When Lisa Boulanger was designing her new beauty parlor, she thought about her mother and grandmother, both of whom have passed away. She considered the type of environment where they would feel comfortable going to hang out and spend a few hours pampering themselves.

As a result, their inspiration is woven into the bright, airy open space, vintage furniture and soft calming color palette at North Coast Beauty Shop, nestled next to Kiwi Glass off U.S. Highway 101 between Seaside and Gearhart.

It was these role models — “the women that have come before me,” Boulanger said — that set a foundation for her in terms of “confidence, being beautiful, loving yourself.”

She opened her shop in early April and offers a variety of services, including haircutting, styling, coloring, manicures, pedicure and facial waxing.

Setting up shop

Boulanger got her cosmetology license from the Cosmetology Training Center in Lafayette, Louisiana. Being in her early 30s at the time, she had to challenge herself to overcome the concern that it was too late for a change.

“People get to a point where they’re like, ‘I’m too old to go to school anymore,’ and I had to fight through that and be like, ‘I’m not,’” she said. “It was good to push myself.”

Her past experience involved customer service, and she knew she loved interacting with people and taking care of them. For a time, she considered pursuing pet grooming. Then that desire morphed into working even more directly with humans through cosmetology.

“I like making people happy, seeing them smile, doing things for them,” Boulanger said.

A few months after graduating, she relocated to the North Coast with her family and worked for seven years at two different salons in the Seaside area. At both locations, she had the chance to establish herself as a stylist, meet clients and build a foundation in the community.

“I’ve had some good experiences,” she added. “I’ve worked with some really great people that have helped inspire me, motivate me, and keep me looking forward to the goal.”

Homey atmosphere

In opening her own shop, Boulanger recognized an opportunity to create a space where she can interact one-on-one with the clients she loves to serve — and truly “share in the moment” — while having complete control over the environment.

What she’s chosen for that environment is an invitingly laid-back and peaceful space that enables her to cater to customers of all ages.

She has a strong multigenerational focus. While she offers quality cuts to adults, she also has the patience — and snacks — to work with young children. She has room for parents to relax and wait with other siblings. She referenced an older client who comes with her daughter and grandson, and they all can be at ease in the space.

“I like catering to everybody, across the board,” Boulanger said. “Something like a haircut or a pedicure is a treat, and I want people to feel spoiled and relaxed and comfortable.”

Her goal is for customers leave with a confidence boost, feeling good about themselves. If they don’t know what type of hairstyle they want, she’ll talk with them and learn more about their lifestyle, how they like to wash and dry their hair, and how much time they devote to styling it. Then, she can guide them toward a suitable option.

While she’s cutting hair or doing nails, she’s also sharing in her customers’ lives and hearing their stories. She thinks of it as “giving them a moment to unwind in the chair and be themselves.” As a result, she’s been able to develop long-term relationships with her clients over the years.

“As much as they look forward to coming here, I look forward to seeing them and getting up to date with them and seeing what’s going on with their kids and their families,” she said.

The location of the beauty shop itself boasts accessibility, being conveniently located off the highway between Seaside and Gearhart. It’s a one-story building and there is ample parking out front.

The shop is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and half-days on Thursdays. For more information, visit Northcoastbeautyshop.squarespace.com.