CHOCOWINITY — It’s an unlikely spot for a beauty salon.

Drive down N.C. Highway 33 in Chocowinity, and at a quick first glance, it appears to be a small house. Walk inside, however, and the view is transformed.

For almost a year, Linda Hudson has put in the sweat and tears needed to open her own business — All About You Salon & Tanning. Out of work for a while before this venture, Hudson said it was a big transition to dive in as a business owner.

She knew what she wanted, though.

“I just wanted my own salon,” Hudson said, adding that husband Stan played a big role in making it happen.

The small building was previously used for offices and two florists, so it underwent renovations to make it suitable for the salon equipment. Hudson said two extra rooms were installed and electrical wiring put in place for styling equipment.

“He had to go back in, he had to rewire the whole place,” Hudson said of Stan.

Although challenging, opening All About You was a team effort. Stylist Donna Gurley was there from the beginning to help, and stylist Elizabeth Beacham has recently joined the team.

“It’s kind of like we’re our own little family,” Hudson said. “It’s kind of scary because we think alike.”

Hudson said it has been a positive work environment, and working with Gurley and Beacham has proven to be a good experience in which everyone gets along.

“We teach each other what we know,” she said.

The main goal now is to spread the word to more people about the salon, but Hudson said they are also already considering plans for future growth.

She said she would like to see a pedicure room, facial room and another tanning room added on.

“We’re hoping more and more that the community will jump in here,” Hudson said. “A lot of people just don’t know we’re here.”

All About You Salon & Tanning is located at 2051 N.C. Highway 33 West, Chocowinity.