A cozy salon in Elmira had its grand opening earlier in the month, rebranding as the Rustic Roots Hair Studio.

Formerly known as Destiny’s Hair Loft, the operations have been taken over by Maria Bamback. Bamback worked as a stylist for five years at the previous salon before running the new location.

“I always wanted to open up my own salon space, so everything just worked out,” she explained.

“When people walk in the door, they feel at home. That’s been a big part of the structure here,” added receptionist Janice Kraemer. “We try to provide a very warm and friendly atmosphere when people come in the door so that our clients actually become like family. We see lots of regular clients come, and it’s a tight-knit even staff group. Women who work well together.”

It is a relatively small, experienced team of stylists – Sandra Radcliffe, Lisa Livingston, and Nicola Devries make up the stylists at Rustic Roots Hair Studio, along with Bamback, who notes the transition to owner has been relatively smooth. The regulars continue to come through the door, along with some new faces.

“It’s exciting; there is lots of stuff to learn. It’s been nice and busy,” said Bamback of the transition to owner. “A lot of regulars are still coming in, along with plenty of new people coming in, which is fun too.”

Along with changes such as brightening up the paint colours and having some minor renovations done, she’s been learning on the go, taking in everything from the administrative functions to brushing up on the cosmetics on offer and a new Schwarzkopf hair colour line.

Rustic Roots offers a variety of services: cutting and styling for all ages – priced accordingly – colouring including bayalage and colour correction, and additional features such as nano link hair extensions and special event hair styling are all provided to clients.

The business is located at 13 Walker St. inside the Basics Beauty & Beyond building. Adding to the homey atmosphere, the building used to be a place of residence before it was converted. The building also features spaces for just about every salon offering one could imagine, including the likes of Bauman Laser & Electrolysis for laser hair removal and Karolina’s Nail & Lash studio that provides lash extensions and other aesthetic services.

“We all kind of bounce off each other, and clients go back and forth, and that works really well,” said Bamback.

Rustic Roots marked its official opening earlier this month with an open house.  For more information, the salon has an active social media presence or email therusticrootshairstudio@gmail.com.