Vilma Gjuraj opened VG hair design studio last fall at 20 Purdy Avenue. Years before, she had worked at the very space as a hairdresser.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
Vilma Gjuraj opened VG hair design studio last fall at 20 Purdy Avenue. Years before, she had worked at the very space as a hairdresser. She recalled, “From the first day that I came in for my interview, I knew that one day I was going to own it. I loved the neighborhood and the small community. It’s always been my dream.”
Fortuitously, Gjuraj’s aspirations came true. While she was working in Harrison, the space became available and she seized the opportunity. The site was gutted and completely remodeled to reflect the new owner’s flair. Gjuraj, who has both hairdresser’s and barber’s licenses, was confident she could run a business.
“I’ve been running my dad’s transportation company since I was 17,” she noted. She also has a dedicated salon manager in her sister Daniela Gjuraj, who helps her with the business side so she can concentrate on hairdressing and great service.
“Our focus is ‘healthy hair is the most beautiful hair,’ so we do it all from cuts and color to treatments, hair extensions, and bridal,” she said. Gjuraj also sells Joico and Iso products, which offer the latest techniques in protecting hair. All first-time clients save 10 percent on all services.
Clients may walk in or call 481-8844 for an appointment. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10-7, Thursday: 10-8, and Saturday and Sunday: 9-6, with additional hours upon request.
Another pair of siblings who have been working together splendidly since November are owner Bella Lee and manager Joy Han of Tiffany Nail & Spa. They laugh heartily about naming it after the premier jeweler. Lee discovered the spot one day last summer as she was driving by. Her husband, “Mr. Kim”, renovated the new site at 979 Boston Post Road, in the old Black Bass restaurant location. He worked around its large windows, laying tiles, installing brass molding, building shelves, and hanging chandeliers.
The large, bright space boasts six manicure chairs, as many pedicure chairs, and a private waxing room. They also offer foot and chair massages. The sisters are convinced that quality services, a clean environment, and an amiable staff keep clients coming back. As Han noted, “We love the neighborhood and the customers are very friendly. We are thankful.”
Through March 31, Tiffany Nail & Spa is offering a free regular manicure with a spa pedicure, $10 off a gel manicure and pedicure, and other promotions. Free parking is around back.
For an appointment, call 305-4954. Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30-7, Sunday: 10-6.
Tucked away behind Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s, between Al Dente and Ruby’s Oyster Bar, Lolé Salon opened on Black Friday. It may not have generated as much business as the biggest retail day of the year, but it has been building momentum steadily since.
No stranger to hair salons, proprietor Nancy Ceballos owned two before this one, in Port Chester and Byram. She considers her new full-service shop, named after her mother’s nickname, her crowning glory.
“I love the fact that Rye’s a hub with lots of stores, restaurants, and a little bit of everything,” said Ceballos, who’s been in the business for 13 years.
She became enamored with the 49 Purchase Street site and a designer helped her see its potential. After totally gutting the space, Ceballos decorated with ornate mirrors, modern chandeliers, wood floors, and floral blue wallpaper. An oversized front window lets lots of sunlight into the lower level space.
She provides clients with fine L’Oreal professional products and feels strongly about offering the best service, including a Shiatsu body massage for clients as their hair is being shampooed. “I really care about what I do,” she said. “When a client leaves, she’ll say, ‘My hair looks great,’ but she’ll also remember the service.”
First-time clients receive a 20% discount on all services. For an appointment, call 481-5020. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 9-6, Thursday: 10-8.
