Bombshell Salon and Spa owner Shannon Cross Hicks hopes to bring a lavish experience to the people living in her hometown with her new business.

Having grown up in Elizabethton, Hicks yearned to return home after 20 years in Knoxville.

“Since moving there, I have furthered my education,” she said. “I love coming home, but I’m glad I moved away because I am able to bring what I’ve learned back home.”

Hicks has had the privilege of working with one of the top 10 hairdressers in the world — Frederic Fekkai.

“I studied under him in Chicago for a couple of weeks,” she said. “We learned all about precision haircutting.”

She considers opening her own hometown salon to be a wonderful homecoming present to herself.

“I grew up here and had a five-year business before I left,” she said. “I did everybody’s hair in town.”

Hicks’ overall mission is to boost confidence in all of her clients.

She’s done just that for 19-year-old Whitney Guinn, who is a new client.

“My mom introduced me to her,” Guinn said. “I’ve had some major issues with my hair. It’s not normal.”

Hicks had been the only person who can tame Guinn’s unruly hair.

“I will probably never go to anyone else,” Guinn said. “She’s the only person who can tame it.”

Guinn enjoys coming to the salon because it is in a peaceful location and the staff are friendly.

“It’s very relaxing here,” she said. “I come like once a week to let her straighten it.”

It wasn’t hard for Guinn to describe the feeling she gets when she walks out the door.

“They way she does my hair makes me feel so pretty,” Guinn said. “She helps me feel better about myself.”

When customers enter the salon they are greeted by receptionist Brenda Williams.

Crystal Gates, nail technician, has worked for Hicks since the salon opened three weeks ago.

“It’s such a comfortable atmosphere here,” Gates said. “There’s no drama. I’m relaxed the moment I come in the door.”

Gates has practiced her craft for a total of four years.

“I love my job,” she said. “I get to meet new people all the time. I love fulfilling their needs and I’ve made so many friends.”

Gates looks forward to making even more friends when Hicks hires on more staff.

Hicks recently hired another hairdresser named Tanji Ramvoop and hopes to bring on another one. Hicks also hopes to hire another nail technician soon.

Services include, but are not limited to, pedicures, manicures, keratin treatments, hair cuts and coloring.

Hicks also has plans to expand within the next couple of years. She is also serious about bringing on a massage therapist and an aesthetician within the next six months.

Gates believes the business will only continue to grow. Hicks sees how much her hometown has grown since she’s been gone and only hopes her salon will add to the mix.

“Once people find out where we are, it’s going to get big,” Gates said. “If people want great service, this is where to find it.”