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Can two totally diverse businesses like a hair styling salon and an antique shop co-exist under one roof?
According to Dave Rulka, owner of The Lagro Gallery and Schoolhouse Salon, not only can they operate in the same building, but they compliment each other nicely. The way he looks at it, people coming in to get a hair cut, perm, styling, color or nails done can shop in the antique/gallery side of the renovated old Wayne Township School No. 2 while waiting for their appointment or afterwards. He's been careful to include an intercom system so that no one ever misses their scheduled time.
On the other hand, Rulka figures that people shopping for antiques, art, southwest Indian jewelry, custom-made hardwood frames or unusual curios can't help but find out about the salon. They might even schedule an appointment right then (the two businesses are connected so patrons don't have to go outside to get from one to the other), call later or at the very least, spread the word about it to relatives and friends.
It's a win-win situation as far as the artist/designer/entrepreneur is concerned, and the marriage of the two seemingly incompatible businesses is one that is steadily gaining customers. In just two years since opening, it's doing what any owner hopes for--showing a profit.
The Schoolhouse Salon was the first of his two ventures to open and is home to seven independent hair stylists (including his wife, Lisa, and cousin, Susan Stauffer) and a nail technician who leases space. Rulka's focus has been on building up the gallery, custom framing, and architectural accent design business. He didn't have to go far to stock his homey antique show room. He simply turned to his mother, Ruth, who has been collecting antiques for the past 37 years.
She oversees the operation of the business and admits that over the years she has bought more than she has sold, "but it takes a lot longer to sell than to buy," she says. It's all a labor of love for Ruth that began as a hobby.
Victorian, Pennsylvania Dutch and early American furniture, glassware and china, old toys, period jewelry and curios are on display at The Lagro Gallery. A 2-foot tall Czechoslovakian Royal...