If you step into the new home of Shades of Beauty at 110 S. Main St. in Culver, Indiana, you’ll likely hear laughter before you even sit down. Cheerful voices singing along to a song might also fill the air. Most of all, you’ll be greeted like family.
Owners Ashley Parlett and Elizabeth Vilchiz have always envisioned their salons as more than just spaces for hair and beauty, where people feel truly seen, cared for and empowered. With established salons in Logansport and Kewanna, the Culver location became their third.
Ashley and Elizabeth first met in 2016 while working at a SmartStyle inside Walmart. Ashley, already a seasoned stylist and educator, hired Elizabeth right out of beauty school. Within two years, they opened the first Shades of Beauty in Logansport, followed by their Kewanna location.
“From the beginning, we knew we were building something beyond just a salon,” Ashley says. “We shared a vision of community and creativity—and we knew we could grow it together.”
Culver has always been special to Ashley. Some of her favorite memories are the summer days with family at Lake Maxinkuckee. “There’s something about the lake, the people and the pace of life here,” she says. “It’s been a dream to live and work in this town.” Elizabeth agreed: “The charm of Culver is undeniable. And when a friend who owns The Hub Barbershop next door encouraged us to open here, we knew the timing was right.”
Shades of Beauty originally opened temporarily beside The Hub at 110 N. Main St. As their clientele quickly grew, the team relocated to a thoughtfully designed space at 110 S. Main St., offering more room and amenities to reflect their expanding services and welcoming spirit.
Today, the full-service salon offers treatments including balayage, highlights, perms, hair extensions, eyebrow lamination, eyelash extensions, waxing, teeth whitening and bridal styling. They also offer Botox, facials and hydro facials through trusted local partners, and welcome clients of all ages, including children.
A standout team member is Dylan Lewis, affectionately known as their “right-hand man.” Originally a client, Dylan quickly became an essential part of the team. Today, he manages piercings and salon upkeep and brings a warm, upbeat presence. He is certified in every service he provides and was highly trained at ASFA Academy. “He’s like a brother to us,” Elizabeth says. “He jumps in wherever we need him, and clients adore him.”
Also partnering in the business is Wendy Perez, a skilled nail artist with five years of experience specializing in manicures and pedicures. Known for her precision and warm presence, she creates a pampering experience for each client and adds to the salon’s full-service appeal.
That welcoming energy defines the Shades of Beauty experience. Ashley and Elizabeth lead a combined team of 10 across all three locations and are passionate about mentoring new stylists. “We’re building a salon family,” Elizabeth says. “Clients become friends, and professional friends sometimes become coworkers.”
The strong friendship between Ashley and Elizabeth continues to guide the business. “We balance each other out,” Ashley says. “We’ve weathered every high and low together and always have each other’s backs.”
Both women come from entrepreneurial families. Elizabeth, originally from Chicago and now in Logansport, grew up helping with her family’s Mexican restaurant. Ashley, from Star City, credits her drive to her mother, a Family Dollar manager and business owner, and her father, a longtime supervisor in manufacturing.
Those roots shape the salon’s culture—lively, supportive and real. “We sing, we joke, we share stories,” Ashley says. “Sometimes people just need a safe space to talk. We’re here for that too.”
“We’ve been part of weddings, graduations—even gender reveals,” Elizabeth adds. “It’s an honor to be trusted with those moments.”
Shades of Beauty is also known for its color artistry, with Matrix products at the center of their work. “Color is our specialty,” Ashley says. “We’re always training on the latest techniques, such as butterfly extensions.”
With their Culver salon now fully transitioned into its new home, the team is focused on growing sustainably. “We love what we do,” Ashley says. “But our long-term goal is to grow the team so we can spend more time with our families without stepping away from what we’ve built.”
Faith and family are foundational for both owners. Ashley has two children, and Elizabeth has two, with another on the way. They are active members of Heartland Church in Winamac, and their values—compassion, humility and encouragement—are woven into every client experience.
Ashley enjoys singing and spent her younger years performing in church and school theatrical productions. Elizabeth finds joy in fashion and trends. Both love music, and the salon often feels like a stage with all the humming and laughter.
“Our mission is simple,” Elizabeth says. “We want every person who walks through our doors to leave feeling better—inside and out.”
Dylan Lewis reflects on his experience:
“I’ve been working with them for six years, and from the first salon we started, it felt like we became more of a family. Ashley and Elizabeth are a great team to work with—they love what they do. They love their clients. We all just come together now as a group, and we’re like family now, so I love that.”
Visit or book an appointment at one of their three locations in Culver at 110 S. Main St. or by calling 574-242-2931, Kewanna at 107 E. Main St. or by calling 574-230-3446 or Logansport at 529 E. Market St. or by calling 574-516-7716. You can also learn more by visiting their Facebook page or Instagram at 50 Shades of Beauty.
