VIDALIA, La.&160;- Every time she turns the key in the door, a smile comes over Kimberly Banks’ face.

&uot;I smile because I know it’s mine, I started this business,&uot; she said.

For this 24-year-old, Kimberly’s Unique Creations in Vidalia has been a year’s work-in-progress.

After realizing her job as a stylist at the Styling Salon at JC Penney was keeping her pocketbook empty, Banks decided — through the pushy efforts of her mother, Alberta Banks — to open her own salon.

&uot;People always need their hair done,&uot; Alberta told her daughter. After working four years under someone else at The Styling Salon, Kimberly decided to be her own boss.

With help from the bank and money tucked away for a year, Kimberly’s Unique Creations opened around the middle of July 1999.

Banks’ friend and Styling Salon co-worker, Jennifer Brown, helped make the move to the small trailer on Martin Luther King Avenue in Vidalia.

&uot;I love working here, you make your own hours and your own pay,&uot; Brown said.

Over time, Brown has found a common ground for styling and cutting her customers’ hair.

&uot;By getting to know people you know what they like before they even come in the door,&uot; Brown said.

After seeing how well the two friends were doing, Sheila Walker decided to go where the money was. Walker had been the comic relief at The Styling Salon and was a welcomed addition to Banks’ salon.

Walker said she takes pride in the fact she keeps her customers laughing. &uot;I’m the only one that keeps my mouth open the whole time I’m working,&uot; Walker said out as Banks remained silent, focusing on her hair creation.

The options for hair creations are endless: French twist, wave, body wrap, relaxers, curls, pony tails, permanent waves and spiral curl. The latter can take up to an hour and a half once drying and rolling are complete.

With the recent holiday and back-to-school frenzy, the ladies of Kimberly’s have kept their hands busy and feet sore from standing all day. Banks doesn’t mind though. &uot;I just go with the flow and rest when I can,&uot; she said.

But it wouldn’t be a real salon without the one thing that ties all ladies together on a global level-gossip. Kimberly’s has its fare share.

&uot;You got that one customer who can come in and tell you everything you need to know — about anybody,&uot; Banks said, laughing.