BIZNOTE: Jan’s Beauty Supply closing in West Seattle Junction

(WSB photo: Sheri Wallace and Maile Hudson)

Thanks for all the tips! Longtime customers are sad to hear that Jan’s Beauty Supply in the West Seattle Junction is closing – proprietor Sheri Wallace is retiring after more than three decades. We went over to talk with her after readers forwarded this email announcement sent to customers:

It is with extreme mixed emotions that we have decided to retire and close Jan’s Beauty Supply.

There are so many beautiful memories we have created together in the 36 years we have been in business. First and foremost, is the joy that Jan and I had working side by side for so long. She originally started this business and I was lucky enough to be able to join her after a few years. We are not only sisters but best friends forever!

To the hundreds of customers who have become close friends and have shared their life’s stories with laughter and tears, I will always treasure the many deep conversations we had. The most difficult part of this life transition is walking away from these relationships.

Some of our employees became family like our Alissa Cullen. She is and always will be a cherished member.

My two dear ladies now working with me have been a Godsend. They have supported me through some difficult times both physically and emotionally. Maile Hudson and Raelyn Barton will always have a special place in my heart and my life. They also have become like daughters to me.

Remembering the fun events we participated in like the Street Fair, Wine Walks, Holiday Happy Hours and many more will always leave me smiling.

We will be forever grateful for the wonderful customers who have allowed us to serve them. If I could reach out and hug every single one I would! There are not sufficient words to express my personal thanks but know I will never forget the love and support given to me by so many.

I am looking forward to more time with my husband, Pat and our Puppy! In addition to being able to create more memories with my grandsons, my supportive sister Holly and daughters, Stacy and Janny. I am incredibly fortunate to have had their support and I can now give them more of mine.

Sheri tells us that she’s expecting to remain open about another month – until late August. The shop’s been in the same location at 4517 California SW since her sister opened it, and she stresses – as detailed in her announcement – it’s simply “time.” They plan a variety of sales in the weeks ahead and are working on a schedule for those; we’ll publish a followup with that announcement when it’s available.

31 Replies to "BIZNOTE: Jan's Beauty Supply closing in West Seattle Junction"

  • Sheila G July 25, 2019 (12:33 pm)

    NO! These are such lovely women…nothing can replace them.  Bless them  all for their beautiful spirit and contribution to our wonderful West Seattle Junction. I will definitely miss them. 😢 

    • Jill July 27, 2019 (12:42 pm)

      Sheila G, you said it best, what beautiful spirits, not to mention experts in their field, whom we will miss like crazy! But I am very excited for Sheri embarking on her next adventures. Best of everything to you, Sheri! And to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of being helped by at Jan’s.

  • Anu H July 25, 2019 (12:55 pm)

    How sad! they are so friendly and helpful. Jan’s Beauty Supply will be missed! Best wishes for new adventures ahead!

  • Wendy July 25, 2019 (1:04 pm)

    Sheri,I wish you the best and happiest retirement, you definitely deserve it! Thank you for all your years of service in WS. I will surely miss your smiling face!❤️❤️❤️Wendy

  • MICHELLE MYERS July 25, 2019 (1:25 pm)

    This makes me so sad!!! I drive from Kirkland every month to see these ladies. I love the old town feel of it. Sherry and Maile are like my monthly THERAPY! PLUS…I get great hair out of it!!!! I will miss this part of my life…

  • Notskgirl July 25, 2019 (1:29 pm)

    Best wishes for many years of retirement bliss. Please know that Jan’s Beauty has made a difference in the life of the Junction and so many patrons. The Junction won’t be the same without you. 

  • just wondering July 25, 2019 (2:18 pm)

    Did they ever find the thieves that stole the safe from the second floor office?

    • JC July 25, 2019 (5:17 pm)

      No they did not.

  • justme July 25, 2019 (2:30 pm)

    Sheri, you and your team, and your merchandise, will be sorely missed!! Where will we get our Mavala now?? Thanks for always the pleasant greeting and chat.You deserve a lovely retirement!

  • BarbS July 25, 2019 (2:53 pm)

    Sad indeed — so many years a successful, locally owned business!  Best wishes to all involved.  Also, what was Jan’s last name and has she been still with the store in recent years? I remember her with fondness and admiration.

  • Croissant July 25, 2019 (3:20 pm)

    I love this place, never overwhelming like the other store. Will there be discounts? Asking for a friend.

  • CMT July 25, 2019 (4:46 pm)

    We will miss you so much!!

  • Jan July 25, 2019 (5:55 pm)

    I have been retired for 8 wonderful , travel filled years.  The store was left in the most capable hands possible with my best friend and sister, Sheri.  She and her team have continued to serve the most wonderful, loyal customers in the world.  Very difficult to leave the place where many friends are treasured.  The best is yet to come!! 

    • Helga July 26, 2019 (1:09 am)

      Congratulations to both you and Shari for keeping the first ever ” over the counter Beauty Supply in the northwest” a continued successful business. You two were awesome! I wish you both continued success in your retirements and continue enjoying life to its fullest. Wish I was closer would love to come and share memories of the early days with you two.! Enjoy life!

