What a great little write up in the east peoria times paper by Jeanette Kendall.
Thank You Jeanette for your time, It was greatly appreciated!!!
Long-time barber celebrates one year in business in East Peoria
By Jeanette Kendall East Peoria Times-Courier
Wed Jan 13, 2010, 01:50 AM CST
East Peoria, Ill. -
Camila VanOppen will celebrate one year in business Feb. 7.
VanOppen, 51, operates Camila’s Barber Shop 1818B Meadows Ave., East Peoria.
Although she is celebrating one year of business in East Peoria, VanOppen has been a barber for 25 years.
Initially, she worked out of her home and then worked at a business in Pekin for 12 years.
When her father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer,
VanOppen decided she wanted to be closer to home.
"This place came for rent and now I’m here," VanOppen said, adding that many of her customers followed her to the new location.
Now that she has made the jump as an independent business owner, VanOppen said, "I should have done it a long time ago."
VanOppen said she decided to get into the barber business because she likes the techniques of barbering.
She learned those techniques at Peoria Barber College and graduated in 1984.
Another aspect she favors is talking with and meeting people.
"You get to know ‘em — the ones that come to you all the time, they get to be like family," VanOppen said.
The relationships VanOppen has developed with her customers over the years made her want to do something special for them in conjunction with her anniversary. 
To celebrate one year in business, VanOppen hosted a drawing for a pair of tickets to the Rams and 49ers game Jan. 3. Customer Robert Mosier of East Peoria won the tickets.
Having mostly male clientele, VanOppen said she thought a football game would be appropriate.
In her conversations with the men she gives haircuts to, she said they talk about sports, hunting and funny stories.
"They crack you up," she said.
VanOppen will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at her business.
A free drawing for a gift basket for a "Valentine Night to Remember" will take place.
Free 15-minute massages will be provided from noon to 5 p.m. Avon and valentine chocolates by Isn’t That Sweet will also be on display.
VanOppen said she plans to add a massage therapist to her business in May or June and a second barber.
Military cuts and flat tops are offered at the business, where it is "walk-ins only."
Camila’s hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to noon Saturday. For more information, call 699-6000, or visit www.camilasbarbershop.blogspot.com