Meraki is a Greek word often used to describe putting something - whether it be your soul, creativity or love - into your work.
Amanda Bunch tries to radiate that type of energy, especially while working. That's why it's only fitting she open her new business, Meraki Hair Salon.
Bunch opened Meraki Hair Salon at 2422 Hyde Park Road, Suite B, in early June.
"Everybody's like, 'Ugh, I hate 2020. It's so horrible,' and it's actually been a really good year for me," Bunch said, looking around her new salon.
After wanting to open her own hair salon for years, Bunch said, it was a sign from God that pushed her to pursue her dream.
Bunch, who previously worked at Bella Capelli Salon for 13 years, was off work for about five weeks earlier this year for medical reasons. When she returned, she worked for about three weeks before the salon closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Two weeks before Bella Capelli planned to reopen, she contacted a real estate agent and discovered the Hyde Park Road location.
Two days later, she signed the lease.
"The Lord made this opportunity for me. I'm a big believer in that," Bunch said. "It is a miracle how things work out, and it's definitely God-sent how everything worked out."
Bunch went to work gathering the necessary permits and licenses to open her salon. Her landlord quickly renovated the space - adding new paint, flooring, window and plumbing - while Bunch's husband, Jamie, helped assemble furniture and decorate.
Five weeks later, Bunch opened Meraki Hair Salon and has been booked since. She is currently booked through the third week of August.
"I prayed, 'If this is your will for me, let it happen. If it's not, shut it down because I can't have an unsuccessful business,'" Bunch recalled. "Five weeks. Now tell me that's not a miracle."
While Bunch is excited to make her vision a reality, she said the most challenging part of opening the salon was saying goodbye to her former coworkers at Bella Capelli.
But Bunch said she knew it was "time to spread my wings" since she has several ideas she wants to implement.
One of those ideas is becoming a mentor to hairstylists fresh out of cosmetology school.
When students finish cosmetology school, Bunch said, they know the basics but oftentimes don't have confidence in their craft and lack the clientele. Bunch wants to provide a space where new hairstylists can learn the trade and feel comfortable asking questions.
Since Meraki Hair Salon offers haircuts, coloring and highlights, along with facial waxing, Bunch said her business would be the perfect place for new stylists to hone their skills.
"As a hairstylist, the first year is tough," she said. "You don't have a clientele, and you just want to give up. You think, 'This isn't for me. I'm not making money,' but I can assure you that if you stick with it and you have the right tools, you can be successful."
That's just one way Bunch hopes to give back to the community.
She plans to offer hairstyling classes for clients and offer her extra room for events for "pop-up shop vendors."
"I kind of like to take care of clients because they take care of me," Bunch said. "I feel like putting it out brings good back."
People can schedule appointments with Bunch by calling 573-353-5154.
The hair salon is open Tuesday through Friday, and Bunch said she is somewhat flexible on her hours.
This article was edited at 5 p.m. July 6, 2020, to correct Amanda Bunch's first name.