Look lovely at Lena Beauty Lounge

SANDUSKY — By relocating her longtime business, Bridget Burel believes she made the right decision to make people feel as beautiful as ever. Burel recently debuted Lena Beauty Lounge at 232 Jackson St., in Sandusky. It's across from J Bistro in a space once home to Erik's Fine Clothing & Art. From here to there Staying in downtown, Burel just moved a block or so, previously working out of a storefront — under the name Lena Brows & Beauty Bar — on West Water Street. "I love being downtown," Burel said. "And my new space truly fell in my lap. Looking through these large windows and being able to see the water, it's just something I knew I had to do." Burel cherished her previous storefront where she operated out of for several years. She heaped heavy praise on her former landlords, Rick and Meghan Hogrefe, noting, "They deserve their flowers." "I really appreciate how good they have been to me," Burel said. "Moving was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. But to keep growing my business, I needed to." The Jackson Street space nearly triples Burel's prior location and represents a massive level up from her origins: working out of her former Sandusky home. "I can thrive here," Burel said. "I have more room to do wedding packages and expand my services: spray tans, nails, wellness events on Saturdays, self-care Sundays and so much more." Look good, feel good While she's adding many new services — which also consist of luxury manicures and pedicures; hard and soft gels for nails; among others — Burel's also bringing over her vast slate of offerings she's perfected these past two decades in this industry. Among them: brows, Brazilian waxing, brow tattooing, facials, makeup and more. "I just love how creative and customizable you can be with beauty," Burel said. "You can look one way today and another way tomorrow. I'm truly just an artist." Burel's affection for beauty began as a child. She cites her aunt, Amy Francis, and mother, Mary Sanders, as her biggest inspirations. In fact, she called Francis the "perm rod sets queen." Sanders continues to assemble what she's calling a dream team to service clients. So far, she's working alongside Hillary New, who performs facials; Kylie Crow, who oversees spray tans; and Kiara Hudgies, the receptionist. Burel also expressed appreciation for her uncle, American Sanders, who created many of the tables from his woodworking background. "When you come here, no matter who you are with, you will get realness and honesty," said Burel, who jokingly called herself an "unlicensed, nonpaid counselor." She explained: "I am a professional, but I'm also personable. I give you an experience. In here, you can let your hair down and know you are in a safe space where I won't share your personal, intimate moments with anyone. It's a place where you can release and then, after we're done, go back out into the world and conquer it." Burel welcomes people to make an appointment with her in the lounge's new space. People need an appointment to recieve services. The business operates from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. It'll also open up on select days to cater for other events. People can visit lenabrows.com for more information. "If you come here, you are going to feel good and have a good time. You will laugh for sure," Burel said. "But, most importantly, you will look good. And when you look good, you will feel good." What's in a name? Burel incorporated and carried over the name Lena Sanders in her business: from Lena Brows & Beauty Bar to Lena Beauty Lounge. So who's Lena? "Lena is my grandmother, and I wanted to give something back to her," Burel said. "She took pride in her name and in me. I had to make her name even greater."