Pickett a “permanent” fixture in Preston

Lisa Pickett always enjoyed watching people get their hair done, so naturally, when the time came to choose her career, she waved other options and got straight to work with her scissors.

Pickett, who grew up in and graduated from Preston, Minn., attended Austin Area Technical Institute in 1983-84, where she received her certification in cosmetology.

Pickett began working at the Family Hair Center in Preston and remained there several years as she gained one satisfied customer after another.

When asked why and how she came to have her own business Pickett replied, “It was my Mom’s fault!” as she explains, “The gal who owned this building — my mom grew up next door to — and she happened to call my mom and ask if she knew anybody who wanted to buy this building,” states Pickett.

Her mom immediately called her and told her she thought it would be a good idea to have her own business.  Between her mom and her customers positive support and encouragement Pickett says, “The next thing I know I was a owning my own business,” and getting ready to remodel the building.

Pickett purchased the building at 206 St. Paul Street in downtown Preston on January 1, 1997.  She then began the process of making it her own space and suitable for her specific needs.

The building had previously been owned by George Soffa for his real estate office and his wife, Florence did taxes in the back room.  Following George’s death two years prior, Florence sold the building to Pickett.

The building has a very rich history and since the late 1850s the building has housed an insurance office, a 5-cent hamburger joint in the early 1930s, other lunch counter businesses, an optometrist’s office and several other businesses.

When Pickett remodeled the main level of the building, “We gutted it from the front door to the back door,” she states.

With a lot of help from her family, the remodel of the main floor was finished just as Pickett had designed it.

Once the renovation on the main floor was complete, Pickett moved on to remodel the upstairs apartment which was finished in February 1998.  She rents the upstairs apartment to bring in added income.

Lisa’s Klip N Kurl opened its doors on March 17, 1997, providing haircuts for men, women and children as well as many other services.

Lisa’s Klip N Kurl offers haircuts for men, woman and children, along with “The Works,” which includes a wash, cut and style.  When it’s time to have your hair color touched up or maybe you just want a change, Lisa’s Klip N Kurl can be of service. 

If a little added body is something your hair could use, Pickett will give you the perm you desire, whether just a body wave or extra curly.

Lisa’s Klip N Kurl has Markham products in stock, including shampoo, conditioner and styling products.

Pickett has an added role, as she is also an Avon representative and has Avon books available at Lisa’s Klip N Kurl if anyone in the area needs to re-stock their favorite Avon products.

When asked if the experience of opening her own business was intimidating or scary Pickett says, yes it was, but she had run the business for her former employer when she was laid up so she knew a lot about the day to day running of a business, “other than payroll,” Pickett states.

Having just celebrated her 20-year anniversary as a business owner, Pickett has many customers that have been coming to her since the day she opened Lisa’s Klip N Kurl, and notes that many of her customers begin to feel more like friends as they get to know each other so well.

When asked what the best part of having her own business is, Pickett indicated she likes the independence it allows her.

According to Pickett, the most challenging part of having her own business is taking time off, as she wants to be available for her regular weekly customers.

Pickett’s advice for women thinking of opening their own business is to “go for it,” saying, “Go for the challenge and meet your goals,” adding that it is rewarding when you hear compliments from customers. 

Lisa’s Klip N Kurl is open Monday through Friday and, as a convenience to her customers, she also has some evening appointments available during the week.

To book your next appointment or for further information call Lisa’s Klip N Kurl at (507) 765-5430.  Although the phone number for Lisa’s Klip N Kurl is not in the most recent Harmony, Minn., phone book after switching phone companies, Pickett hopes to have the phone number included in next year’s phone book.