What Lancaster Means To Me: Drew & Amanda Rush
There’s no question that Lancaster is magnetizing to young entrepreneurs looking to establish their own businesses. But as Drew and Amanda Rush put it, the city has become an “oasis for young people trying to live their best lives.”
Originally from Kennett Square and Chester County, respectively, Drew and Amanda are known in the city for their work in the same industry. Drew is a barber at The Black Comb, and Amanda opened Anthology Salon & Style Bar on King St. late last year. Just a few months ago, the couple bought their first house in the city, and are encouraged by how much potential they see for growth.
“Lancaster city is filled with successful young entrepreneurs. Opening a business here in the city I felt surrounded by other like minded people who believed in themselves and created something out of nothing,” Amanda said. “I also knew that I could bring something different by opening an eco friendly salon. In partnering with Green Circle Salons we are able to recycle 95% of all waste produced. This means foils, hair, paper, plastic, and even leftover hair color. I knew that people would jump on the opportunity to be involved in this and maybe even create the new standard for the salon industry.”
For Drew, it was actually The Black Comb that inspired him to want to become a barber in the first place. Years ago, he explained that he would commute to the city an hour to get his hair cut. It was then that he developed a passion for barbering. “Lancaster has this gravitational pull that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. This city is an oasis for young people who are looking to live their best life. My first few months here, I noticed so many young entrepreneurs doing big things. The small business culture drew me in,” he said.
Drew continued: “I saw the massive potential for growth and wanted to be part of it. We have everything a big city could offer, at a quarter of the cost. Farm to table restaurants, a massive small business scene, and somehow we manage to keep our small town vibes. This city is a hidden gem that’s on its way to major city status. And I feel very fortunate to be a part of that growth.”
The couple, who got married in 2016, expressed how much they appreciate living and working downtown, as it’s the perfect blend between city and country life. “We love living in the city with all the amazing businesses, coffee shops and restaurants. We can also drive 10 minutes outside the city and find peace and quiet. We have only lived here less than five years but we really feel like we’re at home,” Amanda said.
The couple also spoke to the fact that for years, their impression of Lancaster was just open land and quiet towns. It wasn’t until Drew started visiting the barber shop he’d later work at that he was really exposed to the city as a whole. While Amanda was still working outside of Philadelphia, she’d tell her clients that there was indeed an amazing little city in the middle of Amish county. “I felt so fortunate to know about this hidden gem,” she said. “I knew pretty soon everyone was going to know about Lancaster City.”
