Amber's Beauty School

     The Grand Dame of Muncie businesses has found a new home. On January first ,

Amber's Beauty School moved to a spacious, renovated facility in Lyndenbrook Plaza. 

An Open House is planned for spring.

     Founded 75 years ago, Amber's has trained thousands of students to

become cosmetology professionals while offering local residents discounted prices on hair

cuts, styling, coloring, and perms.  According to proprietors  Brooke and Brian Shrieve,

Amber's presents a win-win situation.  "The best part is, that excellent value comes with

excellent service." says Brian.  "Guys, women, old folks, and young folks frequent Amber's.

They know a good deal when they  see one". 

      In 1936, Amber's was founded by Brian's grandparents,  Marjorie and George Shrieve,

in a large historic home at 803 East Washington Street.  The family lived upstairs while the

beauty school was conducted in the basement. Amber's remained at that location for   

approximately 50 years while acquiring a reputation for first rate training of cosmetology

students.

     In 1983, having outgrown its original space, Amber's moved to a rented location in

White River Plaza. The move to Lyndenbrook Plaza represents what will be a long term and

comfortable home.

     The new 11,000 square foot facility more than doubles the space of the previous location. 

There is larger well lit classroom space, more work space, a reception area, a shampoo room,

a pedicure room, and a facial/ spa area.  The additional space will also accommodate more

students as enrollment continues to increase.  Parking is more than adequate with spaces for

70 vehicles in a large area directly in front of the entrance.  

     When the building  came on the market, the Shrieves saw an opportunity to relocate to a

building of their own in a highly trafficked, more visible location.  At that time Dazzle Dance and

Cheer occupied part of the building while an electrical contractor occupied the other.  Since

then,  Dazzle Dance and Cheer has moved next door into the section occupied by the electrical

contractor and Amber's has moved into the reconfigured space occupied by Dazzle.

     "Everyone is really excited about this move," says Brian.  "Our students and staff love it,

and customers are stopping by just to see it and say hello."  "The economy is not impacting us

the way it has impacted other businesses," says Brooke.  "A facial or haircut  can allow a

person to feel good at a very modest price.  During the Great Depression, the No. 1 thing that 

sold was lipstick. A  simple thing can make people feel good  about themselves."

     Amber's, 3611 North  Briarwood Lane, is now open for business.  Call 284-6556 

for information.