In 2016, Javonne Hagerman had a life-changing health episode that rendered her in the hospital for a month. The situation left her unable to drive and consequently losing access to some of her habitual self-care activities like doing her hair and nails. This circumstance led to the birth of a business idea – Mobile Glam Lab, a small business that Javonne founded in 2021. The business aims to meet customers at their location to offer various beauty services.
Mobile Glam Lab particularly specializes in bespoke hair and makeup services and caters to group events as well. The enterprise also provides makeup lessons, hair tutorials, and master classes for those fascinated by beauty culture and art. Interestingly, despite still making efforts at spreading the word about her business, the concept has been warmly embraced, with most feedback reflecting its uniqueness and practicality.
One of the major challenges Javonne encountered running the business was the limited capacity to take on larger parties due to the small team size. However, she’s navigating through the hurdle by planning to hire more employees in the nearest future. Looking within the core of her business, Javonne revels in the joy of ‘spoiling her brides,’ making them feel extra special on their big day. She views it as an extension of her service, going above and beyond to make her brides feel as glamorous as possible.
Besides the Mobile Glam Lab, there are other exciting industry developments. Chittick Eye Care announced plans to open a new surgical care center on the horizon in Savoy. The center, which is already under construction, is expected to kick-off in the early part of the year ahead, with a strategic plan to start laser-assisted cataract surgery from February.
Aiming to create a more inviting experience for their patients, unlike the conventional hospital environment, the center will be fitted with state-of-the-art amenities such as massage chairs and an array of refreshments. Patients will also be able to choose their preferred music during cataract surgery or LASIK, enhancing their overall surgical experience.
Meanwhile, Applied Pavement Technology, Inc (APTech), known for its specialization in pavement engineering and management solutions, has relocated its headquarters to a more spacious location at the University of Illinois Research Park in Champaign. The new headquarters, boasting up to 20,000 square feet of working space, doubles the capacity of the previous base. It promises a conducive working environment for easy collaboration among employees.
Lastly, the financial industry is not left out of the recent round of accolades. First Mid Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for First Mid Bank & Trust, has earned recognition as a 2024 Bank & Thrift Sm-All Star from the esteemed investment bank Piper Sandler. This honor, given for their exceptional profitability, growth, credit quality, and capital strength among others, positions First Mid Bancshares, Inc. as a top-performing bank within the small cap segment. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of their diverse team in providing exceptional service, innovative financial solutions, and sustained growth. First Mid continues to uphold its core value of establishing strong relationships and supporting the economic vitality of the communities they thrive in.
