Courtney Harden and Missy Powers, the new owners of Texture Salon & Spa

As Adel continues to grow so does its entrepreneurial spirit, which is the backbone of the community.

This month we spoke with Courtney Harden and Missy Powers, the new owners of Texture Salon & Spa - a high-class, full service salon brimming with charm, sophistication, and hospitality at an affordable price.

For Courtney and Missy, it started by chance.

A hairstylist for the past 6 years, Courtney had been working out of her home since the birth of her first child in 2008.  

Courtney was ready to find a part-time chair at a local salon, now that her three children were older. She called up Hair Affair owner Adella Nelson after driving past the salon on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, a chair wasn't available... but Adella had another idea. She explained that she was looking for someone to buy the salon. It was an idea Courtney found intriguing, if not crazy and completely out of left field.

The next day, Courtney met Missy Powers, a college friend and client, at the YMCA to play racquetball, one of their favorite past times. During their warm-up, Courtney told Missy about her phone call with Adella. Missy encouraged Courtney; knowing her talents as a thoughtful, considerate stylist, Missy thought it was a great idea. Courtney went home to think about it.

The next day, as luck would have it, Missy was scheduled for highlights at Courtney's house. This time, it was Missy who proposed a wild idea: what if the two of them co-owned the salon?

At first Courtney was shocked, she wouldn't have thought Missy would be interested in hair as a career. But with Missy's degrees from Iowa State and UNI, Courtney knew how intelligent and thorough Missy could be.  

It all seemed to click into place. Courtney had the style and talent to provide for her clientele, but she feared certain aspects of the business- like taxes and payroll. Missy was looking for a flexible office position as she had recently learned she was pregnant, and owning her own business made sense.

"I knew I wanted to stay home and raise my kids but something facing plenty of women in the work force right now is overcoming a gap in their resume. With [owning our own business] I keep the flexibility. Not only working from home sometimes, but also developing a new skill set."  

- Missy

The dynamic duo took ownership of Texture April 1, 2014. To give it their personal touch, they created a wall treatment to redefine the reception area. Made from pallet boards, the wood is stained in different tones and hung in a staggered pattern. The modern design greets clients and sets the stage for a high-class experience.

Courtney and her fellow stylists take their time when creating precision haircuts and multi-tonal color treatments, as does Massage Therapist Kristen Wicks when administering massage services.  

"This isn't a 'chop-shop'; its not about how many people we can take in a day. At Texture, our philosophy is about making sure that our clients are happy. For me, I would rather take my time and make sure my clients get exactly what they want...and give them a good price. I don't care how long that takes- style takes time."- Courtney

Texture's stylists pay full-time or part-time rent for a chair and set their own prices. This grants stylists the same flexibilities as the owners. Prices are fairly similar stylist to stylist, but may vary based on experience and service requested.

From L to R: Kristin Wicks (massage therapist), Rebecca Stiles (hairstylist), Adella Nelson (former owner and stylist), Courtney Harden (new owner and stylist), Mary Minturn (barber), and Missy Powers (new owner).

It has been a whirlwind of adventures the past 5 months. Courtney and Missy had the privilege of selecting their own in-store product lines and took the challenge seriously, choosing to sell only the Pureology and Redken products they had tested with continually great results.  

If you're not sure what type of product you need, ask Courtney to write you a personal subscription! The pair continues to expand on their services and have recently been licensed as a tattoo parlor to offer permanent makeup applications.

Texture is actively seeking new stylists and clientele, as well as feedback from the community, especially ideas for new services to supply. This fall, teens will be able to show school pride with hair chalk in every color, a perfect, temporary solution for game day.

Helpful Tips

* Communication is key. Whether its a dramatic change or your first time at that particular salon, its important to develop a common language. ("Shatter technique" may mean something very different to you both.) Take your time discussing what you like and don't like about your current style. Explain your daily routine, identify areas you struggle with, and if you've tried techniques in the past, share them!

* Be knowledgeable and eager to learn. The more you know about your hair's natural composition and facial structure, the better you can determine what may or may not work for you as you look for inspiration.

* Bring in a printed photo from the web or magazine. iPads and camera phones are great to help you find images of your favorite celebrity haircuts, but they don't do any good in your purse. Stylists appreciate a reference they can look at throughout the haircut. If you have a photo of yourself that you enjoy, bring it in! Images and examples go a long way towards improving the communication between customer and stylists.

