A cut above: Locks that Rock opens in Destin

Destin resident Jamie Poe got her start in salons more than 20 years ago while she was living in West Virginia.

"My first experience working at a salon came when I was in my early 20's, and studying at Marshall University," said Poe. "My dad was building a salon and I stopped by to see him, and I saw the most beautiful Jaguar convertible in the parking lot," Poe laughed. "It belonged to the shop owner."

After finding out how prosperous working in a salon could be, Poe had a change of heart, leaving college to train with a top stylist from Vidal Sassoon. So, long story short, according to Poe, the rest is history.

Now she's finally achieved her dream, opening a salon smack-dab in the heart of Destin earlier this month. Located in the Palmetto Plaza, 127 Harbor Boulevard, suite 5B, Jamie Poe's Locks that Rock is already making waves.

At 6 p.m. tonight, Poe is hosting a grand-opening and she wants the entire community to stop by.

"It will kind of be a meet-and-greet, welcome to Destin kind of thing," said Poe. "We'll have wine and cheese . . . I'm really excited."

Poe is not only in the business of beauty, but in the business of making others feel good about themselves.

"I really, really love my customers," said Poe. "And I want them to feel as good about themselves as they can, especially in this day and age when so many people are being laid off. I want them to be able to stop into my salon before an interview.

In addition to offering haircuts, Locks that Rock will offer clients makeup application, manicure and pedicure services.

Poe has already carved out a niche market with Locks that Rock, with makeup application for weddings, nursing home patients and even the deceased.

"I'm going to offer a pickup service to the guests living in nursing homes or hospice situations," said Poe. "I want my guests who can't drive but want to get out once in a while and get pampered the chance to do just that."

Opening at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, Locks that Rock will stay open until "the last client goes home happy," according to Poe.

Locks that Rock is unique because of the specials and discounts offered to customers, including military and senior discounts. Poe also offers customers a "kids first cut," special.

"The first time your baby gets a haircut is emotional for parents," said Poe. "So, their first cut is free and we'll also make it even more special by taking pictures."

Being the spiritual person she is, Poe told The Log that Locks that Rock has been a long time coming, and she feels like it was meant to be. Poe lives by the adage, "Where there’s a will, there’s a way."

Although Locks that Rock doesn’t have an official website or Facebook page yet, Poe said that customers should "be on the lookout, because it’s coming soon."

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Locks that Rock at 978-0084.