By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Northborough – Sisters Laurie Filiere and Donna Candito, the proprietors of the New Leaf Salon and Spa, call their establishment one of the “best-kept secrets around.”
The salon, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, is a beautifully appointed space where clients may avail themselves of a wide variety services including hair, nails, facials, and massages. The team is always working, Filiere said, to ensure that they are up to date on the very latest techniques and products to offer their clients the best so they can look and feel their best.
Recently the sisters attended a seminar in New York City held by Nick Arrojo, a hairstylist who has worked with many celebrities and is well-known for his participation on the popular TV show, “What Not to Wear.” The women were so impressed, they said, by Arrojo's philosophy of providing continuing education and superior products that they signed a partnership with Arrojo to become an “ambassador” salon. As such, they also have started carrying Arrojo's line of exclusive hair care products.
And on Nov. 18, New Leaf was thrilled to welcome Arrojo to their salon for a special day of training. Throughout the day, Arrojo spent the day teaching different techniques to the staff and sharing stories of how he rose from a young hairstylist in England to become not only a sought-after stylist but also a successful businessman.
In the morning session, Arroyo styled the hair of a delighted New Leaf customer, Mary Anne Murphy, who said she “immediately said yes” when Candito asked her if she wanted to be Arrojo's model.
“Everyone knows Nick, of course, so this was so exciting,” she said as the salon's stylists admired and ran their fingers through her hair. “This has been a wonderful experience.”
Between sessions, Arrojo spoke to the staff about how “hard work” and the “power of believing in yourself” could change the trajectory of their careers.
“It's important to make your client's experience much more than a haircut,” he added. “But you need to focus on not just providing services but the right services. People want to feel good. And we have the magic to make that happen. It's all about establishing a great relationship.”
Arrojo noted that he felt it was important to visit ambassador salons such as New Leaf in order to really connect with them at a “grassroots” level.
“I want to spread my message across America and help raise the education and standards of our profession,” he said. “But I also learn so much as well. I want to look at what people are doing and what work.”
That philosophy of continuing education has always been a tenet of New Leaf's business model, Filiere said.
“We are very committed to helping our customers feels their best,” Candito added. “I go to a lot of seminars but I don's want to keep all that I learn to myself. I believe it's important to share with our staff. Having Nick here today is a great opportunity to do that.”
New Leaf Salon & Spa is located at 290 West Main St. For more information visit www.newleafsalon.com or call 508-351-9009.
