bar for hair color treatments.
The studio has 8 chairs, 6 dryers and waiting area for at least 24 people as well as a two station nail area. “We enjoy being in this new location. The view is great and we feel a part of this community,” said Thomas.
Even during the grand opening, stylists continued to service their clients. Quincy Jones said she loves her stylist, Jonathan Worley, who has worked at the studio for awhile.
Worley has been seen many times on Fox 8 News Morning Show and is excellent at what he does. Worley and Thomas make a great team and the customers enter the studio with a smile on their face.
Thomas has distinguished herself in business, being selected as “Business Women of the Year” by Loti Phi Lambda in 2012, voted as one of the “Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons” by Salon Today Magazine for two consecutive years, earning a nomination as “Entrepreneur of the Year” from Globe Magazine in 2003, and selected as an “Interesting Personalities” by Who’s Who in Black Cleveland in 2012.
Thomas is a native of Cleveland. She attended South High School for Cosmetology and Cuyahoga Community College for Computer Programming. She is a graduated of Baldwin Wallace 2009 Emerging Entrepreneurs’ class, founded by the President’s Council.
In 2008, Thomas was appointed to the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology and was later elected as chairman of the board. She served on the 9-member board for four years. In this capacity, she helped to regulate licensed salons and cosmetology schools operating in the State of Ohio and helped to promulgate rules governing the industry. She was part of the Board that identified Human Trafficking as a problem in cosmetology and voted to take measures to combat human trafficking during her board tenure.
Thomas feels, it’s important to give back. She mentors youth daily through her business internship program by providing communication, leadership and life skill to help prepare the youth for the workforce. Each year, she engages in community service by providing services for the less fortunate . She has partnered with many organizations such as, The “Cut it out” program for Salons against Domestic Abuse.
They decided to do something that has never been done before in the beauty industry, marry a salon and art studio together. It gives their guests and opportunity to see and purchase some amazing art from local artists and give back to the community, a portion of the proceeds are donated to “Change of Direction”a non-profit organization that helps at-risk youth.
Make sure you stop in and see the new location and tell them I said it’s simply marvelous.
Source:
http://callandpost.com/news/2015/feb/18/christopher-amira-studio-open-new-location/
