Downtown Matters
THESE ARE LITTLE HIDDEN GEMS RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO MY FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT, CASA ROMO. These are all located at the store front entry and down a side hallway on 124 West Main Street Ardmore, Oklahoma:
MASSAGES BY HEATHER
If you've never had a massage—or if you've been thinking about making massage part of your regular self-care, I cannot recommend my friend Heather Kelty enough.
I've been seeing Heather for four or five years now, and what I appreciate most is that she doesn't treat every person the same. She takes the time to understand what you need, explains your options, makes you comfortable and approaches her work with genuine care.
When I first went to Heather, I had never had a massage before. She was patient and thorough and made sure I understood what to expect. Since then, I've referred several people to her, and they've all had great experiences.
In general, I don't think a massage should be thought of as a luxury. For many of us, it's therapy. Our bodies carry stress, tension and the weight of everyday life. Sometimes we need to intentionally give our bodies an opportunity to relax and reset.
Heather has a special touch and she brings professionalism, compassion and a whole lot of TLC to her work.
If you've been thinking about trying massage, this might be your sign.
CALL 580.768.5623 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
MARIPOSA LASH BAR
And then there's a lash artist, Mary Beth Buck, also located at 124 W. Main Street.
Let's be honest: sometimes a little something that makes you feel pretty can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself.
Beautiful lashes can accentuate your eyes, polish your look and, according to several of my friends who swear by them, give your confidence a pretty significant boost.
And I'm all for that.
We spend so much of our time taking care of everyone else that there's nothing wrong with doing something simply because it makes you feel good. Whether you're getting ready for a special occasion or just want to feel a little more put together on an ordinary Tuesday, sometimes that little bit of extra attention to yourself is exactly what you need.
If lashes are your thing, or you've been curious about them, Mary Beth Buck is another downtown business to put on your radar.
CALL 580.504.8726 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
STOP N CHOP BARBERSHOP
I hear it all the time in Ardmore: “We don’t have a barber shop.”
Well, here's one you may not know about.
The Chop Shop is located at 124 W. Main Street and offers something particularly special: its owner is a certified sensory-safe barber and has made creating a comfortable environment for people with sensory sensitivities part of her mission.
For children and adults who find noise, touch or other stimulation overwhelming, something as ordinary as getting a haircut can become a pretty big ordeal. The Chop Shop understands that and has intentionally created a space where those clients can feel safe and cared for.
That's the kind of small business story I love!
It's not just about cutting hair. It's about recognizing that people have different needs and creating a place where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves.
Appointments are required, and there's another pretty cool part: The Chop Shop is Southern Oklahoma's first and only barber shop on wheels, so the service can come to you, too.
TEXT MIRANDA CLINE 817.500.3901
MAR-LANE COLLECTIONS
If you're looking for a gift that's a little more meaningful, don't overlook Marlene Collections Boutique & Christian Bookstore.
It's a sweet little boutique offering gifts, Christian books and customizable print collections designed to encourage, inspire and motivate. I especially love the idea of having a place like this downtown where you can find a thoughtful gift for a new Christian, a friend who needs a little encouragement, or someone celebrating a special milestone.
Sometimes the best gifts aren't the expensive ones. They're the ones that say, “I thought about you.”
Marlene Collections is one of those little downtown stops that's worth wandering into and seeing what you find.
