LaGRANGE — It was all about family, blessings and new beginnings at the ribbon cutting for the new location of Merle Norman at 111 Vernon St. on Friday.

“We’re so excited to be here to celebrate your new location and being part of the Chamber,” LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce President Page Estes told employees Friday.

The franchise, which offers cosmetics and make overs among its services, moved from its previous site on the north side of Lafayette Square to its new location across the street from the Mansour’s site, location of a future hotel. The former department store’s ongoing demolition was the subject of a few references during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“On behalf of the mayor and rest of the (LaGrange City) Council, we’re really glad you moved into downtown. Now, you’ve caused quite a ruckus since you’ve been her,” Councilman Nick Woodson said jokingly, gesturing out the window to the demolition. “But it will get better. You’ll have plenty of parking for your people, and we appreciate you coming downtown and hope you’ll be a real success down here.”

Local Merle Norman franchise owner Cheryl Twickler thanked her team for their support and others who had helped her during the move.

“I’m blessed with some good people, a lot of ya’ll in this room have done a lot to make this happen,” she said to those gathered Friday. “I always say it takes a village to put it together. I’m a single woman and I really couldn’t have done this without all your help.”

The Rev. Patrick Scully of Saint Peter’s Catholic Church came to bless the business before the ribbon cutting.

“We love you Cheryl,” he said after a prayer. “We wish the best for you and know God does too.”

Eric Blackman, LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce board chairman, thanked Twickler for re-joining as a Chamber member.

“I just enjoy hearing about your team and it’s businesses like this that makes our community,” he said. “… And we’re just excited to be able to celebrate with you all.

“And you will have a great vantage point of the progress downtown (for the new hotel). You’ll get to see the finished product, so that is exciting as well.”