The CHQ Chamber recently held a ribbon-cutting for Evolve Salon and Spa, located at 517 Pine St., Jamestown.

There are two businesses currently operating at Evolve Salon and Spa – Kiss My Lash, which does eyelashes as well as nails, and Syzygy Massage. They are advertising for a salon owner as well.

Mikayla Gabalski-Jones is the owner and operator of Kiss My Lash. She is also the co-owner of Evolve Salon and Spa, with Mary Gabalski, her grandmother.

Gabalski-Jones noted how she graduated in 2021 and also attended cosmopolitan school, later learning about lash extensions.

From left, Mackenzie Thayer with Syzygy Massage and Mikayla Gabalski-Jones with Kiss My Lash are pictured in front of Evolve Salon & Spa, located at 517 Pine St. Syzygy Massage and Kiss My Lash both operate out of Evolve Salon & Spa.

“I recently traveled to Texas for the Lash Boss Summit, which was an incredible experience. It highlighted my passion for beauty and my commitment to bringing the latest techniques and trends to my clients. I look forward to continuing my journey and traveling the world to keep learning and growing in this industry. Making people feel beautiful and helping them achieve their goals is my biggest passion,” she said.

Mackenzie Thayer is the owner of Syzygy Massage. She graduated last year with a degree in massage therapy.

She joked how her family members always used to pester her for a massage when she was younger.

“That’s when I wanted to pursue something in the massage industry,” she said.

Gabalski-Jones worked with her “Nana” Mary to find a good location where they could open a business. The Pine Street location was previously Gregory’s Hair Design, so it seemed like a good choice.

“It’s taken us a little while, but we’ve now brought Mackenzie in and we are looking for a hair stylist to rent the front room, so we’ve got space here for people who want to come on board with us,” Gabalski-Jones said.

The sale actually closed in July 2021, but that’s when the remodeling took place. Gabalski-Jones thanked her grandparents for their hard work in remodeling the building and support.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my Nana and Hoppa. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been the driving force behind my journey. They believed in me and pushed me to pursue my dreams, even when I had doubts. Their faith in me has made all the difference, and I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “This moment feels surreal, and I can’t thank everybody enough for their support. Starting this beauty business has been a dream come true, especially with my passion for doing lashes and nails. I’m excited to bring the latest beauty trends to our community and help people feel beautiful and confident. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and supported this venture and thank you to the city of Jamestown for honoring my grand opening with the ribbon cutting. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”

County Executive PJ Wendel was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and said he is excited for the new businesses.

“I know with your enthusiasm and your excitement you’re going to make this work,” he said.

City Councilman Bill Reynolds said he, too, is excited for them.

“To see young people participate in the process of capitalism, I’m so proud of them,” he said.

Mayor Kim Ecklund agreed. “On behalf of the city of Jamestown, we welcome you. I cannot say this enough, to see young entrepreneurs is incredible,” she said.

Syzygy Massage can be contacted at 716-708-0386. Kiss My Lash can be reached at 716-499-3140. Both businesses are on Facebook as well.