Moving forward with a planned salon on Campus Court, the university has begun construction, is negotiating with area stylists and has picked a name – Pura Vida.

The opening date for the new salon has been pushed back until mid-July while crews work to convert the former home of Abilene Educational Supply to a hair and nail salon.

Several local stylists said they have been in negotiations with the university to staff the location, and confirm the university has settled on Pura Vida, which means “pure life,” as the salon’s official name.

That name was one of four options floated to students in a February survey. The other options were Studio 16, Lift and 1658.

Anthony Williams, chief auxiliary services officer, said Pura Vida will employ nine stylists, two of whom will be part-time. The salon also will employ four nail technicians, two massage therapists and an esthetician, a hair-removal specialist.

Caroline Howard, co-owner of Jacques & Vernay, a salon on North Second Street in downtown Abilene, said she and her husband are negotiating to move their services to the new salon on Campus Court. If Howard moved to the new salon, so would her clients, many of whom are university faculty and staff.

Steven Stewart, a stylist at Nelda’s Styling Center on South 14th Street, said he has agreed to join the Pura Vida staff and bring his clientele.

“It’s something I’m really passionate about,” Stewart said. “I just like letting them know beauty comes from more than getting your hair done.”

Williams said the leadership team has visited other salons in the Metroplex and used a comprehensive process while planning for the salon. He said the added revenue to the university from the salon will provide the administration with more flexibility.

“When it’s all said and done, we’ll have a salon we’re proud of,” Williams said. “We’ve done our homework.”