Lady Ethel Beauty College, founded and established by Lady Ethel Spires in 1947, was celebrated as Bay County's first African American and independently owned school of cosmetology. Students and clients traveled from surrounding counties to be trained and coiffed by Lady Ethel, while her sister Janie and daughters Laura and Janie became trailblazers as board certified teachers and cosmetologists with the FL Dept. of Education and Board of Cosmetology. Affectionately known as the Beauty School, it operated as a classroom and gave lab instruction for students and clients. Its business plan generated black dollars and inspiration for many start-up black and independently owned shops and companies for the advancement of colored families. Lady Ethel and her husband Henry Spires hosted a place of refuge, safety and hope for many. The building also served as the House of Beauty, a rooming house, grocery store, and branch of People's Funeral Home. At its closing in 1994, Lady Ethel's Beauty School had served countless families from around the state, styling more than hair by shaping a legacy of hope and precious care.