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Annette Wolters, left, owner of Hair Inspirations by Annette, adds highlights to customer Anne Moore’s hair at her new salon in Nevada City.
When some of her Clay Street neighbors protested Annette Wolters’ plans to open a home-based business earlier this year, the career hairstylist clipped the fight short and decided to open a place of her own.
The latest manifestation of a three-decade career in snipping, styling and moussing is a small space called Hair Inspirations by Annette, tucked by a Highway 49 offramp where Wolters can create her own sense of place.
She moved into the office on Gold Flat Road on Election Day.
“It was the day of change for me,” Wolters remarked while applying a highlighting tincture to longtime client Anne Moore’s hair on New Year’s Eve.
In April, Nevada City planning commissioners split 2-2 to grant Wolters a permit to operate a salon at her home. Opponents of the project cited an increase in traffic, inadequate parking and signage that could prove offensive to the neighborhood.
“Even if I met all the criteria the city and state has, you also need to have all the blessings of the neighbors in the area,” Wolters said. “I went into it thinking I wouldn’t have any problems whatsoever.”
Plan B included moving into a spot owned by a local chiropractor, where she can create a place of her own.
‘Nice energy’
The place is sparse, with Smokey Robinson and Sarah McLachlan tunes playing softly. Patrons are offered organic tea, coffee and cookies while they wait.
“I’m having more fun now,” Wolters said. She’s not upset over the decision that led to her moving into a rented space. Instead, her shop is more like an extension of herself, with Wolters’ own watercolors decorating the walls.
“I looked at my husband, Greg (an architect and member of the city planning commission who abstained from the vote), and said, this is what I want,” she said.
The watercolors represent a time in her life when Wolters was at a crossroads three decades ago. Her inner hairstylist eventually won out, with an assist from visits to a
favorite salon in Southern California.
“I walked in there, and there were these three guys giving hot haircuts and I said, ‘That’s what I want to do,’” she said.
She was a stylist for more than 20 years before coming to Nevada County. This is her first solo act.
She has a roster of several dozen clients who enjoy the boutique experience, including Moore, a part-time Nevada County resident.
“I waited to come back all the way from Michigan to have Annette do my hair,” said Moore, whose brother is the documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. “And it isn’t just loyalty. She’s great at what she does.”
Wolters admits she took a risk opening a new shop in this economy. But she had help:
A friend gave her tile flooring at cost. Another did the plumbing, and some of the antique-style furniture came from a relative’s home.
Wolters is doing her part, she said, by offering discounts to students and seniors.
“It’s a nice energy when everyone’s trying to help everyone out,” she said. “I’m having a ton of fun. My clients love it.”
To contact Staff Writer David Mirhadi, e-mail dmirhadi@theunion.com or call 477-4239.
The latest manifestation of a three-decade career in snipping, styling and moussing is a small space called Hair Inspirations by Annette, tucked by a Highway 49 offramp where Wolters can create her own sense of place.
She moved into the office on Gold Flat Road on Election Day.
“It was the day of change for me,” Wolters remarked while applying a highlighting tincture to longtime client Anne Moore’s hair on New Year’s Eve.
In April, Nevada City planning commissioners split 2-2 to grant Wolters a permit to operate a salon at her home. Opponents of the project cited an increase in traffic, inadequate parking and signage that could prove offensive to the neighborhood.
“Even if I met all the criteria the city and state has, you also need to have all the blessings of the neighbors in the area,” Wolters said. “I went into it thinking I wouldn’t have any problems whatsoever.”
Plan B included moving into a spot owned by a local chiropractor, where she can create a place of her own.
‘Nice energy’
The place is sparse, with Smokey Robinson and Sarah McLachlan tunes playing softly. Patrons are offered organic tea, coffee and cookies while they wait.
“I’m having more fun now,” Wolters said. She’s not upset over the decision that led to her moving into a rented space. Instead, her shop is more like an extension of herself, with Wolters’ own watercolors decorating the walls.
“I looked at my husband, Greg (an architect and member of the city planning commission who abstained from the vote), and said, this is what I want,” she said.
The watercolors represent a time in her life when Wolters was at a crossroads three decades ago. Her inner hairstylist eventually won out, with an assist from visits to a
favorite salon in Southern California.
“I walked in there, and there were these three guys giving hot haircuts and I said, ‘That’s what I want to do,’” she said.
She was a stylist for more than 20 years before coming to Nevada County. This is her first solo act.
She has a roster of several dozen clients who enjoy the boutique experience, including Moore, a part-time Nevada County resident.
“I waited to come back all the way from Michigan to have Annette do my hair,” said Moore, whose brother is the documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. “And it isn’t just loyalty. She’s great at what she does.”
Wolters admits she took a risk opening a new shop in this economy. But she had help:
A friend gave her tile flooring at cost. Another did the plumbing, and some of the antique-style furniture came from a relative’s home.
Wolters is doing her part, she said, by offering discounts to students and seniors.
“It’s a nice energy when everyone’s trying to help everyone out,” she said. “I’m having a ton of fun. My clients love it.”
To contact Staff Writer David Mirhadi, e-mail dmirhadi@theunion.com or call 477-4239.
