Local stylists return to ‘roots’ in Eleva

by Beth Kraft

Life’s events could have led Missy Toft, Tessa Emerson and Jaymee Olson in a variety of different directions, but the trio’s passion for cutting and styling hair helped spark a chain of events that brought them back to their hometown turf in Eleva.

The three local hair gurus can be found in the building near the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 10 and State Highway 93, located at 26043 East Mondovi Street, in downtown Eleva. They came upon the space early last year, kick-starting their dream of bringing their services to the community they all know and love.

“We’re just small-town people and we love small-town life,” says Toft.

At The Root Hair Salon & Tanning LLC began to take shape last summer with a full-scale renovation of the building, which previously hosted apartments, a day care, and even acted as a former site for the nearby Roses and Ribbons greenhouse years ago. The rehab work completely transformed the interior with a revamped layout, flooring and paint to make the new salon into an inviting, vibrant space.

Eleva-area residents of all ages now have another option for a full slate of salon services from At The Root, including haircuts, color, perms, deep conditioning, updos, roller sets, waxing, tanning, and manicures.

Altogether, Toft, Emerson and Olson hold a combined total of 43 years of experience providing salon services. Toft previously operated a salon in Eleva nearly 15 years ago and was excited to bring her 25 years of expertise back to the local area.

“I’ve made a complete, full circle,” Toft said.

Emerson has 12 years of experience working around a hair stylist’s chair in Eau Claire salons while Olson brings six years of experience and most recently worked in Pigeon Falls.

All three ladies are graduates of Eleva-Strum Central High School and continue to reside in the local area. Emerson and Olson were classmates at E-S while Toft and Emerson previously worked retail together in Eau Claire and were looking to get back to their first love—hair—in their hometown.

Given their past experiences crossing paths, the trio had a hunch that going in on a salon together would be a positive experience.

“We are really a good team,” Emerson said.

Using terminology to incorporate both hair and their heritage, Toft says they came up with the “At The Root” name over Culver’s French fries with honey mustard.

“Eleva is where our roots are,” Toft explained. “This is our stomping ground.”

Support from the area community has been “amazing” so far, Toft said, with clients branching out to Eleva from as far away as Arcadia, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie.

“The first month couldn’t have gone better,” Emerson said of the salon’s introduction in October.

In addition to providing their usual slate of services, At The Root staff’s creativity was also tapped for a special project.

Just a few weeks after opening, the salon was packed with about 15 members of the Eleva-Strum football team in preparation for the Cards’ “Tackling Cancer” breast cancer awareness game. The trio contributed to the effort by cutting the players’ hair into mohawks and dying them pink in honor of their cause. Emerson even created a pink ribbon hairstyle for assistant coach Josh Skoug.

Emerson says giving back to the local community is important to she and her fellow At The Root stylists, as is offering flexible hours.

“We like to be accommodating to our clients,” she said.

In order fit clients’ schedules, at least two of the three stylists are at the salon during operating hours, allowing them to accept walk-ins—a great option for men in need of a quick cut.

Going forward, At The Root would like to supplement its salon services by adding a massage therapist soon. Plans are also in the works to give the building’s exterior a facelift when the weather warms up.

The three stylists also intend to keep current with the latest cuts and styles by attending hair shows to pick up tips.

“We want to keep on top of our game,” Emerson said. “The hair business is forever changing.”

Appointments with At The Root’s stylists can be scheduled by calling (715) 287-3223.