By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist     

Seventh Heaven is a full-service salon, one stop and all your personal needs can be met: hair, facials, manicures, pedicures, electrolysis, waxing and makeup.

Sue Morris started the business in October 1987 and has been serving the Columbiana community for almost 28 years.

Morris, wanting to retire and move to Colorado, sold the business to Stephanie Phillips in March 1999.

Phillips has operated the salon for the last 12 years and has built up a loyal clientele. Desiring to spend more time with her children, Phillips approached long-time employee Patti Smith about buying the business.

“I bought and sold this business on a prayer,” said Phillips. “I wanted more time to be with my family and felt it was time for me to do something different.”

Smith has worked at the salon since she was 14 years old and a student at Shelby County High School.

“I have dreamed for years of being the boss here someday,” said Smith, age 26. “This is the only place I have ever worked. I started when I was 14, sweeping hair, washing towels and answering phones.

“I graduated from SCHS in 2006 and went to Cosmetology School at Central Alabama Community College for a year. It was very hard; I took classes in electricity, chemistry, anatomy and had a written and practical test to get my license. Cosmetologists and plastic surgeons are the only licensed people who can change the way you appear. I started work in August 2006, got my student license in February 2007 and my cosmetology license in July 2007. I am a one-man band doing it all.”

Smith talked with husband Heath about buying the business and got her letter of approval from the bank to finance the sale in August 2014. The transfer was completed in January 2015.

“God promises to take care of His children,” said Smith. “I have faith in Him. I am committed to giving the best service in Columbiana. When someone comes into Seventh Heaven, I want them to leave feeling refreshed, looking beautiful and know that God loves them.”