Erika Tumey is fulfilling a lifelong dream of having her own business as she welcomes clients to Prosper Salon + Spa, which occupies a corner space at 1725 State St. in the River’s Edge retail plaza in downtown Bettendorf.

The road to Prosper took her down a few different paths, but she is grateful now for the opportunity to shape her own destiny in the space that was formerly occupied by Hairazors Salon, which was a long-time fixture in Bettendorf.

Before Hairazors owner Angela Allen passed away, she and Erika made an agreement for Erika to take the salon over “and love it just as much as Angela always had,” Erika says.

The space she has created is her own, but still radiates the love and life of Angela. She is proud that Angela’s legacy lives on in the heart of Prosper.

“Angela gave me the greatest gift I could have ever received,” Erika says.

Today, she has a team of 18 individuals, some of them who worked for Hairazors.

“We are a huge happy family,” she said.

The salon/spa offers a variety of services including hair, facials, makeup, manicures and pedicures, eyelash extensions, eyelash lifting and tinting, brow shaping, brow lamination, body waxing, spray tanning, massages and bridal party packages. A full list of services can be found on Prosper’s website and appointments can easily be booked there. Services also can be booked through messaging on Prosper’s Facebook page or by calling 563-359-8117.

Prospective clients can check out the Facebook page as well to see what specials are being offered.

Erika says many people are surprised at the size of the salon and spa, with 1,800 square feet of salon space on the main floor, and an equal amount of space on the lower level for spa services.

In an effort to acquaint clients with the spa, Prosper offers a three-hour Spa Day package that includes a pedicure, a facial and an hour-long deep massage. The three-hour experience gives a visitor the opportunity to tour the spa area and become acquainted with the services offered. The experience includes beverages and snacks.

For Erika and the Prosper team, it’s all about providing a wonderful experience for their clients.

“From the moment somebody walks in, we want them to feel welcomed,” she said. “We want them to feel it’s their space, too.”

Erika is currently renovating the space to reflect a relaxed ambiance with comfortable furnishings and earth-tone colors.

In addition to the multitude of services it offers, Prosper carries several lines of hair products, including Matrix, Redken, Mizani, SexyHair and Amika. A wide array of hair accessories like claw clips and scrunchies are offered, as well as candles, wax cubes, handmade bracelets and Prosper clothing merchandise.

It’s the perfect time of year to think about getting your kids scheduled for haircuts as they head back to school. Kids’ cuts are $20. Sparkly hair tinsel can be attached to a bead that is clamped onto the hair. The cost is $3 per bead.

“The kids love it; they feel extra special,” Erika said.

A graduate of the Davenport Paul Mitchell Hair & Beauty School before it closed, Erika likes her business location in downtown Bettendorf.

“When I come through downtown Bettendorf, I personally love seeing that the city is working hard to make this area nicer,” she said. She was proud to have her business included in the 120th Birthday Bash in June for the City of Bettendorf. Prosper sponsored several giveaways and gave a 20 percent discount on purchases of $120 and more.

“They (the city) want their businesses to be showcased and to shine,” she said. “We got to meet a lot of people.”

Erika believes it was her destiny to become an entrepreneur.

“My great-grandfather would always say, ‘Oh, Erika, you’re going to be a businesswoman someday’,” she recalls.

Erika said the name “Prosper” came to her as she was praying.

She views the word as more encompassing than just financial.

“I personally loved the idea of prosper being personal growth,” she said. “That’s my hope for everyone who comes to Prosper – creating a space that gives everyone the freedom to be who they are.”

ONLINE SPECIAL: Mention this article on your Facebook story and get a 15 percent off coupon for a service at Prosper.