Sheri Wallace, Manager of Jan's Beauty Supply will retire in the next couple of weeks and the store, a fixture in the West Seattle Junction for more than 36 years will close.
Photo by Patrick Robinson
Some businesses open and close rather quickly. Others seem to take forever just to open. And some become neighborhood landmarks. Jan's Beauty is one of those. But for Manager Sheri Wallace, the time has come to retire and with that, the store that has served generations of West Seattle women will close. Wallace once owned the store with her sister Jan (the founder and namesake) but Jan retired a few years ago and the business was sold to an investor. Now Wallace has announced in a letter to her many friends and customers that it's time for her to go. She plans on spending more time traveling and enjoying life she said.
Here's the letter she sent to customers making the announcement:
It is with extreme mixed emotions that we have decided to retire and close Jan’s Beauty Supply.
There are so many beautiful memories we have created together in the 36 years we have been in business. First and foremost, is the joy that Jan and I had working side by side for so long. She originally started this business and I was lucky enough to be able to join her after a few years. We are not only sisters but best friends forever!
To the hundreds of customers who have become close friends and have shared their life’s stories with laughter and tears, I will always treasure the many deep conversations we had. The most difficult part of this life transition is walking away from these relationships.
Some of our employees became family like our Alissa Cullen. She is and always will be a cherished member.
My two dear ladies now working with me have been a Godsend. They have supported me through some difficult times both physically and emotionally. Maile Hudson and Raelyn Barton will always have a special place in my heart and my life. They also have become like daughters to me.
Remembering the fun events we participated in like the Street Fair, Wine Walks, Holiday Happy Hours and many more will always leave me smiling.
We will be forever grateful for the wonderful customers who have allowed us to serve them. If I could reach out and hug every single one I would! There are not sufficient words to express my personal thanks but know I will never forget the love and support given to me by so many.
I am looking forward to more time with my husband, Pat and our Puppy! In addition to being able to create more memories with my grandsons, my supportive sister Holly and daughters, Stacy and Janny. I am incredibly fortunate to have had their support and I can now give them more of mine.
I rember many visits to Jan's beaty supply especially while enrolled in Crystal Lavines's College of Beauty back in 1980's!
Thank-you for your derivation and compassion for the beauty industry.
You will be truely missed.