As a teacher of young adults at Creative Hairstyle Academy, Kristen Owensby learned about MySpace pages. But it took her entrepreneurial streak to use the social networking site to her advantage. She created a page to promote her new business, Femina Salon and Spa.

"On the page, I would catch up with old high school friends, and then would link to friends of friends," she said. "So when I decided to open the salon, I'd post a bulletin for all my friends to see. I'd offer specials ... Since word of mouth is such good advertising, it worked for us."

When most salons open, they count on a few experienced stylists to bring in existing clientele. But Owensby hired her most promising students when she opened Femina, which didn't have an established client base.

"I knew their work and their work ethic," Owensby said. "I also knew they have the drive and enthusiasm. I taught them and know their foundation. The work of these girls is better than most experienced hairstylists. We are also able to charge a little less than our competition because we're new and they're new."

It was fate that another student, Dave Watts, met Owensby. Watts had already built the salon and was planning to open it for his daughter. But when those plans changed, he also enrolled at Creative. Owensby was his teacher.

"By law, you have to have a cosmetology license to open a salon," she said. "We met and it was decided that I would open the salon, but Dave wanted to finish his training. He is an accountant with 35 years of experience, so he does our book work and I handle the rest."

The salon offers cuts, styling and color, while the spa handles manicures, pedicures, waxing, threading, facials, body treatments and make-up applications.

"We wanted to create an environment where people could really feel at home," Owensby said. "The way the salon is laid out, its very private and people like that."

Since opening, all of the stylists have been working together to grow the business.

"I love being in business for myself, setting my own schedule," she said. "I also feel that I'm no longer building a clientele just for myself, but for everyone here."

Femina Salon and Spa

Location: 3125 45th St., Highland

Phone: (219) 924-8362

Owners: Kristen Owensby and Dave Watts

When opened: September

Number of employees: Five

Web: myspace.com/faminasalonandspa

Type of business: Full service salon and spa