Local salon celebrates 21 years in business

KOUNTZE — The local salon and boutique, Steel Magnolias Mercantile celebrated 21-years of being in business, Aug. 21. The owner, Becky Tinsley first opened the salon in 2005, having always wanted to do hair since she was a child, she said. “But along with hair, we have to have something secondary to keep the doors open, and I’ve always loved fashion and antiques,” she said. Tinsley added that throughout the holiday season, she’ll also have special sales at the boutique and allow local vendors to come out and sell their wares as well. “They’ll set up out in the parking lot and do their thing; we always try to support our small town businesses.” Over the years of running her own business, Tinsely said one of the best aspects of her job is being able to give back to the community. “I also really like being my own boss and not having to work underneath anybody else, because I’ve always been able to do my own thing. I march to the beat of my own drum.” She also emphasized her love for the small town communities, as she’s always grown up in that environment, and by working in a small town, she gets to be the local spot for a service not always offered everywhere. “Not everybody can get out and get to Beaumont or to the other bigger cities in the area. You just have to be there and be a part of that small town community in the business field,” she said. “I’m always grateful for the community supporting me not just in Hardin County, but even the surrounding counties and I’m always very appreciative of that. I always try to keep them in mind whenever I’m ordering or getting things for the shop. I work for the people, too.” Steel Magnolias Mercantile is located at 1415 S Pine St. in Kountze. For more information, visit Steel Magnolias Mercantile on Facebook.