Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
A popular salon in downtown Barnwell has closed after nearly 30 years in business.
Circle Cuts served their final clients on Wednesday, May 15. The salon was owned by Sheila Folk for 29 years, but cosmetologist Deborah Jamison has been there 28 years.
“I’ve cried more tears in the last month and half than I have in years,” said Folk of the bittersweet decision to close the salon and retire.
In 1993, Folk started renting a booth at the salon, which was called Hair Plus, after previously working for the Williston Post Office for over six years. She bought the salon in 1995 when the previous owner was ready to sell it. She then renamed it.
“I really just wanted better hours because my kids were very small,” said Folk of being able to set her own hours as a business owner. It also allowed her to follow in the footsteps of her mother, who styled hair when Folk was younger.
Folk started out as the sole cosmetologist, but a conversation with Jamison would change that. Jamison came into the salon one day in 1995 and noticed how busy things were. Folk told Jamison that she had a job if she would go to cosmetology school.
“Daddy always wanted me to be a cosmetologist,” said Jamison, who enrolled in Jack’s Beauty College in North Augusta.
After graduating a year later, Jamison joined Circle Cuts in September 1996.
“She’s put up with me all these years,” joked Jamison.
The two ladies were friends long before they worked together. Their sons were good friends and remain friends today.
When asked what they will miss about the salon, both Folk and Jamison said it’s their clients who have become like family.
“I want to thank them for always treating me like family. They’ve watched my kids grow up and have kids. I’ve watched their kids grow up and have kids,” said Folk.
Just like a family, Folk and Jamison have also been there for their clients during many happy and sad occasions, including cancer battles. That’s why Circle Cuts participated for many years in the “Look Good, Feel Better” program that helps cancer patients deal with the appearance related side effects of cancer treatments.
“Both of you have made so many ladies’ days brighter with your talent and love,” said Barnwell resident Valenda Black.
Jamison said she will miss their clients. “They have been loyal to us,” she said.
The downtown area has changed a lot throughout the past three decades. Folk and Jamison remember many other former staple downtown businesses, such as Stafford’s, BC Moore’s, Pacesetter Barbershop, The Bookworm, Evelyn’s and Berley’s. Now, Circle Cuts joins that list.
Jamison said it will be different to not work since she’s been employed for nearly 54 years. She worked at Maxway and a bank before joining Circle Cuts.
However, Folk and Jamison are excited about retirement, including less stress and spending more time with their grandchildren. Folk also plans to continue doing hair for Mole Funeral Home.
Though Folk and Jamison are no longer colleagues, they will forever remain friends.
