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Deborah Nash came to the United States from Ireland with a vision in mind and has successfully achieved that with the opening of her business called The Urban Lounge.

After opening its doors on Nov. 1, 2021, The Urban Lounge held a grand opening during a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 18.

“I am grateful to be a small town business owner because things haven’t always been easy. In 2007, my son and I left all our friends and family behind in Ireland to move to the United States. I’m a single mother to two amazing children: my son, Kevin Parreira, and daughter, Skye Ramer. Having no help or family to rely on is very difficult. I have worked extremely hard to get where I am today but always knew one day, I would have my own place. I wanted to bring a trendy, upscale salon to the area,” Nash said.

She chose Andalusia as her business because she lives here and has worked here for several years in the beauty industry. Her career began over 20 years ago in Ireland.

“I began as an esthetician, nail tech, and massage therapist. After working a while in a busy salon, I went on to makeup artistry school and added freelance makeup and special event makeup to my resume. After moving to America in 2007, I went on and got my instructor’s license teaching nails and esthetics at LBWCC. At the same time, I was also working at Oasis Spa and Salon, where I built a huge clientele. With my eldest child Kevin at Auburn University and my youngest Skye in sixth grade, I knew it was time for a change. I followed my heart, and that’s how The Urban Lounge was born.”

Nash chose the name of her business from the setting and overall vibe she gives her customers. “I wanted the salon to have a laid-back atmosphere, so I knew I would have the word ‘lounge’ in its name. With my location being downtown, I came up with ‘urban’ as its characteristic of town or city. When you put them together, it becomes The Urban Lounge.”

The Urban Lounge is a full-service salon with a big city feel. “We have a calm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere. We offer hair, hair extensions, all kinds of nail services, waxing, spray tans, and lash extensions. In the future, we hope to add facials to our menu,” she said.

Nash added that the journey toward running her own business has been delightful.

“I have really enjoyed the whole design process. I love fun colors and have lots of ideas. Seeing how proud my children are of my accomplishment has definitely made it all worth it.”

The Urban Lounge is located at 203 South Three Notch Street in Andalusia. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with appointments also available after hours. For more information call 334-222-0858.

“We have had such an overwhelming response. I would just like to say thank you, and I am extremely grateful for the support,” Nash said.