- April 24, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
When Jennifer Bissonnette was young, she would spend her time after school in the salon where her mother worked. It was entrancing.
At first, she was drawn to the transformations her mother would make in people’s appearances. But she quickly learned that working in a salon is not just about doing hair.
“I’d watch her talk to people about the problems in their lives and watch relief come over them,” Bissonnette said. “They’d leave the salon so happy. I knew then that’s what I wanted to do.”
And she started early. Her mother taught her how to cut and style hair after she finished her homework. Eventually, she took all of her things out of her closet and replaced them with a desk, where she would invite her family members in to get their nails done. She gave her first haircut at age 11.
Now, years later, Bissonnette has tallied eight years of experience working in cosmetology and, as of June 1, owns her own salon, a dream of hers since she was in cosmetology school. She opened Tranquility Salon and Spa in Flagler Beach at the coaxing of her mother and husband, and she’s never been happier, she said.
“People will come in who tell me their deepest, darkest secrets,” Bissonnette said, telling the story of a woman who was coping with a family member's death, tears welling in her eyes as she spoke. “To help someone through something like that — that’s the most rewarding part of my job.”
When Bissonnette was making plans to open her salon, she asked her clients what they wanted in a business.
“It’s their place, really; I’m just running it,” Bissonnette said.
The large, plush couch in the salon’s waiting area came at the recommendation from a client who wanted a “comfortable couch for old butts.” The television, from a client who wanted to watch sports as he waited. The masseuse, from someone who wanted to be able to get a massage along with her hair cut.
The salon is downstairs from Flagler Beach Wine & Cheese, so clients can order a drink or a snack while they’re getting their hair, nails or makeup done.
Along with that, starting July 12, the salon will host a free ladies’ night in, during which Bissonnette and her staff will learn beauty secrets. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on every other Friday night.
“I wanted it to be an experience more than anything,” Bissonnette said. “Everyone needs a pick-me-up sometimes.”
Tranquility Salon and Spa is at 109 S. 6th Street, in Flagler Beach. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and until 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Call 693-4867.
