New Business Ventures Taking Root in Westmoreland County
Transformative Experiences at House of Colour
Friends Angela Vaslavsky and Sarah Thompson embarked on a transformative self-care journey that led them to make a life-changing partnership at House of Colour, located in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Their journey began with a personal color analysis—a service that has gained popularity on social media platforms.
Thompson’s first visit to House of Colour last May struck a chord with both friends. “We both had hit a point in our lives where we knew that we had to make some changes — both physically and mentally,” she shared.
After engaging in discussions with the retiring owners, the friends decided to take over the business. One year later, they have relocated and rebranded it as House of Colour Greensburg, officially opening its doors on May 1 in Unity.
This venture aligns with their personal journeys, as Vaslavsky, a mental health therapist, and Thompson, a seasoned sales professional, sought to rediscover authenticity in their lives. As Vaslavsky put it, “Sometimes we’re not even aware that we’re not being authentic to our true selves.”
Empower Her Fitness: A Community Focused on Wellness
Another noteworthy addition to the Westmoreland County landscape is Empower Her Fitness, a women-only gym set to open on June 7 in Hempfield. Founded by Tonya Holmes, the gym will extend beyond traditional offerings by providing supervised childcare during classes.
Holmes, certified in prenatal and postpartum fitness, has been running classes for mothers since September 2023. “We’ve just gotten so big over the past year that I need my own space now,” she stated, reflecting on her experience and the demand for her services.
Empower Her Fitness aims to create a welcoming environment where women at various life stages can focus on their health and wellness.
Bigfoot Brothers Collectibles: A Nostalgic Experience
Bigfoot Brothers Collectibles, another recent opening in Westmoreland County, caters to nostalgia enthusiasts. Located in Hempfield and owned by Charlie Smith and Brian Wooley, the store specializes in pop culture memorabilia, including vintage toys and classic video games.
Smith expressed that the collectibles aim to evoke fond memories: “The toys are more of a representation of the good times, carefree times,” he shared, underscoring the connection that many feel to their childhood items.
The store is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, aiming to create a communal space for visitors to reminisce and connect over shared experiences.