Revitalizing Main Street: The Salon Hub Model

In the heart of Henry, Illinois, a small rural Illinois River town, a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit has emerged. A beauty salon has become a thriving small business hub that is revitalizing its downtown and fostering a collaborative business environment.

A Vision for Community Growth

Henry native, Amy Moeller opened The 505 On Edward as a salon and boutique in 2023 after a few years of working as a stylist in other salons in Henry and Peoria, IL, 40 miles away. She saw it as a way to live and work in her hometown while offering services and products to other residents that they might have to leave town to get.

Soon after opening, Amy saw the community’s need for other services but also knew that businesses offering those services might not be viable in town full-time. She envisioned a space where small businesses could flourish without the burden of maintaining a full storefront.?

Amy saw an opportunity to support her community and local entrepreneurs by sharing resources and space.?

A Hub for Microbusinesses

The 505 On Edward quickly became home to a variety of microbusinesses. Alongside her own salon services and boutique, the space now hosts:

A Nail Technician: Available one or two days a week, the nail tech enjoys the flexibility of a shared space without the financial strain of a full-time storefront.

Five Additional Stylists: Each stylist operates independently, benefiting from the salon’s established clientele and collaborative environment.

A Chiropractor: Providing services part-time, the chiropractor can maintain a presence in the community without the overhead of a full practice.

A Newly Remodeled Room: This flexible area stands ready as an incubator for budding entrepreneurs or a perfect spot for someone to bring in their services part-time.

Local Merchandise: The boutique carries products from other local microbusinesses.

A Sustainable Model for Small Towns

Amy Moeller’s innovative approach addresses a common dilemma in small towns: how to support niche businesses that cannot sustain full-time operations on their own. By offering a shared space, Amy’s salon allows these microbusinesses to thrive collectively, benefiting from reduced costs and a steady flow of customers.

This model serves as an inspiration for other small towns facing similar challenges. It demonstrates that with creativity and community spirit, empty downtown storefronts can be revitalized into bustling hubs of commerce and social activity.

Benefits of the Salon Hub Model

1. Economic Efficiency: Shared spaces reduce overhead costs for small businesses, making it feasible for them to operate part-time.

2. Increased Foot Traffic: A variety of services in one location draws more customers, benefiting all businesses involved.

3. Community Engagement: Local residents and visitors alike enjoy a diverse range of services in a single, convenient location.

4. Support for Startups: Entrepreneurs can test and grow their businesses in a supportive environment, minimizing risk.

5. Revitalization of Main Street: The salon hub breathes new life into the downtown area, fostering economic development and community pride.

As small towns across the country seek to fill empty storefronts and support local entrepreneurs, The 505 On Edward offers a blueprint for sustainable growth and community revitalization.