MILFORD — When Karen Barner was growing up here in the 1970s and early ’80s, downtown business owners were mostly White.

She does recall walking the few blocks to the commercial district from her North Street home, waving to a couple people of color: Austin Lofland in his shoe repair shop; Mr. Savage, a Wilmington Trust teller; and Vivian Ross, whose hair salon was on Charles Street.

“They represented Black-owned businesses, people of color. It meant something,” she said.

For two decades now, Ms. Barner has been one of them: After 20 years on North Walnut Street, her Elegant Styles hair salon is a local landmark and can be recognized during Black Owned Business Month this August.

The yearly commemoration began in 2004, when Fred Jordan, an engineer and entrepreneur, and John William Templeton, an author and historian, created the monthlong recognition in Atlanta to support Black business owners.

Ms. Barner’s early goal setting and mentor relationships exemplified that entrepreneurial spirit. At the urging of then-Milford High School guidance counselor Dana Erney, she learned her trade at Sussex Vo-Tech. She credits the late Eva Metz, her cosmetology instructor, for “directing me on my career path.”

The stylist’s first job was at Yankee Clipper Hair Designers in Milford — handling shampooing for clients. She then moved on to the Hair Cuttery in Rehoboth Beach, while honing her skills through continuing education.

She got a quick start: “They put me on the floor before I graduated,” she said.

Eventually, she yearned to spread her wings. So, 20 years ago, she rented what is now Elegant Styles from the late Skip Pikus.

However, she admits to some second-guessing.

“I thought, ‘Hair, I can do. Customer service, I can do. But I’m not sure about running my own business,’” she remembered.

Backing for her enterprise was prevalent, though.

“I had a strong support system surrounding me. My clientele from Rehoboth Beach followed me,” she said, adding that she credits her parents for examples of perseverance and hard work. Her father, from Puerto Rico, set an example with his strong work ethic, and her mother returned to school — while working and raising a family — to become a nurse.

In retrospect, does Ms. Barner have any advice for young entrepreneurs?

“(Longtime Milford businessman) Terry Pikus gave me a few tips. He told me to always speak to whoever walks through that door and to always be kind,” she said. “I think it’s important to be consistent and to be present, even when there are no customers.”

Fortunately for Ms. Barner, there is seldom a lack of clients at Elegant Styles, due to four stylists on staff.

“It’s contributions made by everyone. I’m grateful. The reason I’ve been here is because of a strong support system, (and I) follow the rules and respect my neighbors. I’m part of this business community, and I encourage my customers to visit other businesses here.

“Hopefully, I will be an example to another. I always remember what Maya Angelou said: ‘People may not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.’”

Editor’s note: Gwen Guerke is a freelance writer living in Milford.