Reflections West Salon: Celebrating 40 Years of Style and Community
As Reflections West Salon prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on its journey and achievements. On February 4th from 4 to 7 p.m., the salon invites the community to join them for an open house featuring food, drinks, and exciting gift basket giveaways.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1986, Reflections West Salon originally opened its doors in West Peterborough before relocating in 1995 to its current bustling spot near Ocean State Job Lots in Peterborough Plaza. Owner Sharon Dion’s passion for beauty began early, influenced by her mother’s beauty shop in Dublin. After completing her studies at beauty school in 1973, Dion worked multiple jobs, including house cleaning, to support her aspirations.
Dion eventually took a leap of faith and opened her own salon after leaving a situation where her original employer did not appreciate her skills. She encountered significant challenges in securing funding but persisted until she convinced a local bank to grant her a $14,000 loan, launching her business just two weeks later.
Strategic Growth and Community Roots
Although initial success was met with challenges, Dion understood that thriving in business requires the right location. “To succeed, you need proximity to grocery stores, drugstores, and department stores,” she said. The salon’s new location in Peterborough Plaza fulfilled that strategic need and significantly increased foot traffic.
Dion, along with her dedicated staff, has consistently prioritized customer service and creating a tranquil atmosphere, earning the salon a loyal clientele that sees it as a place to unwind. “Each client should feel like they’re our first customer ever,” Dion emphasizes.
Overcoming Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique set of challenges for salon owners. For eight weeks, Reflections West Salon faced a complete shutdown. When it reopened, many clients preferred pedicure services initially, highlighting the importance of adaptability. “We used shower curtains as shields while performing services,” Dion recounted, confirming the salon’s commitment to safety.
The salon’s cleanliness and transparency about safety protocols helped reassured clients, leading them to return for full hair services a year later. “COVID made us realize we needed to branch out,” Dion stated, noting the establishment of a Facebook page and email marketing as critical components in promoting the business.
Embracing New Opportunities
In addition to the salon, Dion founded an online hairstylist training program, further expanding her contributions to the beauty industry. The Inspirational Salon Management Association (ISMA), where Dion specializes in training aspiring stylists, has been pivotal for many young professionals. Notably, her granddaughter, Aly Turner, is now the third generation of the family to work in the salon.
Turner recently joined the team and reflects that growing up in salons shaped her career. With her fresh perspective, she is keen on marketing the online training courses that helped her get back into styling.
Visit Reflections West Salon
Reflections West Salon is located at 19 Wilton Road #21 in Peterborough Plaza and operates from Wednesday to Sunday. To celebrate their 40th anniversary and their role in the community, they invite you to visit during their open house event.
Conclusion
As Reflections West Salon marks its impressive milestone, it continues to embody the principles of dedication, adaptability, and community connection. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a newcomer, the salon’s warm atmosphere and skilled stylists are ready to provide you with the care you deserve. Here’s to many more years of style and service!
