Lena Brows takes shape in downtown Sandusky

SANDUSKY — A few years ago, when Bridget Sanders told some friends she wanted to open a new business in downtown Sandusky, they raised their eyebrows, questioning her decision.But now no one is furrowing their brows at her savvy decision.Sanders owns Lena Brows & Beauty Bar on West Water Street, sandwiched between Kharma Salon & Beauty and H.D. Tony's.In operation for about three years now, Sanders began Sandusky's first brow and beauty bar — "And I'm proud of that," she said — which offers facials, eyelash extensions along with eyebrow threading, waxing and tweezing. She also provides many hair-removal services, such as dermaplaning, sugaring and full-body waxing."Anything you need to remove hair, I can do," Sanders said.Sanders helped usher in downtown Sandusky's rejuvenation, preceding many other nearby businesses, namely Hotel Kilbourne, Paddle & Climb and The Marketplace at Cooke.Though it almost didn't happen."I had a bunch of job offers, and I was even thinking about moving to Texas," said Sanders, who used to operate her business inside her home. "But I found this place, and I got a great deal to pursue my dream and be right on the water."Sanders then expressed her appreciation for Sandusky's predominant business district and its ongoing evolution."To me, downtown has always been a hit spot. It's a place for me to come and think or grab breakfast," Sanders said. "It's good to see so many people down here and all the new businesses. I and others are embracing the change."Sanders encourages everyone, no matter man or woman, to visit Lena Brows."Everyone that comes in here is from all aspects of life," Sanders said. "Whether your privileged or not, people come in here for one common purpose: to beautify ourselves."Learning about 'Lena'Many people ask Sanders who "Lena" in "Lena Brows & Beauty Bar" is. Sanders provided some context:"Lena (Sanders) is my grandmother's name," Sanders said. "She had a big name. She was honored by the Register as a mother of the year. She always taught us to make your name great. She said, 'Your name is all that you have.' I wanted to keep her name going, so I named my business after her."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Bridget Sanders stands outside her business, Lena Brows & Beauty Bar, in downtown Sandusky on Friday, May 17, 2019. Sanders opened her shop about three years ago, making it Sandusky's first brow and beauty bar.