Le Chic Salon celebrates 25 years

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Hairstyles come and go, but Le Chic Salon at 587 West 235th Street has demonstrated a staying power that many small businesses would envy. The Riverdale establishment celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday.

Lisa Curanaj, who co-owns the salon with her husband Frank Curanaj, attributes their success to loyal customers and a dedicated, versatile staff.

“People here are very nice,” she said. “We never have a problem with our customers. They’re amazing, they really are. We never have drama like some of the other salons.”

Le Chic Salon’s 20 staff members offer the full range of salon services, from a basic cut and shampoo to perms, pedicures, manicures and even massages. Ms. Curanaj added that while most salons only have one or two people on hand who can do hair coloring, every staffer at Le Chic Salon can provide the service.

“I have an amazing, talented staff,” she gushed. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Ms. Curanaj got her start as a stylist working at J’s Place, eventually buying the store from its owner and transforming it into Le Chic Salon.

On a recent afternoon, one customer said she has been coming to the same address for the past 34 years.

 “The staff are just very warm and caring,” Eileen Kern said while getting a manicure. “If you don’t have an appointment or something — you’ve been ill and need to come — there’s always some way they can work you in. It’s very important for the clients.”

Since starting her own salon, Ms. Curanaj has seen it all, from bold spiral perms popular when figure skater Dorothy Hamill graced magazine covers to the smooth, sleek looks in vogue today.

Along the way, there have been a few other changes in how people care for their hair.

Hair stylist Liza Popovic said while customers used to come in once or twice a week for blow drying and other treatments, people nowadays tend to visit the salon for styling once a month and maintain their looks the rest of the time on their own.

“They can do their own hair, do their cuts and everything else,” said Ms. Popovic. “But you have to have a very good foundation. That’s what brings them back again.”

She added that she herself has continued to learn over the years, with Ms. Curanaj regularly leading staff to conferences from Baltimore to Las Vegas.

“I still after all these years love to learn and be a part of it. To be able to work for your best friend all these years is one of the best things,” Ms. Popovic said in reference to Ms. Curanaj.

Le Chic Salon offers competitive prices on its hair care, makeup, skin care and other services. According to the store’s website, a haircut starts at $45 (or $30 for students), while a makeup touch-up starts at $35. 

There is also everything a bride and her bridesmaids could want, with most prices quoted upon consultation. Ms. Curanaj said her salon accommodates at least one or two brides per weekend.

For now, she is reveling in her own anniversary.

Speaking ahead of a Saturday party that was open to her customers, she said, “As I’m getting ready for this party, it’s such an amazing feeling. I feel like I’m planning a wedding or something. It’s such a nice feeling.”

Window shopper, Le Chic Salon, Lisa Curanaj

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