ARNOLD—The Arnold community recently hosted a day of open houses in celebration of new beginnings and anniversary milestones. Four County Boutique opened at 117 South Walnut Street in December but officially held a ribbon cutting the morning of Saturday, April 17. The boutique features clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses, hats, candles, children’s toys, and much more.
MaKenna Johnson and Tammy Weinman co-own the boutique which also houses Nails for Starz by Barbara Gunther. As the story goes, love and big dreams brought these businesses together. MaKenna Johnson dates Tammy’s son, Brady, and the two women decided to move in when the building became available.
“We bought the building and tore the inside apart and got it up and going in about a month. “It was very fast and we’re very thankful for everybody that helped us because we wouldn’t have been able to do it without everybody so it’s awesome!” MaKenna Johnson told KCNI/KBBN.
In addition to co-owning the boutique, MaKenna also works as a cosmetologist. She had been traveling to North Platte to do hair but always dreamed of owning a boutique and salon. Her services include color and haircuts for men, women, and children.
Johnson, Weinman, and Gunther are glad to work together as a duel-purpose business and help each other out.
Weinman said Four County Boutique features local consignment with Carly Kay earrings design, Faith Bierman soy candles, Remind Me Designs jewelry out of Kearney. Sugar and Spice out of Lincoln, MC Creations signs and home décor, Beshaler Hot Chocolate, and more.
“They’re kind of local and we love helping them out,” Weinman said.
Four County Boutique can be found on social media and is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 308-636-8221.
Barb Gunther is also available for appointment at Nails for Starz. The 20-year nail design veteran said she loves coming to work and appreciates her loyal customers. She offers glitter, stamps, foil, water marble, dip, chrome, shellac, and gel nail services in addition to pedicures, hot rocks, foot detox, and paraffin wax. Call 308-636-6068.
“Anything you can do basically with hands and feet!” Gunther said.
Newly located at 110 West Arnold Ave., Suite 4 inside Hotel Custer is Smooth Aesthetics Spa. Heidi Horst is a licensed Esthetician serving Arnold for the last nine years. She offers skin care, facials, waxing, dermaplaning, eyebrow/eyelash tinting, eye lash perms, etc.
Smooth Aesthetics Spa is housed in what was previously an office but Horst transformed the space into a spa by redoing floors, painting, and adding a room divide to fit her needs.
Heidi Horst also works at the Good Life Spa in Broken Bow on Thursdays, Gothenburg on Tuesdays, and is open in Arnold on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Smooth Aesthetics Spa can be reached by calling 308-636-8397.
When asked about being part of Saturday’s open houses, Horst said it was great for the community.
“It’s a great day for Arnold! Lots of people are coming in for me and them both,” Horst said.
Across the hall also inside Hotel Custer is Sugar Sand Boutique. Owner Ellie Starr said the boutique opened in 2019 but began work in the new location in November 2020. Sugar Sand offers a wide range of women’s clothing, accessories, as well as some men’s items.
