The District Chronicles

Issue date: 9/13/09 Section: Business

Media Credit: Robert Eubanks/Staff Photographer

Classic soul by the O'Jays plays while a host of customers converse about the events of the week. The ladies unwind as they allow magical fingers to probe the depths of their scalp at Epiphany's Salon and Spa.

Offering hair care for natural and chemically treated hair, Epiphany's Salon and Spa uses an array of products such as Carroll's Daughter, Design Essential and Paul Mitchell that allow customers with all textures to obtain their desired look. Shampooing, conditioning, cornrows, locks, perms, relaxers and color are just some of the services available. The upstairs spa offers Swedish and deep-tissue massages that include full body, three session packets, focus work and seat massages.

Husband and wife team Frank and Tika Sheffield started the salon and spa six years ago. The husband handles the paperwork, and the wife creates hair works of art.

After graduating from Hampton University in 1988 with a mass media degree, Frank Sheffield remained in Virginia. While there he worked in commercial radio in management positions and as an on-air personality.

When his mother became ill, he returned to D.C, where he became an entertainment publicist for local artists. SEI Entertainment is his agency and is housed in the same building as the salon and spa.

Tika Sheffield has always done hair. She earned her cosmetology license in 1995 at the now-closed Chamberlin in Southeast D.C. She first worked in a salon called Ian's on C and 15th St., SE. After eight years she left Ian's to start Epiphany's--taking a significant amount of clientele.

"I love Tika. I've been going to Tika for about ten years," says Karen Griffin of Stafford Va. "She's very much into hair versus style," "I travel fifty minutes just to get my hair done by her."

Another client from Ida's is Michelle Lawrence, who's mother, the late Juanita Campbell was Tika Sheffield's first client. "Tika knows when I haven't had enough water because my hair is dry. I've never had a stylist who paid that much attention," says Lawrence, who also brings her daughter.

"Some people are just concerned about style," Tika Lawrence confirms. "I don't just focus on hair but the person."

The only thing the Sheffield's have ever heard a customer complain about is parking. "Parking on U Street, with it being so busy and all, is a hassle," Frank Sheffield bemoans.

With 50 to 60 customers weekly and bi-weekly, Epiphany's longevity does not seem to be threatened even with gentrification. "I feel its good the city is changing, but I feel bad about people who can't afford to stay."

The Sheffield's understand the ups and downs of business. They have reinvented themselves by renovating the salon. The Sheffield's are satisfied with their business. They have a great working relationship and great success. T. Sheffield declared, "I never felt like quitting because I love when people tell a customer, 'I love your hair.'"

Address: 1514 U Street., NW, Washington, DC
Phone: 202.319.1600

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