Sandy Hook Small Business Spotlight: Save Your Scissors

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Save Your Scissors
Owners: Ashley Hubbard
Website: www.saveyourscissorssalon.com
Address: 5 Riverside Road Second Floor Sandy Hook

How did you come up with the name?

The name came from a City and Colour song I love but is also very fitting. Around the same time I was searching for a name for the shop, I was getting slot of clients who where cutting their own hair and bangs. So naming this salon this I hoped would also be a remind for them to save their scissors for crafts and paper and leave the hair cutting to me.

Why choose that location?

I grew up in Newtown as no matter where I live it will always be home to me. When I was little my entire family went to a salon called “The Natural Look” which was the “it” place to go back then. I vividly remember it, how it smelled what it looked like. It was a magical place to me as I envied the stylist and how they worked magic on their clients’ heads. The Natural Look was in the exact same space my salon is now. So when I heard it was up for lease, I jumped on the opportunity. Life has come full circle for me. Every day when I open that creaky door (which has creaked since I was little and I won’t allow anyone to fix it) I’m home.

Briefly, what business are you in?

I am a hairstylist and barber hybrid. I do both. I own a crossover salon that specializes in creating unique and detailed client specific looks. Everyone is different yet specific. We cater to men wanting the traditional barbering experience with hot towel shaves and hard to get pomades and products. We also cater to the little kids wanting a fun salon experience as well as the women. We cater to all women, from the PTA mom with the precision bob and face framing highlights to the rocker early twenty-something with the shaved side and vibrant colors peaking thought out her jagged chopped cut. There is nothing my team and I won’t try.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Time. Having enough hours in the day, I love what I do and am so passionate about it, I wish there could be more days of the week to fit everyone in!

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Not one.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Growth. Two and a half years ago I opened in 100 square feet after 4 months I had outgrown it, moved to 300 square feet and after 3 months I had quickly our grown that and started building out the 1,600 square feet we currently are in. I started as a one women show and now have three people working beside me. Seeing the growth of this brand and the passion for creating great hair.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Color corrections, clients coming in with insane ideas that most stylist wouldn’t do, unattainable colors. Nothing fuels my fire more than spending hours and hours drastically altering someone’s hair and leaving it exactly how they pictured and in better condition! That’s magic to me.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I explain and educate them on how hair works and share my knowledge. If they understand what you’re saying they usually stop being difficult. It’s their hair and they deserve to know why and what’s going on.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We currently sponser a Connecticut roller derby player whose team plays in Trumbull. We are new to the Sandy Hook community but look forward to learning new ways to give back! We currently are making plans to be a part of the Labor Day parade this year!

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.