Couple opens new salon, spa

For the past two decades, Anthony Scimeca and his wife, Karen, have passed a vacant lot near their Elk Grove Village home. Through the years, they'd talk about how it would be a perfect location for a salon and spa.

Now, the couple, once high school sweethearts, have owned their own small beauty salon, The Hair Corner Salon, in Hoffman Estates for the past 25 years. The husband-and-wife team took a big step and opened the spa they dreamed about on the once-empty corner. Anthony David Salon & Spa at 703 Meacham Road in Elk Grove Village is the first shop in the strip center to open.

"We wanted it to be a full-service family business. I think that's what people want right now," Scimeca said. Massage, hair, nails and facials are featured at the business.

The Scimecas' two children, Anthony David, 23, and Nicole, 31, also work at the salon with their parents and about 10 other employees.

The hair industry runs in the Scimeca family. Scimeca's father is a retired barber, and his father-in-law also was a stylist.

In launching the salon during a less-than-desirable economy, Scimeca's goal is to provide "affordable luxury." The shop features a 60-minute massage for $70, while facials start at $50 and a haircut and style for women starts at $35.

The business also specializes in weddings.

"We have makeup artists on staff. This is the start of the bride's day. It's a special time and so much fun to be part of," Scimeca said.

The business is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7:3-0 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call (630) 351-1414.

Outdoor challenge: Gurnee Bass Pro Shops is searching for the region's top outdoorsman in the 2009 Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge.

The event kicks off with free local qualifiers taking place Saturday and Sunday. The Gurnee store will host a contest from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

Participants in the local qualifier will compete in bait casting, air rifle and archery. Local qualifiers will move on to the regional level for additional challenges in Nashville, Tenn.

Three decades: Perma-Seal is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Roy Spencer started the business in 1979, when he put a small ad in a local newspaper boasting honest and ethical basement waterproofing services.

The company has grown to more than 200 employees with more than 60 trucks covering the area.