Photo by Lynnette Hoffman - Steamboat Plaza's staff offer salon, gift shop, and café services.
Steamboat Plaza was opened on Saturday, June 25, 2016, in Toledo by Steve Dobosh, mayor of Toledo, and Rachel Phillipps, owner of Phillipps Insurance.
The Plaza offers a full-service hair salon, cafe and gift shop; something that was not previously available in the Cowlitz Basin. Dobosh initially came up with the idea for the business, talked it over with Phillipps, and the next thing they knew Steamboat Plaza was up and running.
The hair salon has three stylists: Nicki Rowland, Morgan Rugg, and Jena Wold.
"We offer a full-service salon, including hair, waxing, pedicures, manicures and artificial nails," Rowland explained.
When asked about what it's like to work in the community in which she lives, Rowland replied, "I love everything about it, meeting the locals, being a part of the community."
Plaza co-owner Phillipps is known to many in the Toledo area. Of her motivation for opening the business, Phillips explained that she wanted a gathering place where people can sit and visit or have a small meeting, and where the community can enjoy a fabulous cup of coffee while using the free Wi-Fi.
The gift shop offers a variety of gifts all made by local artists, Phillips noted.
"We offer great gifts and you don't have to go in to the bigger cities, too, for your gifts," Phillipps said, adding, "We also support our schools. We offer Toledo Indian tumblers. Purchase a tumbler and you get a free drink. All the proceeds go to the Point Guard Club."
When asked what she'd like to say to the community, Phillipps stated, "If you haven't tried us, please come in and give us a try."
Here in the Cowlitz Valley, Steamboat Plaza is the only place where you can sit inside and have a nice coffee drink, and in the weather we've been having, a warm drink is highly recommended.