Handle on business: Store covers hair-loss needs, exposes memories
Sure, the opening of a new store called Exclusively Wigs and Things is legitimate business news. Embarrassingly enough, as soon as some of my buddies read this, they’ll hit me with, “Oh, are they gonna give you a discount?” or something of that nature. And I know it’ll generate giggles from my North Idaho College students. You can’t miss the clue when you see the mug shot that’s printed with this piece.
So, how is the inventory and services of this type of a store going to be important enough to be the lead to my story? I mean, owner Sonie Combs (yes, that’s really her name) sells more than 100 styles of wigs in many colors and lengths and even prices for all budgets. She and her three employees also have hairpieces and accessories and service the wigs.
“We clean them, rejuvenate them and style them,” she explained. “We also have privacy rooms and can make special appointments if we’re needed.”
Originally from Sacramento and owning salons in the Santa Cruz area, Combs planned to retire here after discovering the area when visiting relatives. However, retirement didn’t work out as she planned.
“I noticed a need for offering the quality of wigs that I do,” she said. “I noticed a need for someone with my experience with cancer patients. They need someone to listen, someone to understand and someone not afraid to put her arms around them.”
The privacy rooms. The special appointments. The need became so real. I thought of a special NIC speech instructor who was very comforted by her wig when her cancer treatment caused her hair loss. She recovered from her cancer.
I thought of my sister Diane, who lost her gorgeous long, brunette hair with her cancer. She was thrilled to become a perky blonde with her new hair. But Diane didn’t make it.
I stopped talking to Combs, put down the phone and cried. I needed someone’s arms around me.
Exclusively Wigs and Things is between American Decor and The Pizza Shoppe in the former Granny’s Wild Geranium building in the southwest corner of U.S. Highway 95 and Haycraft. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday (later if needed and by appointment). Phone 665-0002.
The Cutting Edge gets sharper
A Vollmer computerized sharpener is the technological highlight of The Cutting Edge sharpening service at 3640 N. Cederblom St., Coeur d’Alene.
“This equipment provides the sharpest edge with the highest degree of accuracy and consistency possible,” explained John Thurston, who owns the shop with his wife Karen. “Carbide-tipped saw blades will perform more accurately and efficiently and will last longer.”
Thurston also sharpens knives, scissors, barber shears, router bits, auger bits, garden tools and clipper blades and stocks replacements for worn items. Phone 660-1359.
This week’s tidbits
“Maybe it’s part of midlife crisis. This week I bought a pickup. I always wanted one so I got a small, used 4X4 with all the toys. I narrowed what I wanted to two brands/models through pluses and minuses from Consumer Reports, Internet reviews and trying them out. I used the newspaper ads and narrowed it to three local dealers. All were very helpful and pleasant. With minimal hassle, we agreed on a compromised price and were both happy. I really like it, and it gets up our long, steep, curvy, icy driveway.
Oh, I can’t tell you here what I bought. The dealers I didn’t buy it from might threaten to pull their ads. Besides, I thought my experiences with all of them were positive. Ah, my crisis (of not getting to our house, of course) is eased.
“Back to North Idaho College. Perhaps small items bought in their bookstore are NICnacs. Get it? NIC …
“It’s been 10 days since the big snow and many sidewalks still are impassable. I see children forced to walk to school in the streets, especially along Lincoln Way and Best Avenue in Coeur d’Alene. The same with customers along Fourth Street and Government Way. It makes one wonder who’s responsible if someone gets hit. Probably the property owner. Too bad no action will be taken until someone’s hurt.