Mother-daughter duo Alice Cummings and Abbie Rivera have cultivated something special at Desert Lotus Salon, a sanctuary of beauty and self-care in Pahrump. For Alice, the salon business runs deep—both of her grandmothers were hairdressers, immersing her in the world of beauty from an early age. With roots in the industry and a passion for creating something of her own, Alice opened her first salon near Big 5 in town, operating solo until a pivotal moment led her to expand.
Abbie shared the same dream, and ventured to hair school to continue the family tradition. When Abbie went to Alice about running her own salon, the two began the next chapter of their career journey together by remodeling an old storefront that once housed a comic book shop and, before that, a Speedy Cash. “We gutted it down to the studs and built it from the ground up—it’s truly our little dream come true,” Alice reflects.
Now three years in operation, Desert Lotus Salon, located at 351 Hwy 160, W Frontage Rd (next to Jewelry of Romance), has become more than just a business. Alice rents space to independent stylists, estheticians, and a nail technician, fostering an environment where these professionals can grow their clientele. “Three of our girls are fresh out of school, and it’s so rewarding to see them grow and develop their skills,” adds Abbie, who handles the salon’s human resources. “Watching them build a clientele and find their confidence is amazing.” They also offer a boutique area with unique goods for sale.
A Talented Team of Beauty Experts
Each member of the Desert Lotus team brings unique expertise to the salon, providing clients with a wide range of specialized services:
- Alice Cummings: As co-owner and veteran stylist, Alice offers hair color, cuts, and styling for men, women, and children. With over two decades of experience in the Pahrump beauty industry, she takes pride in building deep connections with her clients. “Many of my clients feel like family,” Alice shares. “We’ve experienced everything together—good times and bad.”
- Abbie Rivera: In addition to managing the salon’s human resources, Abbie provides essential support to her team. Her expertise helps newer stylists build their clientele by increasing their online presence. “I love helping everyone grow, especially the younger stylists,” Abbie says.
- Kami Saunders: Kami is known for her mastery in keratin complex treatments, which help clients achieve smooth, frizz-free hair. She is also a specialist in color and precision haircuts. Her loyal clientele trust her for her extensive experience and skill in both classic and contemporary styles.
- Diana Negron-Kortze: Diana is a textured hair specialist, focusing on curly haircuts, hair extensions, and custom color. Her passion lies in helping clients embrace their natural curls. She also excels in extensions, providing seamless, voluminous looks.
- Hailey Hosino: Known as the salon’s blonde and vivid color specialist, Hailey creates vibrant looks that turn heads. Whether working on platinum blondes or rainbow hues, Hailey’s attention to detail ensures stunning results. She also offers precision haircuts to complement her color work.
- Bianca Baron: Bianca offers a wide range of services, including color, perms, and cuts for men, women, and children. Her versatility makes her a go-to stylist for families. Bianca’s ability to connect with clients of all ages makes her a beloved member of the team.
- Makinlee Wallace: Makinlee is one of the salon’s talented estheticians, specializing in facials, dermaplaning, and light therapy. Her expertise in skincare makes her a trusted resource for clients seeking both relaxation and results.
- Olivia Bennett: Olivia, another skilled esthetician, focuses on lash and brow services, including lash lifts, brow lamination, and tinting. Her precision with lash and brow treatments ensures clients leave looking polished and refreshed.
- Tracy Rau: Tracy is the salon’s dedicated nail technician, offering a variety of services such as acrylics, Gel-X nails, and hard gel manicures. Known for her artistic touch, Tracy enjoys creating beautiful, durable designs.
Building Community and Nurturing Connections
Alice and Abbie emphasize that Desert Lotus Salon is more than just a place for haircuts—it’s a space where friendships are built. “Many of our clients feel like family,” Alice shares. “I’ve had clients get life-changing calls in my chair—whether it’s good news, like the birth of a grandchild, or heartbreaking moments. You really build a deep connection with people over the years.”
The salon fosters this sense of community through events, like their annual Small Business Saturday vendor fair, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. “We don’t charge vendors to participate. It’s just about bringing the community together,” Alice says. They also host a “Sip and Shop” event, where clients can explore items from the salon’s micro-boutique, a passion project for Abbie.
“Our micro-boutique has really taken off,” Abbie explains. “We carry everything from cozy cardigans to sterling silver jewelry and crystal bracelets. It’s been a great addition, especially when people come in to buy last-minute gifts.”
Staying Ahead of Industry Trends
Education is a priority at Desert Lotus. The team regularly attends trade shows and workshops, even hosting educational events at the salon to bring in outside experts. “You have to keep learning in this industry,” Alice emphasizes. “We learn from each other, from YouTube, and even from our clients.” Despite the changing names of haircuts and styles—like the “wolf cut,” which Alice jokes is just a modern take on the shag—the team stays ahead of trends to meet their clients’ evolving needs.
Adapting to these trends also means managing expectations. “It’s not just about doing what the client asks,” Alice says. “We have to educate them too. If someone wants a dramatic change, we ask about their lifestyle. If you’re not going to style your hair every day, certain looks just aren’t practical.”
Challenges and Triumphs
While the salon has flourished, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Alice reflects on the difficulties of opening a business, from navigating bureaucratic hurdles to managing rising costs. “We were lucky to find a building with good rent, but the cost of running a salon has skyrocketed,” she says. However, Alice is grateful that their loyal clientele understands the value of their services. “Our clients are willing to pay for quality—they even give me raises without me asking,” she laughs.
Alice’s proudest moment as a salon owner came when Abbie expressed her desire to open a salon together. “We gave Keoki (Alice’s husband) a list of what we needed, and he made it happen,” Alice recalls warmly. Abbie adds, “We’ve created a space where everyone’s vibe matches, and we support each other—it’s truly a community within these walls.”
Looking to the Future
With new homes popping up in the area and people moving in from other states, Alice and Abbie see opportunity for further growth. “We’ve built relationships with local realtors to include our business cards in welcome baskets for new homeowners,” says Abbie. “There’s still a lot of room for growth, even in a town where salons seem to be on every corner.”
As for advice to aspiring beauty professionals, Alice encourages them to embrace the personal side of the business. “It’s not just about social media—it’s about building trust with people face-to-face,” she says. “It’s a saturated market, but if you have something unique to offer and are willing to put in the time, it’s a rewarding career.”
Through their passion, hard work, and deep community connections, Alice Cummings and Abbie Rivera have transformed Desert Lotus Salon into more than just a beauty business—it’s a place where dreams come true, friendships are built, and everyone leaves feeling their best.
