When first meeting Alex Mitchell and Allison Henkle, you might assume they are sisters by how complementary their personalities are. You wouldn’t be too far off. The two have been close friends since 2010 when they were in cosmetology school together.
The duo most recently went into business together, opening Mirror Image Salon located on the west side of the Iola square.
Henkle is two years senior to Mitchell. “She was in my older sister’s grade,” Mitchell said. “So, we’ve known each other for a long time.”
Henkle didn’t immediately choose cosmetology after graduating from Iola High School in 2008.
“I initially wanted to be a school teacher,” said Henkle, and attended Allen Community College. “But I really wanted to do cosmetology, as well, and thought I’d try it before I went into teaching. Once I started in it, I loved it and have just stuck with it.”
Mitchell knew right away that cosmetology was her passion. “As a kid, I always loved playing with people’s hair,” she said. “It was something that I just always wanted to do.”
Even though she also had a similar desire to be a teacher, she knew it would require much more education than cosmetology.
“Hair school took less time and I was kind of over school,” she laughed.
Following cosmetology school, they each obtained their licenses in 2011 and went their separate ways.
Henkle went to work at Town Square Tannery and Salon (now Revival Salon and Spa) in Iola, where she remained for the next 12 years.
Mitchell took on at Smart Style, in Chanute, before also joining the crew at Town Square Tannery, where she worked six years. 
As for starting their own business, “We had this opportunity presented to us and we decided to look into it,” said Henkle. “It kind of snowballed from there.”
Mitchell termed the endeavor as “a great financial opportunity.”
When they aren’t busy meeting with clients, the pair also share another commonality — motherhood. Henkle has a 1-year-old, while Mitchell has her hands full with 5-year-old twins. “We’re like a big family — we hang out with each other,” Mitchell added.
The salon offers a variety of services including cuts, colors, perms, beard trims, facial waxing, and nails. Henkle’s passion is nails and notes that 80% to 90% of her clientele are nail customers. She specializes in natural nails, pedicures and shellac nails.
