This section of town—on Lincoln Avenue between Malone Road and Curtner Avenue—is a spot were residents can find a bevy of beauty salons. But despite the prevalence of salons within a two-block radius, business owners say they don't feel the pressure of competition for customers.

Within a short distance of each other, customers will find a selection of five salons: Darling Nails, Beauty Spa, Lynn's Nails, Heaven Eleven and Kuttin' Up.

"I don't mind the presence of other beauty stores," said Kuttin' Up Full Service Salon owner Rachell Lawson. "We all have different clientele, so we don't interfere with each other."

Lawson says the 25-year-old business has had ample time to build up a large clientele and that the salon relies on customer referrals to attract new clients, while neighborhood customers and walk-ins account for about 10 to 15 percent of the store's business. The salon is also unique because it is particularly geared to African American clients, Lawson said.

Lawson relocated the salon, which was previously located at Bascom and Hamilton avenues, to 2094 Lincoln Ave. when she purchased the business six years ago. She said the salon's location is convenient for customers throughout the San Jose area.

Lawson also said that, in addition to the convenience of the location, she likes the ambience of the Willow Glen neighborhood.

"I love the area," she said. "The shopping, the stores, the diversity. It's a great location."

Joey Skuba, co-owner of Heaven Eleven at 2119 Lincoln Ave., agreed that the southern end of Lincoln Avenue is a good place for his business. Heaven Eleven has been in business since February 2003.

"Business is good, and so is the location," he said. "There's lots of parking around this area. Plus, Willow Glen is more of a walking community than the rest of San Jose. People tend to mostly walk farther down Lincoln, but this location is still convenient from there."

The store stands out from neighboring salons because of its unique services, said spa therapist Pam Malcolm. Heaven Eleven offers a variety of spa body treatments, skin and hair care, massage, jewelry and even ayurvedic medicine—a 6000-year-old Indian health system that promotes physical and inner harmony.

"We are proud to offer things no one else in the area has," Malcolm said.

Located just two doors away from Heaven Eleven is Beauty Spa, a full-service salon that specializes in hair and nail care, facials and massage. The salon recently changed ownership, and new owner Alden McAra reopened Beauty Spa on Sept. 1.

McAra, who also owns Traditional Limousines in Gilroy and San Jose, said he deliberately chose the southern Lincoln location.

"I was looking to start another business. I drove through the area, and I really liked this location," he said. "By happenstance, the business was for sale."

McAra said he appreciates the attitude of the neighboring businesses and community and believes his business will do well.

"The merchants are receptive, and the people in the area are friendly," he said. The community is established but still growing. I think our business will be well-received."

And like the other salon owners in this section of Lincoln Avenue, he does not see the multitude of similar businesses as a problem.

"I think the presence of other salons is not a sign of competition, but shows that there is a market for beauty salons in this area," he said.