Lafayette, La (KADN)- The Northgate Mall has been a staple of Lafayette's northside for many decades. Though it's been on the decline in the last few years with numerous businesses leaving, and even discussions about whether the mall should be torn down.
"I remember being a kid walking into this mall, this entire mall lit up. I want it to be all it ever was when I was a kid."
North Lafayette entrepreneur Shakelsha McZeal says opening her nail salon inside the Northgate Mall felt just right when it came to finding a place to cater to her clients. "Go on the southside or come on the northside. It was more that I want to feel at home. I want my clients to feel at home. The door was open for me, it was like walking in this the Northgate mall is home. I just want to make the northside better."
Wanting to be successful more than anything, soon after opening her doors she knew she made the right decision in terms of location.
"The people walk here and they stop and they are like oh my god it's beautiful inside here, like what are you going to do? I say I'm going to do nails and they are like we have been praying for you. We've been waiting for that to be back on the northside," says McZeal.
The best part is those she services that walk through the door.
"The bride that I just did, she was like oh my god this is pretty, I really like this. Outside of the business part of it, I am able to reach others. I'm still able to make them feel beautiful by just doing their nails," expressed McZeal.
Loyal customer Tenesha Gallien says she'll bring a lot to offer to the mall. "She is the only person that can get me to step outside my comfort zone as far as designs and just making you feel comfortable at home. I always feel at home here with her doing my nails."
Through it all, McZeal hopes new business owners know there is great potential to invest in this mall. "You can do whatever you put your mind to. You don't have to worry about place it doesn't matter where you are. When god wants to bless you he will. He put my name on here before I even came here."
As there is a possibility of the Northgate mall being closed completely McZeal believes instead of tearing it down renovating the mall is the better option. As there are great businesses everyone would love within the mall
