Jim Fair
Christina Welch, right, opens Stella Louise Boutique and Cosmetics Saturday at 217 W. Wade Hampton Blvd. Georgeanne Craft, left, will open Twist, a hair salon, on Feb. 1 next door. Jordan Craft is helping during the move.
Contestants in the Miss Wade Hampton / Taylors pageant, scheduled Saturday night at the J. Harley Bonds Career Center, will be visiting Welch as she prepares their hair and makeup hours before the competition.
Welch is a fixture at beauty pageants as choreographer, hair stylist, makeup artist and judge. She has competed in pageants and as a result created her own makeup line, Stella Louise Cosmetics, named for her grandmother, who died a few years ago. “She was always a huge inspiration to me when it came to beauty and fashion,” Welch said.
Welch, who is moving her business from Columbus, N.C., said the opportunity to open next door to friend Georgeanne Craft’s salon – Twist – was everything they both were exploring. Welch’s boutique is at 217 West Wade Hampton Blvd.
Twist – A modern salon with a Southern Twist’ is scheduled for a Feb. 1 opening and will complement Welch’s services.
“I had the honor of being crowned Miss Greater Greer in 2004. During that year, I had the privilege of providing over 830 hours of community service to the Greater Greer area and loved every second I was able to spend with the citizens of the community. I knew at that time that I wanted to open a business in Greer,” Welch said.
“I have so many contacts in Greer, I live here and have always wanted to have my own business on Wade Hampton Boulevard,” Welch said. Craft and Welch were exploring where to locate their businesses when they spotted the adjacent suites.
The boutique will carry women’s and juniors clothing, jewelry and accessories. Services include ear piercing and spray tanning. The décor in the bright and welcoming studio will be contemporary. “I want to keep it personable and have the customers feel comfortable and welcome,” Welch said.
Welch will also provide personal makeup consultations. “I will go through the lessons with the customer and give them personalized instruction when they leave here.”
Welch proudly claims to be a product of the City of Greer’s Harvest Market it has sponsored the past two years along the promenade. She was able to promote her cosmetic line and chat with customers.
“I will keep my costs reasonable. I want everybody to feel glamorous and good about themselves,” Welch said.