Enhance beauty and foster self-esteem. That's what Nancy and Mike Gifford do.

Nancy owns Double Image Styling Salon and Mike owns D.I. Bridal Boutique. Together they increase the success of both businesses.

“I started out with just two people in 1987,” said Nancy. “It started as a partnership. After seven years, I went out on my own.”

Since 2008, the salon has been in its current Butler location. It was the third move for the salon, but it allowed expansion to eight hair styling stations.

“It was a big step to move to a plaza,” said Nancy.

“We had to grow the business for this location. Every year we've grown.”

She said the expenses are higher but it has advantages.

“We have more walk-in clientele,” Nancy said.

The salon's employees are part-time. Their energy and enthusiasm are apparent beginning at the appointment desk.

“We have people working here that are 16 and work on Saturdays and evenings,” said Mike. “We have some that are in their 50s that have been doing hair for 25 to 28 years.”

Nancy said the salon is known for its atmosphere and talented staff. It also attracts customers with its location and hours. It is well-established in Butler and was voted best salon in Butler for the past three years in the Butler Eagle Readers' Choice Awards.

The Giffords use a variety of marketing approaches including referral programs, mailings, websites, Facebook, newspaper ads, their website, the yellow pages and their highly visible location.

“Word-of-mouth is still the best,” said Nancy.

Even after 29 years as a hair stylist, Nancy is still behind the chair.

“That's what I love,” she said. “I'm a people person.”

Before his involvement in the businesses, Mike worked as a press operator for 13 years.

Mike's role in the salon is substantial. He buys supplies, manages inventory, prepares taxes, does the payroll, handles repairs and performs any required maintenance for the salon.

“I never run out of things to do,” said Mike.

For example, Mike recently installed a second hot water tank for the salon.

Nancy said, “We were running out of hot water due to the influx of business. We had to get ready for the busy time of year.”

The salon's tanning bed is now in its busiest season: March, April and May.

The salon's manicure and pedicure appointments have increased and for the past two years the salon has received the silver Butler Eagle Readers' Choice Award for nails.

State inspectors are impressed with the salon. Mike said, “They always comment on the cleanliness.”

In October, the Giffords had an opportunity to expand beyond their salon to buy the bridal store at 371 N. Main St.

“It pairs nicely together,” said Nancy. “We'd like to grow that business.”

They are the fourth owners of the bridal boutique. They bought the entire business, including the inventory. Lindsey Allen of Chicora, their future daughter-in-law, is the store manager.

The couple is just developing their skill in managing a bridal store. They believe their ability to run a business and their focus on customer service will be important.

They stressed the importance of learning and are grateful for the help from other people in the industry.

“We have a lot of support from manufacturers,” said Nancy.

“They go a long way for us,” said Mike. “You build a partnership and relationship with the suppliers.”

Mike wants customers to have the opportunity to go to a locally-owned bridal store rather than shopping at larger chain stores. If they had not purchased the store, it would have been the last small bridal shop in Butler.

The store is in Market House on the corner of Penn and Main Streets. Each of the shop's rooms showcase a different type of formal wear: bridal gowns, bridesmaids' and mothers' dresses, tuxedos and prom formals. The store also sells children's wedding wear.

The size of the store and the customer care they can provide allows them to offer private bridal parties every Saturday from spring through October or after hours on other days.

The parties are booked in advance and allow the bride and her attendants to choose their dresses in a more festive and relaxed atmosphere. The owners provide refreshments and some bridal parties choose to add other food and beverages.

On Feb. 23, the salon and the bridal boutique participated in the Days Inn Spring Bridal Show in Butler. They were the exclusive representative at the show for hair, makeup and gowns. Friends, family and employees participated as models on the show's runway.

“It's going to take a little while for people to know what we offer,” said Nancy. She said promotions at the boutique change frequently.

Mike said being family-owned businesses and not part of larger corporations contributes to making customers feel comfortable.

“You get more one-on-one with customers than you would with big corporations,” said Mike. “Nancy and I as the owners get to know our customers. The big corporations' owners don't know any of their customers. This means a lot to us.

“We've made so many friends through the years,” he said.

“Seventy-five percent of the reason a person comes back to you is your personality,” said Nancy. She said if someone isn't personable, they will not succeed in the bridal business.

Nancy said, “It's the friendliness. First impressions are everything.”

<b>Address</b>: 140 Bon Aire Plaza<b>Website</b>: www.doubleimagestylingsalon.com<b>President and owner</b>: Nancy Gifford<b>Business manager</b>: Mike Gifford<b>Employees</b>: 19<b>Services</b>: The salon provides services for women, men and children including hairstyling, manicures, pedicures, massage therapy, tanning and waxing<b>Mission/goal</b>: To be better than the year before, to grow and get better at what we do.

<b>Address</b>: 371 N. Main St.<b>Website</b>: www.dibridalboutique.com<b>President and owner</b>: Mike Gifford<b>Employees</b>: 3<b>Services</b>: The store sells formal and bridal wear and accessories for women, men and children.<b>Mission/goal</b>: Have it grow and become a household name for bridal gowns and tuxedos in Butler.