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While some high school students spent the summer focusing on fun, Emily Hypes opened her own business. This senior at River Valley High School and Tri-Rivers Career Center studied esthetics her junior year and received her state license. She opened “Esthetics with Emily” in July. She rents space from the Ooh La La Beauty Salon at 1448 Marion – Waldo Road in Marion.
“I’ve always liked taking care of my own skin, and I have a desire to help others to do so as well,” Hypes said.
In addition to receiving her state license, she obtained her independent contractor license. She holds an additional certification through Art of Skin Care for chemical peels.
Hypes offer facials, waxing, brow lamination, tints, threating, eyelash lifts and tints. She will offer chemical peels in the future. She also offers a professional line of skin care products both online and at her studio.
“I enjoy being able to bond with my clients and building relationships with others,” Hypes said.
Hypes has lived in Marion since her parents, Tom and Jenni Hypes, adopted her from Kazakhstan when she was 8 months old. She has been a Marionite ever since. Tom is currently the lead pastor at The Shepherd’s Fellowship Church. Jenni is the director of Aspire Ministries (formerly Love INC.), which helps local people in need find resources from area churches and community agencies.
“I loved growing up in Marion,” Emily said. “It’s a privilege to be able to invest back into the community with care services even at my age.”
Tom Hypes owns the business while Emily is still a minor. He is also a client. Emily features him receiving treatments including laminating his eyebrows and tinting them red in a video series called “Emily Esthetics with Dad” on the business Facebook page.
Other customers also offer rave reviews.
“I loved my first ever facial! Emily was incredibly sweet and told me what she was doing and what to expect. She also did my eyebrows and eased my apprehension about getting my eyebrows done — thanks to the ‘90s and early 2000s for that — by making sure she did exactly what I wanted. I’ll definitely be using her again,” said Mallory Caeton of Marion.
“I had my first ever facial today thanks to Emily, and I will be returning! I was incredibly relaxed and Emily explained every step of the process,” said Melissa Scoville of Urbana. “I enjoyed the enzyme treatment, as well as the anti-aging ‘jelly,’ but that facial massage was the icing on the cake! My face feels great!”
Emily is a member of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce and will hold a ribbon-cutting with them on Oct. 11.
“There has been a strong movement of new business and community pride over the last several years, and I’m excited to see Marion continue to growth with professionals who work to support one another,” Emily said.Hypes found a mentor in Rebecca Salyer, the esthetics teacher at Tri-Rivers. She also enjoys working with other owners at the salon where they support and encourage each another.
“I do believe we should consider the impact of our resources invested locally instead of just where someone can get the cheapest price. Investing in your community grows and impacts the quality of life in your community,” Emily said.
In addition to running her business, Emily is studying to be a nail care technician during her senior year at Tri-Rivers. She is also active in the River Valley show choir and orchestra. Hypes is supporting her fellow students by donating 20% of October purchases booked with the code RVMB to the Music Boosters.
“It’s my way of giving back,” Hypes said.
