FAIRMONT — What began as an elite salon in Fairmont has closed its doors.
Essence Salon and Spa on Downtown Plaza has a “Closed” sign taped on the door. An empty room and empty display cases are visible from the door.
Attempts to reach proprietor Melanie Harder were unsuccessful Monday.
Essence originally opened as an Aveda Salon in 2005. The building was remodeled as a day spa, offering hairstyling, skin care, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair removal, body treatments and massage.
Rumors swirled about Essence closing in December, after the loss of some employees and dwindling stock on the shelves. But Harder insisted the salon would stay open, while no longer carrying the Aveda line of products. She said then that the Aveda affiliation ended because of strict sales requirements.
