Thursday, October 18, 2007

Show and Tell

I decided to show you some of the things in my home beauty shop. I've had my own shop since 1981 and moved it to my home in 1988 after deciding I didn't like being a boss in a large shop. I purchased my home and solely supported my 2 children with this shop. As the beauty shop business changed and my clientele and I became older I found it necessary to take on a second job. Thus the grocery store job. The pay is low but the benefits are great and something I never had, owning my own business.

Since I am in a residential zone I only have a small sign which I made several years ago. The shop is in the back/basement of my home . The house is built on a hill so the basement is the first floor from the back. Gravel stairs with gardens all around lead to the shop door.

Do you know what this is? If you do you are dating yourself!
This is an antique perm machine and no I don't use it!. It was found in the basement of a house not far from me. Each clamp was put on a curler and heated. Can you imagine the smell of perm plus singed hair? I have heard plenty of great stories about these machines and it was worth the small price I paid for it.


Next week more on my old beauty shop supplies. Go to Kelli's House to get a list of all the "Show and Tell" posts for today. Thanks for hosting, Kelli!


To the few people who read my blog when I started a year ago, pretend you haven't seen these pictures and heard my story!



21 comments:

Amy ~ (Life's Small Treasures) said...

Neat sign, and that antique perm machine (EEEK) I used to hate getting perms so badly, but I think using that would be absolutely worse ;)

Thanks for sharing your story with us.
~Amy

LadySnow said...

That looks more like a torture machine....instead of perm machine. :O

Anonymous said...

The sign is great the perm machine is scarey!!
thanks for sharing some history with us...

Susan said...

Oh how fun!! I'm old, but even those old perm machines pre-date me!! I saw one as a child I think.
Susan

Anonymous said...

I love the cute sign! How neat to have some vintage beauty shop equipment -- though it looks like a medieval torture device, LOL! I'm glad those procedures have improved!

Susie said...

I don't recall seeing your sign before :)
I loved this post and can't wait to read more..
xo

Hootin Anni said...

Amazing....good for you!!!

[and I love the Autumn atmosphere here at your blog too]

nannykim said...

Yes I recognised that contraption--I have seen it on old movies--very funny stuff!! Sorry you have to work a second job though!

Ruth Welter said...

Hi Jean,

I like the sign your made for your beauty shop..must be nice to have that in your own home. I have to say, before I read what that antique perm maching was, I thought it was pretty scary looking. I didn't have a clue...just looked old. I would love to hear in your future posts, more about how it worked in its hay day.

Mary said...

That piece is definitely an antique. Loved seeing it. Thanks for sharing.

the tattered nest said...

Hi, thanks for coming by my blog today and leaving your kind comment...I really appreciate it! I will be by again!

Quinne said...

Hi Jean :) Thanks for sharing with us today. My grandmother and my great aunt each had ther own "beauty shops". They loved serving the ladies that came along, and we have such wonderful memories of visiting them and "helping".

I have never seen a perm machine like that! It is quite terrifying - lol! Blessings, Q

Anonymous said...

i love that sign.
and thanks for commenting on my blog.

Tammy said...

I believe there is a scene in the movie "Places in the Heart" that shows one of those Perm Machines.

Have a great day!

Carole Burant said...

That looks more like a torture machine than a perm machine...gosh, they were soooo barbaric way back when! lol Love the sign you made as well:-) xox

Reviekat said...

What a neat display to have in your shop!! Do you get many questions as to what it is?

Unknown said...

Having thick wavy hair, I have never had to rely on perms. Thanks be to God by the looks of that equipment - coz I might be old enough to have used it! :-)

Blessings and bliss

Mockingbird Hill said...

I have naturally curly hair, but used to have to get a perm to calm down those blasted frizzies! Thank goodness, someone figured out 'blow drying" and flat irons...having "calm hair" is a whole new world!

Thanks for visitng and signing up for my Halloween Giveaway! No more lurking!! ;)

Cassie

Rose of Sharon said...

I like your sign! I am really impressed that you supported yourself and your kids! Good for you! The perm machine is frightening!

Your blog is really cute, I'll be back to visit!

:0) Sharon

Sondra said...

That has got to be the oddest and coolest piece of antique I have ever seen. Looks like something that could be used on death row! What a great item to have!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

So cool!!! And scary at the same time LOL :) Like eyelash curlers!