Behind the Counter: Great Clips

School supplies aren't the only thing kids need to start the school year off right, according to Millie Filos.

"They need their back-to-school haircuts," said Filos, who taught preschool in Harford County for 31 years before co-owning Great Clips in Elkridge.

The salon in the Lyndwood Shopping Center reflects Filos' expertise with children. Music and children's books sit on counters for kids to explore while they're in the haircut chair. "Sometimes they get nervous," she explained, and the toys help them feel more comfortable.

Filos' husband and Great Clips co-owner, George, parked in front of the store on a recent day, his truck filled to the brim with signage and balloons.

Although it's been around for a couple of years, many people don't know is there, explained Assistant Manager Maryan AJ. The salon is sandwiched between and , so on most days, a sign with ballooons sits outside the store to increase visibility.

Those balloons serve an additional purpose, said Filos—so children getting their haircuts leave with a treat. "We have lollipops and balloons," she said. "Sometimes we run out of balloons but we always have lollipops."