In the heart of a retail business center, nestled between Dirt Bikes Unlimited and Marilyn Rose Hair & Beauty Bar, lies a hidden gem that’s been around for about 43 years—Louise’s Hair Boutique.
“I came to Springfield and said, ‘What am I gonna do?’ Well, I love doing hair, so that’s what I did. I went to school at Mid-Missouri Cosmetology School for hair,” said Louise Goodwin, or Miss Louise, as she is affectionately known. Miss Louise is the owner of Louise’s Hair Boutique.
Miss Louise’s first location was on Commercial Street. “When we moved up to Commercial Street, people asked why would you want to move there? They said that’s the worst part of Springfield. I had a mission, so that’s where I stayed as long as I could. Homeless people would come by, and they would help out around the shop for a peanut butter sandwich and a cigarette.”
“Beyond the shop, I had three jobs and my boys. I’d come home and they’d ask, ‘Momma, aren’t you tired?’ and I’d say, ‘A little.’ We didn’t have a lot of free time. It was hot dogs every day. However, a lot of people in Springfield helped me out. It was hard, but there was help.”
“When running a small business, you’ve gotta be patient. Treat other people the way you want them to treat you.” she asserted.
“I was on Commercial Street for about several years. I’ve had every black barber in my shop. If they couldn’t get a job at another place, they could come here.”
Louise’s Hair Boutique moved to its current location on Glenstone in 2010. “I’ve got one barber and two stylists. And Terence is the best barber, I’m so glad I’ve got him here,” remarks Miss Louise. The salon prides itself on offering personalized services tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Miss Louise and her sister, Bernice Pike have been working together at the shop since 2001. “I took early retirement from General Electric to help her out. I’m a cosmetologist. I do a lot of older people’s hair. A lot of my clients like to curl their hair and don’t do that anymore, so I take care of them. My mother was a beautician, and I got all that training from her,” said Ms Pike.
Miss Louise’s team of skilled stylists and barber are trained in the latest techniques and trends, ensuring that each client leaves feeling beautiful and confident.
Terence Johnson, the barber at the shop, says, “It’s a family environment, — a lot of little kids running around. People come in and they ask Miss Louise, ‘What do you recommend?’ and she gives good advice.”
The salon has a 70s retro style and comfortable seating, featuring a bulletin board of flyers and news articles highlighting people in the community who have been interviewed by the local media, along with comfortable seating.
Regular clients rave about the personalized attention they receive. Marquees McDonald shares, “I’ve got very sensitive skin. Every time I got my hair cut, I broke out in hives — it was always a nightmare. I came here the first time, I got my hair cut—best experience of my life. It was great. I had no breakouts, no rash, or anything, and so I just kept coming back. Great place, great atmosphere. I love all the people here.”
Louise’s Hair Boutique is located at 1874 N. Glenstone Ave. Their hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.
