New Salon Adds New Style to Ellicottville
New Salon Adds New Style to Ellicottville
A Big Welcome to The Vintage Hairpin, the New Salon on Jefferson Street
Have you reached that point in winter where you just feel like you’ve let your hair go on too long? Maybe you want to change up your style or your color to feel refreshed for Spring? Ellicottville’s newest hair salon is now open for business… Welcome to The Vintage Hairpin, located on Jefferson Street (inside the former Ava Grace Fashions building).
The Vintage Hairpin is the second location of the popular Gowanda shop (13 South Water Street, Gowanda), owned and operated by Rachel Galeti and her family. Three generations of hair dressing talent are available between the two locations. Rachel herself has been doing hair for 28 years, her mother Donna used to run the Gowanda location, and Rachel’s daughter Liza, who is currently an apprentice, just recently received her license in Cosmetology.
With such a base of talent, The Vintage Hairpin is a full amenity salon that offers not just hair cutting and styling but also full color, balayage, foiling and fantasy colors like blue, purple, green and red. (Sign this writer up for a new blue look soon!) Looking ahead into the fall, Liza plans to introduce some spa services and esthetics.
It’s surprising that Rachel has time to run two flourishing businesses, with her other passion keeping her pretty busy already. You may know her as the vocalist from local WNY country band sensation the Barnstorm Band. She’s been with the group for nine years and loves playing nighttime gigs after salon hours. (Their next show in Ellicottville is set for April 1st at the Gin Mill, 8:00pm-midnight).
So how did Rachel become so involved in the salon world? "I began in the industry in 1995 at our family's business as a stylist manager and trainer,” said Rachel. “My mother had a salon in our home that eventually became the “Hair We Are” salon locations, so it’s always been a part of my life. My mother is retired from full-time salon work, and now focuses on Christian Ministries. However, she still sometimes does thermal straightening, which permanently straightens curly hair.”
When discussing her favorite parts of the business, Rachel had this to say: “My personal passions are precision cutting and all texture techniques. I don't just color, I specialize in color theory. Men and women are welcome to come and have their hair done and I will make sure they all look fabulous for any occasion.”
And she does mean any occasion. She offers services for wedding parties, not to mention she also loves to be a part of the communities she is working in. Here in the 14731, Rachel attended Ladies Day at HoliMont earlier this ski season, and just recently hosted a pop-up event during Ellicottville’s Mardi Gras celebration where she offered complimentary food, hosted some great giveaways and met plenty of potential new clients.
The Vintage Hairpin is going to bring a lot of fun and flare to Ellicottville. You can book hair appointments with Rachel Wednesday through Friday. She is also available for special events and some weekends. Call The Vintage Hairpin at 716-803-7318 or email rachelgalati.rg@gmail.com. Don’t be shy… whatever look you decide to try, Rachel and her team have got you.