Owned by Drake and Suzie Barham, The Cottage has undergone a complete floor-to-ceiling transformation. With fresh paint, elegant décor, gold faucets throughout, and thoughtfully designed lighting, the space offers an atmosphere that is both elevated and welcoming. Every detail has been carefully curated to create a relaxing experience for clients from the moment they walk through the door.
Hope Mayor Don Still welcomed the business and praised the renovation.
“My goodness, this looks great, what a transformation,” Still said. “The city is glad to have another business here in Hope. I appreciate the investment, and I appreciate everything you do. Great crowd, by the way. I hope y’all have a great run.”
Still then introduced owner Suzie Barham to share more about the vision behind The Cottage.
“Good morning, everybody, and thank you so much for being here,” Barham said. “Seeing each person walk through the door almost felt like home. You never know who’s going to come into the kitchen next when something’s cooking, and that’s what today has felt like; one person after another. It just makes my heart so happy to see all of you here with us today. Welcome to The Cottage House of Beauty.”
Barham said the idea for The Cottage began many years ago while she was sitting in lead stylist Valerie “Val” Sundberg’s chair.
“This idea sparked a long, long time ago sitting in Val’s chair one day,” she said. “She’s been my hair girl for Lord knows how long and has taken care of so many of you in this room.”
Barham explained that she wanted to create a space that feels like home but elevated.
“It’s the kind of morning at home you wish you could have, where there aren’t ten kids running around, nothing’s burning in the oven, your coffee is still warm, and everything is quiet and peaceful,” she said. “When you walk through these doors, we want you to feel taken care of. When you leave, your shoulders feel lighter not just because you got your hair cut, but because someone poured into you. Then you’re able to go pour into others.”
Barham introduced the team that helps bring that vision to life, including lead stylist Valerie Sundberg, who manages day-to-day operations; stylists Megan Johnson, Meredith Key Ivy, and Jordan Harding; and in-house aesthetician Luci Hawthorne of Aesthetics by Luci.
Hawthorne offers professional facial services in a private treatment room, allowing clients to enjoy skincare services alongside traditional salon offerings. The Cottage provides a wide range of services including haircuts, custom color, certified hair extensions, lashes, waxing, and aesthetic treatments.
Sundberg spoke about the salon’s mission to offer more than a traditional hair appointment.
“We’re trying to make it more than just a traditional hair salon,” Sundberg said. “We want it to be an experience where you come in, relax, feel good, and get pampered. There are three of us now certified in extensions, and that’s a growing trend with so many possibilities. Of course, Luci’s facials have been something we’ve all fallen in love with. It’s not just about beauty, it’s about relaxation.”
Sundberg added that the team coming together felt meant to be.
“I really feel like all of us coming together has been a perfect God thing,” she said. “We all have different connections that brought us here. It’s been a great experience, and we just hope it continues. Y’all come join us anytime, and we’ll take care of you.”
Barham also expressed appreciation to her husband, Drake Barham and her dad, Ben Gresham, for their hands-on role in the renovation process.
“Drake has been our handyman through all of this with a little help from YouTube along the way,” she said with a smile. “This has truly been a family effort. We’re thankful for our stylists who took a leap of faith with us and helped build this beautiful place.”
Guests enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere and an impressive variety of refreshments during the celebration, including homemade treats prepared by family members.
Christy Burns, Executive Director of the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce, also shared her enthusiasm for the new business.
“We are so excited to welcome The Cottage to our Main Street community,” Burns said. “When local families invest in Hope the way Drake and Suzie have, it strengthens our entire town. The level of detail and care that has gone into this space is remarkable, and we are proud to celebrate this beautiful new addition to our business community.”
Following remarks from city and salon representatives, chamber members, city officials, friends, and supporters gathered as the ribbon was officially cut, marking the opening of The Cottage House of Beauty at 100 W 14th St.
The Cottage is open and serving clients with style, sophistication, and exceptional care. You can find more information The Cottage House of Beauty here.