The team believes that everyone can find his or her personal style at Texture. "Mary Minturn, our seasoned barber, does great men's cuts; I love to color and I love to do teen styles; Adella does lots of wet sets and perms; Becca Stiles likes to do cuts and colors, too. We have a stylist for every age and every attitude." - Missy & Courtney

A high-end salon, Texture stylists continue to keep up on the latest trends and techniques and are encouraged to pursue continuing education. Courtney spends her spare time researching books and videos to prepare for whatever her clients may ask. Missy, in turn continues to enjoy learning the ins and outs of small business administration and enjoys the salon atmosphere with its bustle of activity.

Missy and Courtney are excited to become part of the Adel community and encourage those with style, young and old alike, to try the new salon with the big heart for your next great look.

Texture Salon & Spa is open Monday- Saturday, 8 a.m - 7 p.m. Please call (515) 993-4992 to schedule an appointment. Some services are available by appointment only.

Texture Salon & Spa
608 Greene Street

Adel, IA 50003

Phone: (515) 993-4992

Website: http://Facebook.com/texturesalonadel  

Join organizer Brenna Young of Park Place Catering and fellow local sponsors at Riverside Park for a fun, family friendly day to help raise money for Iowa soldiers.

Freedom Fest will include a free-will donation lunch from 11 am to 2 pm. Meanwhile, a carnival will be set up throughout the park from 11 a.m to
5 pm with local sponsors running
the booths.

You'll find face painting, duck races, strolling princesses, wrestling demonstration and training from a local coach and former Marine.  

Enjoy a dunk tank, free-will donation chair massages, obstacle course, Army rock climbing wall, and an Adel Legion raffle for a free night at Hotel Pattee! More games and activities are being added daily.

Game tickets will be affordable so that everyone can enjoy all the fun and games of the carnival and support the cause at the same time.

Saturday night will be the Freedom Dance at Park Place starting at 7:30 pm featuring a DJ with more than 10,000 songs to choose from.  

Adult beverages will be sold at the dance, but the atmosphere will be kid-friendly and people of all ages are welcome.

Current sponsors include Brick Street Motors, Des Moines Radio Group, Fusion, G.Rafics Inc., Hotel Pattee, Monica Hoover- Shelter Insurance, Nobbies, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Stew Hanson Dodge, Terri Snyder Photography, Wells Fargo Bank, and The Zone of Comfort.

None of the sponsors or vendors was charged to participate in Freedom Fest and all funds raised will be split between the Adel Legion and Camp Dodge.

Camp Dodge donations will then use the funds to provide armed forces families and wounded soldiers with the support they need. Funds go to programs such as day trips and social events for kids while their parents are on leave, job placements and counseling for wounded soldiers, and financial support to help make ends meet.

Additional sponsors, volunteers and donations are always welcome.  

To find out how you can help, please contact Brenna Young through email brenna@parkplacecatering.biz, or call (515) 371-1993.

Freedom Fest organizers and sponsors are proud that the funds will stay in Iowa and reach each branch of the armed forces. Help us raise money and show your support for our troops at the first annual Freedom Fest in Adel!

Park Place Catering
1015 Riverside Drive
Adel, Iowa 50003
Contact: Brenna Young
Phone: (515) 371-1993
Website: www.parkplacecatering.biz
Email :brenna@parkplacecatering.biz

Adel's festival season is underway with the Free Friday Entertainment Series.  

Every fourth Friday from April to August, Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, along with other local sponsors, will host FREE community stage events.  

These events will be BYOB...that's Bring Your Own Basket of snacks, food, regular or adult beverages.  

No food or drinks will be sold but you are encouraged to pick up dinner from a local restaurant before the show begins.    

Make sure to bring your friends and family to the Adel Stage located at the corner of 10th and Main, and don't forget your lawn chairs!

The June Free Friday Entertainment Series event has been rescheduled for Friday, August 1st.  

Please join us at the Adel Community Stage from 7:00-10:00 pm for a night of the blues with Matt Woods and Rob Lumbard. This event is co-sponsored by Horizon Printing Co.

Make sure to join the Adel Chamber on August 22nd for the August Free Friday event. Get Off My Lawn, a classic rock band, will be performing at the Adel Community Stage from 7:00-10:00 pm.  

