HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- When Susan Venus opened the doors to Venus Hair Salon in 1978, her life was just starting.

The former barbershop had been closed, and she took a leap of faith by renting the building before eventually purchasing it at the age of 27. "I didn't think I'd fail," she said.

Nearly five decades later, that confidence has grown into one of Houston Heights' most recognizable small businesses.