The Sunset Boulevard Corridor of West Columbia is a great location for a business.

In addition to the growing City of West Columbia, merchants are on a pathway between Lexington and Columbia.

“It’s a great location. The (US) 378 traffic is wonderful,” said Shonna Williams, owner of Jaas Boutique at 2313 Sunset Blvd. “I have customers who may drive by going to work in Columbia, then stop back by on the way home,” she said.

Williams also gets a lot of business from Lexington Medical Center. Some shop after their hair appointment at D.W. Headquarters Salon. It’s owned by Denise Williams (no relation) in the same space with Jaas Boutique. In fact the boutique developed after Shonna came to get her hair done at D.W. Headquarters.

“I was looking for some space to sell my jewelry,” said Shonna, and Denise had space in the salon. From three jewelry tables, Shonna added handbags, then women’s apparel. Patrons can get a new haircut and some new clothes to go with it.

Shonna said her boutique offers “something that is different” from the franchise clothing stores. “It’s more exclusive,” she said.

Denise has been in business for 10 years and Shonna started in 2013. But the two get along well with each other and it’s been a good arrangement.
Denise has been in the beauty industry 31 years and she has been the hairdresser to beauty queens and WIS-TV personality Brandy Cummings.
She said her customers come to West Columbia from Columbia, Lexington, Northeast Richland County, Irmo and Cayce.

West Columbia is just the right place. “We love it,” said Shonna, “the community has been great.”

Both business owners said the City of West Columbia has been easy to work with.
In addition to being in a high-traffic location, the two businesses also benefit from the restaurants.

“We have people come over from Grecian Gardens,” said Shonna. The landmark West Columbia restaurant is across the street. Others come from Groucho’s.

One day a woman came into Jaas and saw a photo of Janice Bryant Howroyd that Shonna had on display. Howroyd is founder of The ActOne Group personnel and the first African-American woman billionaire. The woman worked for Howroyd.

“She said when her boss comes to town the next time, she will bring her over to meet me,” said Shonna.

And Shonna will be there when she comes.
“We plan to be here in the future,” she said. Denise said the same. The only thing that would make them move is if they outgrow their space.
While the two shops of the Williams’ have been around a while, West Columbia is attracting new businesses, too.

West Point Coins opened at 132 State St. in mid-August.
“I deal in coins, currency and bullion,” said owner Bob Klotzbach.
He moved here from Philadelphia to be near his daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.

He’s been in the coin business for more than 30 years.
If you have coins, Bob said he’s willing to talk to anyone about their collection, with no pressure. He can evaluate coins, too.

“Coins are a lifelong passion of mine,” he said. He welcomes beginners and advanced collectors.