HEUVELTON – A Heuvelton salon needs votes to expand its business.

Reflexions Salon is hoping to be one of 12, $250,000 grant winners of the Mission: Small Business program sponsored by Chase and Living Social.

Small business applicants that have received 250 votes by the end of June 30 will have their applications evaluated.

Selected applicants must outline why their business is unique and a proposed plan for utilizing the grant to grow their business and describe how the business is involved with its community.

Owners Brandi A. Simmons and Betsy I. Willard said they will use the grant to expand the business and hire a massage therapist and nail technician.

Located on 64 Rensselaer Street, Reflexions offers haircuts, hair styling, perms, colors, highlights, waxes, foils and updos. The business has a clientele of over 300.

“We’ve outgrown our space,” said Mrs. Simmons. “We want to accommodate more people and offer more services and stylists.”

Although the business has been open for two years, the co-owners have been cutting hair for over 18 years.

“I have really grown into this profession.” said Mrs. Simmons. “At first I didn’t know if this was what I wanted to do. Then I realized how much of an affect I can have on a person and how they feel about themselves. Now, I love what I do.”

Mrs. Willard and Mrs. Simmons said they have not decided whether the business will expand its current location or find a new location, but they will remain in Heuvelton.

“This is a great community,” said Mrs. Willard. “It’s our hometown. We don’t want to ever leave.”

Throughout the year, the salon participates in several benefits and community events in Heuvelton, from donating $2 for every haircut to help a local boy pay for surgery, to styling updos at the bridal show at Heuvelton Central School.

“We want to continue to help the community in any way we can,” said Mrs. Simmons.

Reflexions had 55 votes as of 4 p.m. Thursday. Supporters are encouraged to get involved by clicking the “Support” button at missionsmallbusiness.com and vote for Reflexions by June 30. Grant recipients will be chosen on or before September 15.

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