Shelton Salon Celebrates 25 Years of Style

As usual, the ladies at were all smiles Tuesday morning, but that day in particular had cause for cheer. As clients sat getting their locks snipped and styled, the city's Valley Chamber brought in their own giant pair of scissors for the salon's 25th anniversary ribbon cutting.

"There are so many challenges of staying in business today," said Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell. "To make it five years is extraordinary -- to make it 25 years is monumental."

Panache Hair Design started in 1986 to humble beginnings. First located on Howe Avenue, sister co-owners Jen Mastrony and Diana Cirillo had just two employees in the salon. As the business grew, they were able to relocate to their current location at 504 Bridgeport Ave. in 2006. They now have a team of 12 and offer the finest in hair care, air brush make-up application and eyelash extensions.

Cirillo said when the salon first opened, she and her sister hoped it would be successful, "but no, we didn't think it would be as good as where we are today." They credit their longevity to the staff's team approach and their focus on building -- and keeping -- appropriate relationships with clients.

"We all help each other in here. It's really a group effort to keep things running, and that reflects in the way customers feel." Cirillo said. "When people come in here, we want it to be a stress-free environment for them. They are greeted by name, we have a warm reception. We know our clients."

Most of the staff at Panache have been working together for years, and they believe this low turnover builds a sense of trust with customers.

"We are also really careful about the conversations we're having with our clients and with each other," Cirillo said. "We don't want to be associated with a place of gossip, like many salons are portrayed. All the girls are great listeners -- it's much safer to be a listener!"

The salon is also involved with philanthropic work throughout the year. They have worked with Relay for Life, the Valley United Way's Back to School giveaway program, "Adopt-a-family" at Christmas, Thanksgiving Safehouse dinner preparation, St. Baldrick's fundraiser for Children's Cancer and their own "Hair to Cut Hunger" food drive at Thanksgiving time.

"It's quite a feat to be this successful and still do all the things you do to give back to the community," said Mayor Mark A. Lauretti shortly before the ribbon cutting.

The salon's real celebration, however, will come next month during a three-day weekend extravaganza to be held April 12-14. The celebration will include free services from two of the salon's product suppliers: Moroccan Oil & Goldwell. There will also be gifts and a raffle. Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome.

And as for working with her sister every day for the past 25 years?

"We are so much alike that we work so well together," Cirillo said. "I don't really know how to describe it. We answer each other's questions and finish each other's sentences. We'd do anything for each other."