After being in the cosmetology industry for eight years, Lindsey Winkler opened her own business, Wild Thorn Beauty Studio, on June 1.

“I started at a commission-based salon and moved to renting a space in another salon,” said Winkler, a Springfield native. “But this is my dream; I wanted to transition to my own business.”

Her new location at 3121 Hedley Road allowed her to double her square footage and hire four employees, three estheticians and a makeup artist. Winkler describes it as “an esthetics studio that focuses on very specific areas,” such as lash lifts, extensions and a permanent makeup technique called microblading. There are four treatment rooms, and the makeup artist travels for events such as weddings and senior photo shoots.

Winkler said she met her current landlord, Paula Ryan, when Ryan was a client at her previous location. Paula and her husband, Mike, own Ryan Home and Development. The Ryans purchased the former Super Wash property in November 2017 and demolished it to build a second retail center, just east of their recently finished project at 3141 Hedley, which is anchored by Joseph’s Fine Cuisine. Wild Thorn Beauty Studio is the newest addition to their latest retail center, which will be anchored by Luminary Kitchen & Provisions, a new venture from Jordan and Aurora Coffey, who previously operated American Harvest.

Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 shutdowns, Winkler said she is pleased with the launch of her new business venture. “I’m super excited to expand my business and share my passion with other people who have the same passion.”