Bailey brings home vibe to her business

MILAN — She's lived, worked and built bonds in the local area throughout her entire life. Now Stephanie Bailey, a longtime hairstylist, aims to further deepen those strong community roots with the biggest venture of her life. Bailey recently debuted Home Town Roots Salon in Milan Village Square. Located at 52 E. Front St., it's located between Village Drive Thru and The Wonder Bar in Milan. The building previously housed Little Village Hair Shop. Owned by Lucy Taylor, she and Bailey previously worked together more than 10 years ago, remaining good friends ever since then. Taylor "offered this space to me. It was not something we planned or had in the works. This was just by chance," said Bailey, who's cut hair in other salons across Erie and Huron counties. Taylor recently bought a bigger salon, Village Hair Shop, in Monroeville, freeing up this space for someone else, which ended up becoming Bailey. "She told me to make the jump and go for being a salon owner," Bailey said. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have taken this leap and just stayed in my comfort zone. She helped me every step of the way." So how's everything going for Bailey since she opened Home Town Roots about a month ago? "It's been great," said Bailey, a 2012 Western Reserve High School graduate who resides in nearby Berlin Heights with her husband, Dallas, and their two children: Parker, 8, and Daphne, 5. "I love being on the square. I love this community. Everyone has been very welcoming. They check in on how we're doing here. And I'm liking the hustle and bustle of people coming and going with locals who stop in," Bailey said. Bailey appreciates how — whether a car show, market event, community festival or a get-together with friends — "There's always something going on in the square." "Sometimes people walk out with foil still in their hair because they want to check out the town," Bailey said with a big smile on her face. "Everyone who comes in here greatly appreciates the views." Bailey offers many hair-related services for both men and women. This would include cuts, colors, fashion colors, perms and waxing. No matter the client or service, Bailey wanted to make sure anyone and everyone entering Home Town Roots feels at home, making her promise abundantly clear in her salon's name: Home Town Roots. "I wanted to have a very hometown feel in here," Bailey said. "When you come here, you will not only feel satisfied with the services, but I want everyone to feel like you are at home. I really like that make-yourself-at-home vibe." People can learn more and book appointments with Bailey by visiting hometownrootssalon.glossgenius.com. "I'm just excited to be here," Bailey said. "Whether it's your first or 100th time here, I want everyone to feel very welcome."