Abaco Gold ‘pops up’ at Poco Pelo Chic hair salon

BY TERRY SCHMIDA

Key West’s latest “pop- up” shop is actually a fusion of two established and successful brands.

About a month ago Angela Williamson-Kunkel, the owner of Abaco Gold Key West jewelry, began setting up shop at hair stylist Les Steele’s Poco Pelo Chic salon, at 1018 Truman Ave., #2.

After two decades in business at her Front Street location, Williamson-Kunkel had decided to close the store, to spend more time on personal and philanthropic endeavors – but she didn’t want to close the door entirely on the trade she’s come to love. After a brief consultation with Steele, who does Williamson-Kunkel’s hair, and actually worked at an Abaco Gold franchise location in Nantucket, Steele agreed that selling the store’s hand-selected gold, silver, and precious stone jewelry out of Poco Pelo would be a match made in style heaven.

“I decided to take a break from retailing full-time,” Williamson-Kunkel said. “But Abaco has a lot of loyal customers, many of them snowbirds, who we didn’t want to let down. And we still have a fair amount of inventory. So, Les had this idea of ‘let’s do a pop-up store,’ and we did. It’s been really well-received so far.”

Steele, whose salon is celebrating its 12 year in business, concurred.

“It’s a great blend,” he said. “We’re all about making people look good, and if somebody is here for an appointment, or waiting for a chair, we can now offer them a great price on everything from sterling silver jewelry, to gold and diamonds. Where else can you get fine hair, jewelry, and entertainment?”

“In fine company,” Williamson-Kunkel added.

The Abaco Gold owner added that she’s still able to do special orders for her clients.

Poco Pelo offers a “day salon experience,” including cuts and styles, L’Oreal hair coloring, manicures, facials, pedicures, waxing, and massages.