Some stories take years to unfold, and this one has quietly been coming together since 1990, the year my family moved from Oak Lawn, Illinois, to Northwest Indiana, where we settled down in Cedar Lake. At the time, the region felt completely different from what it is today. Crown Point especially had a charm that felt timeless even then. One place that we always made time to visit was the historic courthouse. It was more than just a building; it was a gathering place, a landmark, and a symbol of new beginnings.
Then, it was very common for couples from Chicago to travel to Crown Point and get married at the courthouse. In fact, several of my own family members were married there in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s! That special bit of family history made every visit feel even more meaningful.
Beyond the history, I fell in love with the building itself. The little shops tucked into the bottom of the courthouse were always a highlight, and exploring them became a core memory for me.
Years later, I graduated from cosmetology school and began my career at We Got The Look, a salon in Crown Point. That experience was foundational for me. I learned how to serve clients, build trust, and completely fell in love with the industry. It was the beginning of my professional career.
After a few years, I moved to House of Bianco, where my career continued to flourish. During that time, I had the opportunity to work with Edda Taylor, a well-known photographer who was also the first business to have the privilege of calling the courthouse home. That connection made everything feel even more meaningful. In fact, I had my maternity photos taken by Edda when I was pregnant with my first daughter. Looking back, it feels incredible to see how many personal and professional milestones were made in that building.
Following my time at House of Bianco, I spent several years working in Hobart. Those years were instrumental in shaping my confidence and refining my skills. By the time I finally stepped out on my own, I had built a large and loyal clientele throughout Lake County.
One of the greatest highlights of my career has truly been the relationships with so many of those clients over the years. Working in Lake County allowed these connections to grow and blossom. They were more than just clients; they were the people who supported me, trusted me, and followed my journey through different chapters of my life.
Because of my deep connection to the community, opening a salon in Crown Point had been on my personal to-do list for nearly all of the twenty years I have been on my own. Not just anywhere in Crown Point, but specifically, the courthouse. It was a dream rooted in history, memories, and pride.
When Molly, who lives in Crown Point, joined the team in 2024, everything fell into place. With her joining the team, opening a location in Crown Point felt like the right next step. Opening our salon in the courthouse has been nothing short of surreal. Being back in Lake County, just a few blocks away from where I got my professional start, carries so much meaning for me. It’s a reminder of just how far this journey has come and how deeply rooted it is in this community.
Our first home in the courthouse was in the basement, tucked away in a brick room behind a gated doorway. After a lot of collaboration, hard work, and some love, that space was transformed into the first Waxi Taxi Crown Point location. We served so many amazing clients, did countless waxes, and made so many great memories in that space. In December 2025, we had the privilege of moving into a brighter, more spacious room upstairs. It was such a great feeling to continue our journey in the courthouse while being able to provide our clients with a more spacious, better-lit, and even more comfortable experience than before.
Today, our salon represents growth, dedication, and a deep love for the region. It represents the clients who have supported us for decades, the new faces we are excited to welcome, and honoring where we started while confidently stepping into what is next.
Every appointment, conversation, and visit is a reminder of why this journey has been so meaningful. Being in Crown Point, surrounded by history and community, feels like coming home. We are proud of how far we have come, grateful for everyone who has been part of the story, and excited to continue building something special.
