Vivian on the Move: Salon de Paris Crosses Common

When the opportunity came to expand her busy beauty salon, Vivian Abkarian, the owner of Salon de Paris on Common Street, said there needed to be two requirements before she would move: the ability to purchase and own outright the location and it would preferably be located in Cushing Square.

"I feel I made it in Cushing Square and I love it here," said Abkarian, as she wants to stake her claim in Belmont's business center long viewed as a "little sister" to Belmont Center.

And Abkarian is about to see that opportunity come true as she will open the door to Salon de Paris' new location across the street at 447 Common St. next week.

"Belmont is two things," said Abkarian in her husky, accented voice. "Either you make it (to the) top or drop out. That's my line. And I made it to the top, top, top."

Born in Lebanon, Abkarian learned the beauty trade in Paris where she grew up before marrying and emigrating to the United States. 

She started her salon located at 444 Common St. in 2000 in the strip of stores and a restaurant, garnering a loyal client base who swear by her European approach to coloring, nails and cuts.

"I came from Watertown Square and then my clientele exploded," said Abkarian.

As her customer list grew, Abkarian was always conscious to the opportunity to move to a larger space to expand her beauty services such as waxing and skin care along with a line of designer leather clothes, jewelry and accessories located in a small boutique. 

"It's like one of those New York (City) salons or Vegas salons. They can come to Cushing Square for the same service," she said.

When earlier this year the former Belmont Pet Shop nearly directly across Common Street from Abkarian's current location became available with four times the space, "I jumped at the opportunity," said Abkarian.

The move will allow her the opportunity to own the portion of the building through a lease to purchase agreement.

"Nobody likes to pay rent anymore. I would love to be my own landlord," Abkarian said.

As for a business partner? "I don't believe in them. I work hard, I build hard by myself. I have a husband; that's enough of a partner I need," she said.

And she's out to impress: The floors have been stripped and varnished, new chairs and furnishings imported from Europe, bright light fixtures including a large chandelier. 

"It's like a palace. My team did a great job. I can't believe that's my place," said Abkarian.

Abkarian said her prices will stay in the same range because she wants anyone in Belmont to come, "not just the mult-millionaires. Everyone can come. That's what I always wanted."