The Mustache Lounge’s success means it’s an appointment-only barbershop, with bookings best made in advance.
“First and foremost, we’re known for our great hair cutting and great relationships with our clients. Our reputation is so good, we’re so busy that people need to book two to three weeks ahead,” says owner Luis Aguilar.
He says the atmosphere is enjoyable with lots of clients lingering to watch sports on TV or listen to music. “We create a fun experience for our clients,” says Aguilar.
Popular styles include traditional looks along with trends including textured styles, crops and low fades. Men are also opting for full beards.
“I got started in the business after watching my mom do hair when I was 16. Now I enjoy seeing my own clients. Some have become friends and it’s always nice to catch up with them.”
After 10 years in his Munster practice, Dr. Jason Petrungaro says word of mouth from satisfied and grateful patients has burnished his reputation as a trusted cosmetic surgeon.
“I take a lot of extra time to physically sit with patients at my desk in my office to hear their personal needs and any concerns. It’s not a nurse coming in, taking information and then just a few minutes with the doctor. It’s important for me and for my patients to establish a rapport,” says Petrungaro.
Board certified in plastic surgery, Petrungaro explains options and the surgery and recovery process. Then it’s into the exam room, where he assesses and makes recommendations. He says some of the most popular procedures are tummy tucks, breast augmentation and lifts, liposuction and body contouring after weight loss.
“I’m not a paternalistic, overbearing person. That’s very important to me. I treat my patients the way I want to be treated. That’s part of my job as a safe surgeon delivering world class results.”
For more than 20 years, Color Room Salon & Day Spa has offered relaxation and rejuvenation, says owner and CEO Pamela Anderson.
“We are deeply committed to delivering an exceptional guest experience, with premium services including massages, facials and body treatments,” says Anderson.
Skilled therapists use the finest products including the HydraFacial spa treatment that delivers instant, visible improvements with complexion refreshed, hydrated and radiant, says Anderson.
The ambiance includes calming decor, soothing aromas and serene music. “It’s a peaceful retreat from the everyday,” says Anderson. “We are proud to invest in the development of new aestheticians and the continuous education of our staff, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the latest techniques and products.”
The business regularly features discounts and special promotions.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful communities that honored us with 2025’s Best of the Region for Day Spa.”
Color Room Salon & Day Spa also was voted Best Place for a Massage.
Whether you’re 13 or 75 years old or more, Top Fuel CrossFit has workouts for you, says Dustin Shurlow, owner of the Crown Point location, who helps match workouts to a client's ability.
“The programs are so important because they help you in ways you hope to maintain for the rest of your life, like squatting, sitting and getting up from the couch and picking things up off the ground,” says Shurlow.
Since 2013, Top Fuel CrossFit has provided exercises to strengthen bodies with an emphasis on functional workouts. “Our functional workouts reflect movements people use at work or play,” says Shurlow. The classes also foster camaraderie, Shurlow says. “It’s fun and they see results. People are very encouraging for each other. And you really develop true friendships.”
Feedback in classes takes the guesswork out of the process, Shurlow says, with coaches guiding people to get the most out of their workout.
A welcoming vibe and staying on top of trends are two goals Cut Up & Dye strives for with each client, says owner Melissa Mullin. “We have a fun, laid-back atmosphere” for women, children and men.
Mullin, who specializes in hair coloring, says balayage is a popular option, providing a pop of color with less maintenance. One of Mullin’s stylists specializes in men’s cuts, and she notes boys are opting for perms.
Mullin says social media has changed the industry a lot. “It’s super fun to see what people see on the internet and asking for that,” says Mullin. “We stay ahead of the trends, keeping ourselves educated with classes. That also keeps us up-to-date with terms, like the Farrah Fawcett look that’s now called a wolf cut.”
Higher Level Nutrition serves Crown Point and surrounding communities with customized health and wellness plans designed to help customers advance their nutrition.
“We have a great team here that helps get the results for people wanting to achieve their goals of weight loss, weight maintenance, weight gain or increasing energy,” owner Greisel Gomez says, adding that’s achieved in a family-fun atmosphere where people come in to socialize.
Higher Level Nutrition offers a free body scan and body evaluation with one-on-one coaching with a certified nutritional coach. Nutrition counseling and fitness plans are designed to increase energy, reduce weight and improve overall wellness.
Among the products offered are supplements, protein shakes, tea concentrates and protein waffles, “a big hit with customers,” says Gomez.
People can sign up for an in-person, phone or email consultation about personal health goals.
“I believe lash extensions are meant to enhance your look just the way you want,” says Delaney Starcevich, owner of Starbeautyxo. “I want my clients to achieve beauty that feels like it’s truly their own.”
She offers options including a full set of lash extensions for a longer look; mega volume for a dramatic look; a hybrid set with classic and volume extensions for a textured, dimensional look; and an Angel set for a natural, wispy look.
“The Angel set has become our most popular one; it’s so pretty,” says Starcevich. Other services include filling small gaps that can occur from loss of natural lashes and extensions, perfect for a quick fix before an occasion, she says.
Starcevich says it’s important to have extensions removed professionally to avoid permanent damage to natural lashes. “I’ve seen it, and it’s so unfortunate.”
“Our mission is to create a safe, welcoming space where beauty meets empowerment,” says Starcevich.
At Skin by Jo, owner Joanne Linaris says some of the most in-demand treatments are dermaplaning, the Glow Renewal facial and HydraFacial.
“These are client favorites for delivering instant results. The treatments enhance skin radiance and boost overall confidence,” says Linaris.
She’s also seeing growing interest in exosome therapy and advanced skin rejuvenation treatments. "Clients are becoming more knowledgeable and are seeking science-backed, results-driven options,” says Linaris.
There’s also a strong movement toward skin barrier repair and a “less is more” approach. “People want healthy, glowing skin with minimal downtime and a more holistic approach.”
When Rosalie Black looked for a lower-impact workout and couldn’t find one in Northwest Indiana, she started her own business. Wanting to bring something else unique to the area, Black included a heated studio.
The benefits of a heated studio are several. Black says heat helps increase flexibility, improves circulation and allows the body to move more freely. “And sweating makes you feel mentally refreshed.
“Our popularity is because we truly care. From the front desk to the instructors, everyone is so passionate and caring.”
It’s not just a workout, it’s a community, says Black. "I love how happy our clients are when they come in, and that reflects the passion of our staff.”
The key goals are to sculpt, tone and strengthen. “It’s designed to help our clients feel physically and mentally refreshed. It can truly have such a great impact on mental health.”
“Yoga meets you exactly where you are; there are no prerequisites, no certain level needed to begin yoga practice,” says owner Sarah Johnson, adding that clients gain strength, flexibility, balance and peace of mind.
"We have challenging classes, but we are also a very beginner-friendly studio, with many options for those who are new to yoga" of all ages. Classes range from gentle yoga, chair yoga and beginners yoga to Vinyasa, Pilates, Kundalini Yoga and Yin Yoga. There’s kids yoga, and the five-week Little One Plus One returns May 30.
Classes are scheduled seven days along with pop-up classes and workshops.
“Our clients and our teachers are simply amazing. I am so grateful for the joy and peace this studio brings to others,” says Johnson.
