Thomson gives new look to downtown Orchard salon

Getting a haircut is like turning the Page of a well-worn book, where each snip of the scissors marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in the story of your life.

If Larissa Thomson had followed one snip from a haircut, her chapter would have included nursing.

"I always wanted to be a nurse," she said.

She received a certified nursing assistant license and worked at an area care center during her senior year. Then, COVID-19 hit and she found herself balancing homework with long work shifts. While the work was rewarding, she was unsure if nursing was her true calling.

Throughout high school, she would fix her friends' hair.

"I was always interested in cosmetology ... I just never thought of it turning into a job," she said.

The school's guidance counselor assisted with career exploration, which two years later, culminated in the next chapter in Thomson's life.

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, she opened Midtown Salon, located at 135 East 2nd Street, in Orchard. The red brick building formerly housed The Beauty Spot, operated by Alta Gibbs.

Thomson isn't surprised her passion for styling hair led to this moment. She used to play with her sisters' hair when they were growing up.

"I was always having fun with that. I treated them like dolls," she said.

"And her brothers, too," interjected Thomson's mom, Gina.

Thomson, a 2021 Summerland Public School graduate, received training at Joseph's College of Beauty, in Norfolk. Once finished, Thomson spent seven months working at an O'Neill salon.

In the back of her mind, though, Thomson knew she wanted a business she could call her own.

"Then this opportunity came up," she said.

For the past three months, Thomson and her family have spent "countless hours" remodeling the salon. One wall was removed to create a large front room, where Thomson will cut and style hair and offer manicures and pedicures.

The family painted, replaced other wall coverings, installed new plumbing and added wood laminate flooring, giving the salon a new makeover.

The trim on the front of the business received an updated paint job, adding a bright pop of teal.

Midtown Salon will offer hair care services for men and women, including perms, color, balayage and other highlights.

Thomson will also offer manicure and pedicure services, including regular or shellac options.

"It's turning out to be a big hit. It's most of my appointments I have scheduled for the first week," she said.

Waxing options will also be available.

Another service Thomson will offer is formal hair and makeup. She will be able to offer airbrush makeup sessions.

"That's a new service I'm offering," she said.

In the future, Thomson would like to add other services, giving customers more options for beauty care. She'll soon add walk-in Wednesday, when no appointment will be needed for a haircut.

Midtown Salon will be open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or by appointment. She noted that weekend hours may adjust, depending on appointments scheduled.

"I'm glad to be here in Orchard, in a place that feels like home," Thomson said.