(April 17, 2015) OC Hair & Nail Studio is celebrating more than three decades in business with a new location in the Gold Coast Mall and an upscale look complete with European style doors, black ceilings and a chandelier.
“We are very lucky to have put together a cohesive team of people who work very well together, love what they do and are welcoming,” said Connie Cochran.
Cochran and Michelle Rose own the studio, which has operated out of the Gold Coast Mall on 115th Street for more than 13 years.
OC Hair & Nail Studio has always been located near the back of the mall, but in late November when TJ Maxx logistics were being finalized, Rose and Cochran were offered their new location.
Although time was limited on obtaining a contractor, Rose was able to find someone who worked weekends and at night to transform the space from a jewelry store into a hair studio.
The unit was completely gutted and cases were taken out to make more room. The studio closed for one week and opened in March next to Candy Kitchen, a couple steps from the front doors of the mall.
“We totally changed our look from what we had before and wanted to get away from the beach theme,” Cochran said. “It’s a little more upscale looking and the front doors gave me an idea. They remind me of wrought iron gates with the black ceiling, it’s more European looking, and I love everything French. We added sophistication and [worked with the existing space].”
Cochran has always liked her small salons because they are inviting and have a friendly atmosphere.
“My clients are used to a more one-on-one individualized service and I didn’t want them to get lost in a big salon, it’s like a family,” Cochran said.
Christine Brown has frequented the salon for more than a decade.
“It’s a nice place and they all get along, which makes the atmosphere a pleasant experience for the customer and enjoyable,” Brown said.
Cochran has been styling hair in Ocean City for more than 40 years and started the Ocean City Hair Studio with a friend in the Sheraton Hotel on 101st Street in 1982, which has since become a Clarion.
“Some people I’ve been doing their hair for 35 years,” Cochran said.
The owners met in 1997 when Rose came to work for Cochran at the Sheraton.
After more than 20 years on 101st Street, changes were happening at the hotel and Cochran decided it was time to move her business somewhere else.
The owner of Gold Coast Mall offered Cochran a spot and at the same time Rose’s lease was up at her shop in Fenwick Island, Del. They decided to become partners and opened in November 2002. Now more than 13 years later, the two continue to run OC Hair & Nail Studio.
The salon offers a variety of services for hair, nails and makeup including hair extensions, treatments, cuts and odorless gels for nails, in addition to wedding parties for brides at the beach. Accessories, jewelry, purses, gel polishes and hair products are available for purchase.
Owners of OC Hair and Nail Studio Michelle Rose, left,
and Connie Cochran take a break from hair styling to pose
for a picture at their new location in the Gold Coast Mall
on 115th Street.
