By Imari Scarbrough For the SNAP

Although Albemarle has a variety of shops, Tina Cannon said she noticed a glaring deficit: she could find nowhere to purchase a bottle of wine from someone who knew what they were talking about, or find beauty products, clothes and salon services — all in the same place. Cannon’s Unique Boutique and Wine Shop was born from that gap in services, Cannon said. “I want to be different from everyone else,” she said. “There are a few other boutiques in town, and I want to carry different products.” Not only does she want to stock something different than other shops, but she wants customers to be able to knock several items off their list at once. “This is a one-stop shop in a way,” Cannon said, pointing out that the shop carries everything from signature label food items to alcohol and from jewelry to salon services. Decorative lawn flags hang in the window, and jewelry, lotions and makeup line the shelves. The store offers shirts, scarves, necklaces, bracelets, imported wine and beer and more. Cannon offers one local wine and may add more soon, she said. Most of her wines are from around the world: France, Argentina, Australia and other locations. The salon offers daily services and special event packages for wedding parties, prom attendees and others needing to look their best. Customers can have their hair, mani-pedis, facials, body waxing and back facials done in the salon, then shop for their favorite products. A massage therapist rents a room in the store. Cannon tries to carry something for everybody. Those setting up for a romantic evening can find bralettes, wine and bath bombs, and someone updating their wardrobe can choose from a select variety of clothing and accessories. Customers with allergies to many makeup lines may enjoy cosmetics Cannon selected. Cannon said Jane Iredell is typically only found at dermatologists’ offices while Cailyn is usually found at Macy’s and Dillard’s, but she decided to stock both to provide customers with quality cosmetics options. Both provide good coverage, and Jane Iredell is natural, she said. The store has only been open a few weeks, but Cannon said she already has plans to expand and hopefully move to a larger location, should business do well. This isn’t her first business venture: the entrepreneur has sold a homeschool curriculum both online and in a store in Davie County, sold real estate, owned a restaurant and has sold cosmetics before opening Cannon’s. She also has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Catawba College. Cannon commutes from her home on High Rock Lake in Salisbury to the shop each day, is married and has a 27-year-old daughter. Wine tastings will be offered on Saturdays and will likely feature wines from a particular country each time. On Feb. 9, she offered tastes from Spain. Cannon is running three promotions through the end of February and offers specials on the store’s Facebook and Instagram pages. She also plans to set up a website and set up offers through Groupon and RetailMeNot. One current offer is to buy one, get one item half-price, with the exception of alcohol and sale items. Customers can also purchase one $20 bottle of sparkling wine and get a bath bomb and Jane Iredell cosmetic sampler (about $15 worth of products) free. The third is a special for a $60 chocolate back facial with a complimentary hour-long massage and mimosa. She is setting up a 50 Shades of Red theme to coincide with the release of “Fifty Shades Freed,” the final movie in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy. With the movie’s release in theaters on Feb. 9 and Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, Cannon decided to offer clothing, nail polish, bralettes, scarves and other items all in red. Cannon is also searching for another nail technician and part-time hair stylist. Cannon’s is at 720 N.C. Highway 24-27 Bypass East, Suite 15 in Albemarle between Coach’s and Dickey’s near Big Lots. For more information, visit call (704) 986-2966. Imari Scarbrough is a freelance contributor for The Stanly News & Press.