BELLA VISTA — A new barber took over the Forest Hill Barbershop on Sept. 1.

Barber Lori Qualls bought the shop from Saundra Murray, who retired after cutting hair for 11 years in Bella Vista.

Murray said she was going to join the Bella Vista Fly Tyers and play more golf.

Qualls said the shop will still provide typical barber services: razor, clipper and scissor cuts.

But the art gallery Murray had in the shop is no longer there.

With the loss of the gallery, Qualls is thinking about changing the look of the place.

"I have a couple of friends who are interior decorators who are going to help me develop a theme," she said.

One idea she is considering is adding photos, taken by her customers, to one wall that reflects the best of Bella Vista, whether its sports, hobbies or work. One of her customers is a meteorologist and said he would donate some of his best weather photos.

Qualls tries to suit her customers' needs in everything she does.

One of the ways she accomplishes that is through an appointment system. One customer, who has been coming to the barbershop for about 10 years, said he likes that option.

"I use appointments so I don't have to wait." Bella Vistan Dave Clark said.

Originally, Qualls went to barber school so she could work and help pay her way through college. She graduated from East Central University in Ada, Okla., with a degree in history. She thought she wanted to teach and coach softball.

Instead, she discovered her barbering was what she really wanted.

"It was what was best for myself and my family," she said.

Qualls has worked with men's and family's hair for about 16 years, with a three-year break recently to help her husband Tracey Qualls when he began working for Primerica Financial Services.

She's glad to get back into cutting and styling hair.

"I love the people and working with men's hair styles," she said. "I also like the freedom of owning my own business."

About one and a half years ago, the family moved here from Tecumseh, Okla., when the company her husband works for assigned him to an office in Rogers.

The Qualls have four children: Bradey, 18 months; Charlie, 4; Brighton, 7; and Chloe 10.

The barbershop is located in Forest Hills Center at 1257 Forest Hills Blvd., about 1 mile east of the Highlands Crossing corner.

The hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

For September, Qualls is offering haircuts for $11 instead of the usual $12. For an appointment or more information, call 855-9600 or her cell phone at 586-0240.

Annual church holiday bazaar Oct. 3

The First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista will hold its 32nd Annual Holiday Bazaar at the church, 20 Boyce Dr., beginning with rolls and coffee served at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. The event will run through 2 p.m.

Lunch will be served starting at 10:30a.m.

The bazaar will offer Thanksgiving and Christmas items, plants and accessories, homemade clothing and much more.

There will be a silent auction as well.

Proceeds from the event benefit local charities.

Business, Pages 8 on 09/16/2009

Comments

To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers.

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.