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Despite the dreary weather, the mood was cheerful as many gathered Monday morning for the official opening of Achiever’s Salon on 621 S. West Street in Bainbridge. Hosted by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce, owner Carolyn Cheatem cut the ribbon and, according to Cheatem, fulfilled a promise she made a long time ago.

“I always loved to do peoples’ hair, even as a young child,” Cheatem said, but going to school for additional qualifications was a significant deterrent for turning her passion into her career. “I really don’t like school, it wasn’t something I wanted to do,” she shared. But all that changed when the stylist unexpectedly woke up unable to move her limbs one morning, “I was in a lot of pain, and at the time I had young children and I all I could think about was how was I going to take care of them.” But as many people recount in their hour of need, Cheatem’s faith meant she knew who to turn to for help. “I just laid there and prayed to the Lord, I said Lord please have mercy on me so that I may take care of my children, if you help me get up off this bed I’ll do what you called me to do.”

Cheatem was able to get up that day but continued to suffer from chronic muscle spasms in the months following, but she has always remembered the deal she made with God that morning. “It’s been a long time, and it hasn’t been easy, but I did not stop,” she said. “I know God wanted to use me to help others, when they come into the salon and sit in my chair they’re at their lowest,” Cheatem said. “I listen to them and talk to them, and then when we’re finished and I turn them toward the mirror thier faces light up and they feel better about themselves again,” she continued, “that’s how God wants me to help others.”

“All things are possible through Christ Jesus that strengthens me, where there is unity there is strength,” Cheatem said, adding that they are very grateful for the love and support they’ve received on this journey from the whole community.