Growing up, Danielle Watson wanted to be a hair and makeup artist for celebrities in Hollywood.Fate took her on a different path, so now she gives local clients the celebrity treatment.Watson is the owner of Charlee Darling Luxury Salon and Spa on North West Second Street in Wright City. The space offers three hair stations, a bridal room, shampoo room, a spray tan area and a service room for eyelash extensions, massage, facials and waxing.When guests arrive, they will immediately notice the calming fragrances from candles and products that fill the space.Watson started doing hair in about 2004 and began working at a salon in Wentzville in 2005. After much consideration, she opened Charlee Darling in January.“I always said I was going to (open my own salon) but I didn’t think I would,” she said.When she made up her mind, though, it was as good as done. She made the decision at the end of last year, and she had the help and support of her family to find, update and open the salon once she found a space.She found the spot right off Interstate 70 in a former tanning salon. Watson put her own interior design touches on the space, making it both feminine and comfortable with soft colors, decorative pillows, chandeliers and repurposed old doors and windows.The work was completed in a matter of weeks.“I had clients in Wentzville and Warrenton and this was in the middle,” Watson said. “Pretty much everyone followed me. It’s been very busy.”It has been so busy that Watson would like to add an additional hairdresser or two.One longtime client, Linda Smith, comes as far away as St. Charles. Smith was getting the star treatment for her wedding.“I drive far to follow (Watson),” Smith said. “It’s a friendly environment. She keeps up with trends and it’s full service. Everything is here.”Smith added that the staff goes above and beyond expectations.Watson is serious about staying on top of trends. Being an educator for Alterna Haircare helps.“That keeps me very up to date (with trends) and I do a lot of continuing education,” she said. “I want to be able to do the newest of anything.”She also likes that Charlee Darling is gaining a reputation of being welcoming and friendly, and a place where friends gather.“A lot of best friends come in to get their hair done together,” she said.The salon is now taking appointments with high school students to take advantage of services in time for prom. The salon is offering packages for updos, makeup and spray tans.For more information, call the salon at 636-791-1298.

Danielle Watson is the owner of Charlee Darling, a hair salon and spa that recently opened in Wright City. Record photo/ Kate Miller.