Two shops catering to women coping with cancer have opened in Johnston County.

Darlene Gardner has opened Lovely Lady in Smithfield. The shop sells wigs, turbans, wraps, gifts and skin-care products. Gardner buzzes hair at no cost and customizes bras and swimwear. She wants to offer support groups and classes.

“I buy wigs that are light in weight, especially for people going through chemotherapy and radiation,” Gardner said. “The styles are wonderful. It is just a matter of customizing the color and fit. Also, I cut and style the wigs for free because most wigs do need to have a haircut.”

Gardner owned a similar shop in California before moving to North Carolina to take care of her aging parents. “When you are diagnosed, it is like being thrown up against a wall,” she said. “I have girls walking in my door every day saying, ‘I feel so good. Is it working?’ They are bald and asking me if it is working. It is truly amazing.”

Lovely Lady is at 101 E. Market St. Hours are 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. Fridays. Appointments are available after hours. For more information, call 934-2960.

In Clayton, Mareva Taylor has opened Wings of Beauty, which sells wigs, scarves, hats, clothing and jewelry.

A two-year cancer survivor, Taylor underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and 34 radiation treatments over eight months. Like most cancer patients, she lost all of her hair. “I encourage women to bring their friends, sisters and family and browse the store,” Taylor said. “Pick a couple of wigs and try them on. This is the time to be adventurous and have fun. You can have fun with it. I did.”

Taylor, a registered nurse for 24 years, took the store’s name from a verse in the Bible. “Butterflies represent a major transformation,” she said. “When they go through that transformation, they are just more beautiful than they started. Butterflies are God’s sign you get a second chance. I felt like I was given new wings to get me through it and fly.”

Taylor wants to offer support groups and customized wig styling in the future. “My hope for the store is just being able to offer love and support,” she said.

Wings of Beauty is at 106 S. Ellington St. It is open from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. Saturdays. Appointments are available after hours. For more details, call 550-0124 or go to wingsofbeauty.embarqspace.com.

Pools and spas

Capital Pools & Spas has opened in the Cleveland community.

The store sells pools and spas from Pentair, Hayward, Sta-Rite and Polaris, just to name a few. Other services available include acid washes, painting, water testing, detecting leaks, resurfacing and renovations. Customers can find more stores in Selma, Goldsboro, Garner and Kinston.

Capital Pools & Spas is at 5560 N.C. 42 West. Hours are 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 772-3232 or visit www.capitalpools.com.