Type of business: Salon/boutique
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 262 W. Main St.
Contact information: 209-277-8780
Specialty: Cute, country style
History of business:
Misty Aeilts always knew that she wanted to be a cosmetologist, but she also loved the idea of operating her own boutique. She decided that combining the two ideas would be the perfect solution to her problems, and Lipstick and Grit was born.
“I didn’t want to just choose one or the other,” said Aeilts. “I thought it would be really cool for people to have a place where they can go and get their hair done, buy cute jeans or boots and have it all in one place.”
Lipstick and Grit does just that, giving customers who may be in need of a cut or color the opportunity to shop for brands such as Rock Revival jeans or Ferrini boots in one, convenient location. On one side of the shop are hair stations that were handmade by Aeilts, and the shop’s other wall contains boutique items such as jeans, boots, corset tops, tank tops, jewelry, shoes, purses and belts. In addition to fashion products, Aeilts also offers home interior products, like candles and other goods created from mason jars and chicken wire.
“We’re definitely rustic, and kind of country,” said Aeilts.
The shop also sells hair products and is a full service salon, offering haircuts, extensions, color correction, facial waxing and full body waxing. A decorating style that Aeilts described as “homey” is brought to life throughout the boutique, and in addition to the salon’s stations, much of the décor inside of the business is handmade by her as well.
“Everything in here is wood instead of plastic,” said Aeilts.
Aeilts explained that it has always been her dream to own a downtown business, and the quaint 880 square foot location has turned out to be the perfect spot. Though she does hope to eventually expand into a larger building, for now, Lipstick and Grit’s current spot has fulfilled her aspirations.
“It’s so intimate because we’re so small,” said Aeilts. “We can have fun and talk and laugh. It’s like a family atmosphere, and that was what was most important to me.”