This is a family-friendly event co-sponsored by Peoples Trust & Savings Bank. We hope to see you there!

ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, Steve Johnson

Farmland Leasing Meeting

The Iowa State Extension and Outreach of Dallas County annual Farmland Leasing meeting will be on August 4 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the ADM High School commons area located on 801 Nile Kinnick Dr. South in Adel.

ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, Steve Johnson, would like to invite landowners, tenants and other agri-business professionals with issues related to farmland ownership, management and leasing agreements  

to attend.

Each workshop attendee will receive a one hundred page farmland leasing book. Resources on farmland surveys will also be provided.

Johnson will cover a variety of topics during this three hour seminar including lease types, lease termination, impacts of yields, calculating a fair cash rent and available internet resources.

The cost to attend is $20 per person or $30 per couple and covers registration plus materials. Sign up at the Dallas County Extension located on the Dallas County Fairgrounds. For questions or additional information, call the office at (515) 993-4281.  

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Stepping Up to 4-H

As the new school year begins this fall, some Clover Kids will be entering into the 4th grade, which means they will step up into the Dallas County 4-H program.  

To make this an easy transition, parents and their youth are invited to an informational meeting on Thursday, August 7th from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Dallas County office.  

County Youth Coordinator, Aleta Cochran, will explain to attendees the differences between Clover Kids and 4-H, including club information, events, opportunities and the "main" things to know. Those who are interested in attending should RSVP by Tuesday, August 5 by calling the extension office at (515) 993-4281.

"Making Do"

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Food and Nutrition Program Specialist, Mary Krisco, will be presenting, "Making Do": Remembering Victory Gardens and the Rations Recipes of World War II on Sunday, August 10th from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Forest Park Museum in Perry.  

Be brought back in time to the 1940s when our mothers and fathers or grandmas and grandpas coped with food shortages due to the war.  

Attendees will be amazed at the ingenious ways homemakers made meals without the use of meat and will also be able to take home vintage recipes and some old-time inspiration to save more money on food.

AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport

• Registration: 10:00 a.m. Raccoon Valley Community House in Adel
• Ride Out: 12:00 p.m.
• Riders Arrive Back at Home Base between: 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
• Dinner and Prizes: 4:30-6:00 p.m.

The Coon River Army Challenge comes to the Dallas County Fairgrounds

Get ready for mud, music, and fun at the 2014 Coon River Army Challenge!

Join drill sergeants and active duty Army soldiers for a wild adventure mud run and obstacle course Saturday, August 30th encompassing the entire Dallas County Fairgrounds in Adel, Iowa.

Saturday morning active duty army soldiers will build the 3+ mile mud run and obstacle course, setting the stage for Drill sergeants to recreate a day in the life of Basic Training. The Race starts at 9:00 a.m. 

All ages and all fitness levels are welcome! Individuals and teams of 4 or more are encouraged to participate, both for competitive/ timed awards as well as fun-run awards for the most spirit, craziest costumes, largest team, and more.  

All proceeds from this year's run will be donated to Hope For the Warriors- a charitable organization that assists post 9/11 veterans and their families.

Sponsors for the event currently include Adel's Anytime Fitness as well as many fitness facilities and businesses throughout central Iowa. Want to sponsor the event? Contact marketing director Jessie Perry at (515) 528- 4212.

See if you have what it takes; join the Coon River Army Challenge today!

Previous Army Challenge tours have had over 3,400 runners so sign up soon. Register now at endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=8922352.

Registration is $40 and includes race entry, event shirt, finishers medal & race packet. 

The Adel event is organized by Bret Perry-Active Duty Army solider stationed in Des Moines and Jessie Perry-Marketing Director for the Army Challenge.  

Both currently reside in Adel and are ADM Alumni. They feel Adel is a natural community for the third tour of the CR Challenge and appreciate the support  

that has already been shown. 

Jessie Perry
The Coon River Army Challenge
601 N 12th Street

Adel, IA 50003
Phone: (515) 528-4212
Email: thearmychallenge@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/crarmychallenge 

Information about the Adel Public Library and all of our clubs, events, and programs is available on our website at www.adelpl.org,

on our Facebook, Pintrest,  

or on Twitter.