Shelton Business Spotlight: Panache Hair Design

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this new, exciting series we’re kicking off at Patch — 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: Panache Hair Design
Owners: Diana Cirillo, Jen Mastrony
Website: Panachehairstyles.com
Address: 504 Bridgeport Ave. Shelton

How did you come up with the name?

Panache means style, flair and that’s an important word in our industry. There was no other salon called Panache when we opened.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

We are sisters, we grew up in Shelton, so we started downtown on Howe Ave with four operators. We had small children at the time and didn’t want to take too much time away from them so when they grew up, we moved to Bridgeport Ave and doubled our size.

Briefly, what business are you in?

We are in the beauty industry, hair make up and eyelash extensions

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

Finding enough time to operate as a stylist and also run the business.

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

The biggest challenge now is trying to keep up with business technology, social media, etc.

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

Celebrating our 25 years in business.

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

We have been trying to find ways to reward clients, right now we are having a referral contest with a $200 Moroccanoil gift basket prize.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

We spend a lot of time consulting, so we make sure to get it right and give the client what they want. The old cliche, the customer is always right, works for us.

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

We participate in the CVC, back to school program, adopt a family at Christmas, food drives....etc
We purchase many ads from the schools and youth programs.

Are you a local small business with a story to tell? Send it to us by clicking here.