Dale business redefines 1-stop shop
Dale — When it comes to multitasking, Sue Close is a bit of a marvel.
The Dale woman runs a beauty salon, gift shop, tanning salon and coffee shop — all packed into a single building.
She’s definitely a hands-on owner. At Sue’s Beauty Boutique Coffee and Gifts, Close is one of two full-time licensed cosmetologists and has been cutting hair and supplying beauty services for 31 years.
But her work isn’t confined to the clippers. She helps out in the coffee shop — which features drive-though service — and oversees the gift shop and tanning salon. Close’s six-room building also offers the independent services of certified massage therapist, Susan Welhouse.
“It gets a little crazy sometimes and you go back and forth between shops, but it’s fun,” Close said.
“Sue can do it all,” says employee Sharon Stuesser. “That woman is amazing. She’s got a lot of energy. I’ll go home, then drive by here at eight at night and she’s still here doing something.”
Close, who co-owns the business with her husband, Dave, never planned to offer so many different services. She opened the beauty salon in 1977 at the original location and added the tanning salon shortly after. The connected coffee and gift shops were introduced in 2003, following a renovation and expansion of the building.
“We’ve just responded to what people have asked for, so they don’t have to drive to New London, Hortonville or Appleton to pick up a gift or a card,” Close said. “The coffee business has been successful in other places, so we thought we’d try that, too.”
In addition to Close, Tina Jansen, a cosmetologist, and Cheryl Wargula offer styling services. Joyce Schuh manages the coffee shop with assistance from Stuesser.
