This week, I visited two local businesses just outside of Smithville going toward McMInnville on the right off Highway 56. The first I had a conversational knowledge of what they were all about and, I’ll admit, the second was a bit out of my forte, but interesting none the less.

Kute Kuts & Tanning –

Full Service Family Salon –

1219 S Congress Blvd –

615-215-9250 – 10-5 Tuesday-Friday, 8-12 Saturday

Here there be taffy.

I start with the taffy because owner Annette Johnson gifted me with some October fall holiday taffy on my way out. I didn’t have a breath mint, but was hoping it was because I looked hungry not having eaten lunch. I felt better after she explained everybody gets candy here, so that’s a big plus.

Candy or not, Johnson provides a salon experience for every member of the family. While Kute Kuts might sound like it’s just for girls, she assured me they cut everyone’s hair.

“We do cuts, colors, perms, waxing, shampoos and styles for the entire family,” Johnson said, who has been in business here for seven years. “With the holidays coming up, folks can come in and purchase gift certificates for haircuts or tanning. They make great gifts and stocking stuffers.”

Kute Kuts was festooned in Thanksgiving decorations and Johnson admits to having a bit of a decorating bug.

“A lot of people come by to see what decorations will be up next,” she said.

Besides decorating, Johnson is a neatness fanatic and says you have to be to run a successful tanning salon.

“I teach all our customers how to clean the machines and that’s really important in this business,” she said.

In addition to the services provided, Kute Kuts carries a full line of products for hair treatment and tanning needs … they just don’t do nails.

But right next door –

Ocean Nails and Spa –

1225 S Congress Blvd. –

615-215-8888 –

Monday-Saturday 9-7

So here’s where I was a bit out of my league, having never had my nails done, but after owner Anh Nguyen showed me around a bit and I think I got the idea.

With a relaxing fengshui atmosphere, and dazzling displays you could get just about any combination of service for your nails that’s needed. Shellac/gel manicure, massage pedicure and manicure, pink and white designer, solar, gel and acrylic nails and SNS/dipping powder – I really didn’t know what that was for – they have the cure for your cuticles and what might ail them.

Ocean Nails and Spa is in its first year, having been in place for eight months now and offers other services as well including relaxing facials and skin care, scalp massage with shampoo and conditioner, eyebrows, body and Brazilian waxing.

Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome so if you have any nail-related issues or just want a good skin peel or scalp massage to rid the