By Sherry Larson
What happens when you get seven fierce women with mad skills together? They get down to business(es) in downtown West Union.
James and Mason Designs, at 124 Market Street in West Union, is a premier design shop offering screen printing, embroidery, and sublimation, owned by Vicky Mason and her mom, Lora James. The business’s third designer is staff member Maddie Payne. July 15 was James and Mason’s fifth anniversary.
On August 15 they held a Grand Opening for a new adventure. Mason said they had always wanted more space in the building they now rent, so when extra rooms became available, they decided to rent the entire space and invited two other women-owned businesses to come alongside them – Nails by Lex and Afterglow Wellness Studio.
The goal for the James and Mason expansion was a retail space and then came the idea of a Design Bar where customers design products themselves – unique and one of a kind. Mason said, “We already have all this stuff, so why not just let everybody!”
The Design Bar has lots of prints available and plenty of school spirit designs. They have glitter accessories, markers, and rhinestones. Patrons can pick a shirt, other clothing item, or patch to customize however they wish. If someone needs assistance, all they need to do is ask. If your high school senior is looking for help designing their senior spirit jeans, stop by the Design Bar and see what they have to offer. Customers can also buy apparel without designing. Business hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch), and Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information, contact Vicky or Lora at (513) 608-7333.
Lexi Mason, owner of Nails by Lex and Vicky’s oldest daughter, believes in PINK, animal print, sparkles, and everything fabulous. What started as a fun hobby turned into designing glamorous nails for friends and family. Her younger sister, Jaylynn (still in college but a huge supporter of all), and best friend Mali Delacruz prompted her to get certified and start her business. Mission accomplished! Lexi creates through Gel-X and Acrylic builder. Book appointments through nailsbylex777.glossgenius.com.
Afterglow Wellness Studio owner Burlin Branscome opened her doors a couple of weeks ago. She shares her space with nail technician Chloe Compton. Afterglow w/b offers clients luxury services without having to drive to the city. Branscome offers facials, lashes, brows, hair styling/braiding, Korean head spa, and more. Compton brings experience and recommendations in Gel-X, and she has a flair for design. She looks to expand her services in the future. You can find Afterglow Wellness Studio’s booking and service information on their Facebook page under the business’s link.
Vicky gave a shout-out to everyone who attended and created at the Grand Opening on Saturday, with special thanks to her husband Josh, who helped with the day’s preparations.
Put on your creativity and stop in the Design Bar to create your one-off apparel or let Vicky and Lora work their magic for you. Visit Nails by Lex or Afterglow Wellness Studio and let the ladies pamper you – make it a day!
Three women-owned and operated businesses all in one location – “Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.