  • My two cents ... July 25, 2019 (6:54 pm)

    Never was a customer – but congratulations on a happy retirement. Good representation of the “old” Junction that managed to navigate the ups and downs, the zigs and zags into the “new” Junction. One part happy that you get to leave on your terms, one part sad since it was part of what made the Junction.

  • Junction Lady July 25, 2019 (7:59 pm)

    My daughter got her ears pierced in this shop!  Happy Retirement-you’ve worked hard and maintained a classy place!Thank you💖

  • Calires July 25, 2019 (8:05 pm)

    I have been a frequent Jan’s customer for the 16 years I’ve lived in West Seattle.  They are always so friendly and helpful and have very reasonable prices.   The place definitely has a small town feel, like going to the “beauty shop” in the tiny town I grew up in.  I’ll miss shopping here, but happy you get to retire and enjoy your family.

    • syda Flores July 25, 2019 (8:21 pm)

      I agree! I’ve only been in W Sea 4 years,  but Sherry and Miley always welcomed my son with autism into their store & just so friendly and I love the hair color products that I bought! I will truly miss them and make sure that I go by and say that :)

  • KD July 25, 2019 (10:46 pm)

    Oh!!! I will miss all you ladies and your helpfulness and awesome products! I have been coming in for decades and don’t know where I will find some of your fantastic products and beautiful jewelry. The helpful knowledge behind each product and wisdom as I aged and the products changed that I needed. Your place was a ‘go inside it’ even if I didn’t need anything, just the walk through the outside narrow corridor won’t be the same anymore. I was hoping that the evil burglary wasn’t the final straw, and the retirement was contemplated anyway(?), but don’t t let the bad guys push you into a quicker decision. Sheri, I wish you the best of health and moving smoother with retirement. Jan and Sheri.. I was always hoping that if the day came, could you sell the business to the younger ladies that worked for you? Keep Jan’s going! They know how to do it!! 💗

  • Justducky July 26, 2019 (1:35 am)

    Where am I going to purchase my Loma products? Sally’s and Ulta don’t carry that line. Please consider selling to one of the other ladies. I like the ‘old School beauty shop’ vibe there. 

    • Michael July 26, 2019 (6:57 pm)

      JustDucky,The gentleman that cuts my hair, Alfonso at Alfonso’s Salon in the old Rainier Brewery Building sells the full line of LOMA products….just FYI. http://alfonsosalon.com/index.html

    • Tracey July 28, 2019 (8:26 am)

      Seattle Style Salon on 35th sells Loma products.  Webster and 35th, near the cow.

  • RG July 26, 2019 (5:45 am)

    Is there no way to sell your business, so your loyal customers won’t have to miss it?

  • SoAdmiralK July 26, 2019 (7:14 am)

    Love you ladies!  Best of luck.  Enjoy a well -deserved retirement Sheri! 

  • Jo July 26, 2019 (8:33 am)

    You will be missed!  Best to you & have a wonderful retirement!

  • Mrs. Bonnes July 26, 2019 (9:07 am)

    I am so sad to hear this!  I love Jan’s.  But I’m happy the business had beens such a success to maintain 30 years, and always happy to hear about someone who’s worked so hard taking the time off they deserve!

  • Sue S July 26, 2019 (10:04 am)

    This is so sad!  I wish the 2 young ladies could buy Jan & Sherrie out to continue!  It will leave a gap in WS business offerings, but more importantly, Jan & Sherrie provide a welcoming place and infinite knowledge for all things beauty.  I will miss them terribly!  Thank you for your wisdom and smiling, welcoming faces.  Best of luck to you in your retirement.  😘😂

  • Parris S. July 26, 2019 (12:45 pm)

    How bittersweet to hear this… .the business core in the Junction is certainly changing.   Jan’s has been our source for affordable quality products (plus the jewelry selection was exceptional!) and made shopping like visiting family.  Sheri , you and your staff will be missed, however best of wishes for a wonderful retirement. 

  • Diana B. July 26, 2019 (4:33 pm)

    I just found this out.  I am going into deep mourning because I do not know what I will do without these great women in my life.  I wish Sheri, Rae and Maile the very best.   I plan to tell you this in person however,  you aren’t quite rid of me yet. LOL

  • Seattlite July 28, 2019 (9:04 pm)

    Sheri and Jan are two classy ladies. Jan’s Beauty Supply has always been the go-to store for hair supplies. I will certainly miss the lovely ladies of Jan’s Beauty Supply.

  • Collin H. July 29, 2019 (1:47 pm)

    What can I say that hasn’t already, but having first worked with Sheri and Jan years ago as a sales rep, and now years later as a West Seattle resident, these ladies are something special, dare I say ICONIC :). Thank you for everything, and I am so happy for your retirement. I’d buy the shop but I think the biggest reason people shop there is just for you lovelies!

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