Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight - MODE Salon & Tanning
by Lindsay Hoeppner · November 19, 2009

Growing up, Mindy Akers had dreams of someday owning her own hair salon.

That fantasy was made a reality nearly two years ago, when Akers, who grew up in Wilton, and graduated from LaJames International College in 1999, opened MODE Salon & Tanning, located at 1104 N. Calhoun St. in West Liberty.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own salon, and it just happened to be the right time,” she said.

When Akers opened MODE in December 2007, she and Amber McFarland, a 2004 graduate of LaJames, were the only stylists. However, as MODE’s clientele grew, so did its need for another stylist. As a result, Yolanda Meraz, who can speak spanish, was recently hired.

Besides increasing the amount of stylists, MODE also incorporated The Nail Hut into its service space in June, allowing nail technician Tomeka Petersen area to perform manicures, pedicures and more.

MODE provides tanning, haircuts, hair color, hairstyling and waxing and Lili Dalton, a licensed massage therapist, performs massages on both men and women.

The salon also sells hair and tanning products.

Forgot to make an appointment?

Not a problem.

Akers said walk-ins are welcome for haircuts/styling and tanning.

With almost two years down, owning her own salon is everything Akers imagined it would be.

“It’s going really well,” she said. “I really like getting to know everybody in town that I may not have been acquainted with before. Some of us have become really good friends.

MODE can be contacted by phone at 627-3361 or 627-3348 or e-mail at modesalon@lcom.net. The salon is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-3 p.m. Sunday.