In Old Town Berea, one of the town’s oldest structures has been home to just about everything. Built in 1912 as a jail, it later became the city hall, then a church, a wood shop, a jewelry store, and a candle shop.
Shuttered after that for 5-6 years, following months of renovation, the doors are now open again. This time as Golden Hour Salon.
“This building has been part of so many people’s journeys in life,” owner Amber Spurlock said. “I’m really glad she’s part of mine too.”
A stylist of 20 years, Amber took a leap to purchase the building in 2025. Most of her time as a hairdresser was spent at a salon owned by Nancy Coffey, a longtime family friend and mentor.
“I always thought about what it might look like to have something of my own,” she said.
As Nancy looked to retire from owning a shop, the timing felt right. After connecting with Mountain Association for financing to purchase and overhaul the building, it began to fall into place.
Turning the old building into the salon of her dreams wasn’t simple. Because it’s on the Historic Registry, everything had to be done carefully. That meant reworking plumbing, updating electrical systems, and installing proper ventilation, all without losing the building’s character.
“Everything right down to the screws and the toilet handle is period accurate, thanks to Matt.”
Matt Cox, Amber’s boyfriend, spent months helping bring the space back to life. He said it took a lot of late nights and essential support from their friends and family to help hand paint signs and other tasks. All the small details like an old wooden phone, custom-made brass door plates and vintage porcelain lights from a Knoxville warehouse make the space what it is now.
“We wanted the building to honor its history and the history of the community,” Amber said. “Because so much of what I do is about community, meeting people and building relationships.”
Being in the heart of Old Town Berea also means being part of the town’s tourism efforts. Outside the salon, Amber does a themed bench to give visitors a photo opportunity. This spring, they hosted a car show featuring Matt’s Mayberry Sheriff vehicle. People often poke their heads in to see the space and talk with the stylists. Four stylists work in the building, including Nancy who now is able to work under Amber’s business, a “full-circle” moment for both.
When asked her advice for fellow entrepreneurs on a recent podcast, after laughing and saying, “get you a praying friend,” Amber said, “Find someone who supports you. If it wasn’t for Mountain Association, I couldn’t have done any of this. They 100% gave me my journey.”
Regina Becknell, Senior Lender, said, “Bringing new life to these historic buildings is vital to a small town like Berea. Entrepreneurs like Amber, with a vision and a solid plan, make this kind of meaningful investment in the community possible. We’re honored to have supported her with Golden Hour.”
