Serenity Salon has been open in downtown Elizabethton for about six months, but its owner already sees the business as one step towards furthering her community, in more ways than one.

Pam Collins first opened the salon in April of this year.

“I have worked in Elizabethton for a long time,” Collins said. “One of my favorite places was the Dressing Room.”

There, she said the owner inspired her, both as a person and as someone who helped their community.

“I am a people person,” she said. “I felt like I could do more.”

As a result, she started up the salon as a way to help people feel more confident in themselves.

She said this confidence is important because life’s challenges can get people feeling worse about themselves, while seeing themselves looking better can help alleviate that.

This was only the first step towards her long-term aspirations, however.

“My goal was to start with the hair,” she said. “I would like to have clothing, as well.”

She likened this goal to the Dress for Success program in schools, which allows students to obtain the resources to obtain more formal attire, which can do wonders when searching for a job after school, particularly among lower-income students.

“To help people battered and abused, you have to love everybody,” she said.

Part of this passion for her community comes from her life in Roan Mountain as the oldest child.

“I just love Carter County,” Collins said. “Downtown is beautiful. So many people just do not see the beauty.”

Serenity Salon is nestled into the corner of Elk Avenue and Sycamore Street at 109 N Sycamore St., behind Glow Herbal, meaning Collins can see all the cars traveling through downtown on a regular basis.

“I like the tranquility of it,” she said. “I want my clients to be able to relax.”

This atmosphere extends to her fellow business owners, as well. She said when she opened, she got many flowers and cards from other residents.

“It overwhelmed me,” she said. “I felt loved.”

It is this love, she said, she wants to share with the rest of her community.

“My goal is to show people they are loved,” Collins said.