Hello A-J readers!

This week's news had plenty of things to talk about.

Wednesday was busy, with the opening of two businesses. Cyrus Kabob, 421 Frankford Ave., started offering their family's Persian recipes at the new restaurant. Hairbreak Hotel, 2614 130th St., Unit 3., also opened their Elvis Presley themed hair salon and began offering its exclusive line of beard oil on Wednesday.

Another hair salon, Lil Homiez Barbershop and Salon, 5302 Ave. Q, Suite 17., opened on Thursday.

Also on Wednesday, two articles published from the business beat. One highlighted Dawna Gillespie of Dawna Gillespie Adornments and how a metalsmithing class at Texas Tech put her on the path to be an internationally recognized designer.

"The whole basis of my work is to represent the human life, from soul to soul," Gillespie said. "By telling my stories through the pieces, I'm also able to represent the fact that we are all individual humans."

Make sure to read the article to learn more about how she got started, her next career goal and her favorite piece she has made so far.

More: Ransom Canyon metalsmith crafts life in copper, brass; Here's why

I also want to add that my interview with Gillespie brought me to Ransom Canyon for the first time. Why does this beautiful place not get talked about more? As a long-time West Texan, I'm not used to taking a turn and suddenly seeing an actual canyon. I highly recommend people wanting a scenic drive head out there some time.

The second big article of the week was the monthly business roundup. April saw 15 entries, nine of which were openings, two closings and four upcoming/denied announcements.

More: Comings and goings: Lubbock's openings, closings, confirmed rumors from April 2024

Going into next week, no plans have been set in stone yet, so I might be able to circle back on some rumored places. We'll see what happens.

As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock business news includes new April shops, Dawna Gillespie, more