T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Darcee Williams, owner of Revival Salon & Spa, works with Lacie Holliday of Powhatan Point. The salon has continued to operate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Revival Salon & Spa has kept up business through the COVID-19 pandemic and Darcee Williams, owner, looks forward to meeting the area’s beauty needs into the future.

“We opened in March and two weeks later we got shut down,” she said of 2020.

The salon was able to continue despite regulations and restrictions. Williams resumed business in May 2020, but could not open to full capacity.

“It was super tough because we went for two months, nothing. When we got back, it was actually pretty busy. … We were actually able to expand during the pandemic. It’s been rough just because of the (personal protective equipment) and all the sanitation and all the regulations and guidelines we had to take care of, but now that they’ve lifted it, it makes it a little bit easier.”

Like many businesses, the salon has had staffing issues.

“We’re not struggling, but we could definitely use some talent and new people here,” she said.

“The girls that are graduating from beauty school, they’re delayed on getting their state boards done and then finding people to work for us,” she said. “I’d say we have a good crew because we have employees and booth runners here, but it’s been tough because sometimes we don’t know if we’re going to make rent.”

Williams graduated cosmetology school in 2019 and decided to go into business after running a booth in West Virginia.

“We found this building and I’d only been in the business for one year, so I kind of took that leap of faith that it might work out, and we just haven’t stopped since. I’ve had a love for hair and beauty since I was a little girl,” she said.

She recalled the early days of the pandemic.

“It just took a lot of being keen and I just had to be on my toes. I had wonderful help from my husband, who is behind the scenes,” Williams said.

Williams said her business prides itself on quality and variety.

“I try to be a one-stop shop. We offer hair, nails, massages, facials, eyelash extensions and spray tans. We’re looking to expand even more into medical services in the future,” she said. “We’re looking into botox and Juvederm (lip injections), possibly permanent make-up. We want the overall customer experience to blow you out of the water.”

“The community’s been overwhelming with love and support. It’s a brand-new place. Some people are cautious to try it. Others come and tell all their friends about it,” she said.

Revival Salon & Spa is located at 47345 National Road West. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The phone number is 740-449-2176.