By Jesse Amorratanasuchad

Business: Bliss Salon
Owner: Alysha Ritter
Opening date: May 4
Address: 1031 N. State St.
Phone: (360) 656-5569
Square footage: 650 

Hair has been Alysha Ritter’s business for a majority of her life.

For 10 years, before she took a break to raise her daughter, Madelyn, she owned and managed a salon in Bellingham. After returning to the business at a salon in Barkley Village two years ago, Ritter recently opened Bliss Salon on North State Street and said she is thrilled to be back in ownership.

“It’s been an exciting new challenge,” Ritter said. “It’s a nice dream come true. I think setting goals for myself and finding the right location has just really encouraged me to go in this direction again.”

Ritter opened Bliss Salon on May 4 with three other stylists and the shop has since been booked solid.

Bliss Salon was a product of great timing, Ritter said. Ritter’s former boss at the Barkley Village salon sold the establishment and Ritter was able to rehire her as a stylist for Bliss as they prepared to open for business.

“We all work extremely well with one another and we’re just really great friends,” Ritter said. “We’re all at a point in our lives where we can easily talk to each other so it’s pretty low stress. If there’s something that needs to be taken care of [the stylists] are willing to help out and work as a team.”

The theme of Bliss is not only a salon, but also more specifically, an all-encompassing boutique. The stylists at Bliss all specialize in making people have a complete look as they walk out the door, which goes hand-in-hand with their motto “Live beautifully.”

Not only can customers get their hair done, but they can also buy sunglasses and a new outfit to match.

“I just love making people feel awesome when they walk out the door,” Ritter said. “Just giving them a great confidence that they can do just about anything.”