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“It’s definitely different,’’ said Kristina Gelardi, who owns the business along with her sister, Alexandra. “We try to go above and beyond the norm, making all our clients feel special and appreciated and that's what sets us apart."
The Gelardi sisters opened the business in June at 4A Cedar St. Kristina Gelardi’s father and her husband, who are both in construction, took over the construction process in the spring to remodel the existing facility.
"We wanted our salon to reflect the elegance and class of old school Hollywood with a taste of modern chic and still be comfortable, with no detail being overlooked."
The Gelardis and their staff focus on the art of the perfect blow dry. “No cuts, no colors,’’ Kristina Gelardi said. Their services include a wash, scalp massage and expert blow dry by one of the professional staff artists. The shop offers up-to-the-minute braids, chic buns, twists, modern up-do's and hair extensions.
Kristina Gelardi is a licensed cosmetologist in New York and Connecticut, who has worked in salons for 10 years, and started thinking a few years ago about going into business with her sister, who also has previous salon experience. The hardest part, she said, was making the leap from salon employee to business owner.
“Building a salon business from the ground up is especially hard, and one with a different concept was also a little scary. But confidence, hard work and love for what you do has made it easier," she said. “You’re always thinking about the business 24/7. There are no off days. And you want to make a dynamic first impression. It’s how you treat your clients, offering them a range of services at their convenience and doing it in a professional and courteous manner, having them walk out feeling beautiful and confident, it's what makes our clients love us."
The Gelardi sisters previously enjoyed mimosas over family Sunday brunch. The family brunches may be a thing of the past, but they carried over the mimosas to their business.
“Have a mimosa, or a delicious cappucccino and relax, we’ll blow dry your hair,’’ Kristina Gelardi said. "After all why should celebrities have all the fun?"
The business is also open seven days, whereas nearly all of its competitors are closed Sundays and Mondays. One popular package is its $30 special on Mondays.The unique package offer is also a business driver.
“There are not many places that will let you share a package,’’ Kristina Gelardi said. “People can share it within the family with their mom or their sister. We also offer gift certificates for the special ladies in your life who deserve some pampering."
In the crowded salon and hair care space, Blow And Beyond has quickly found a niche in the Bronxville community.
“Bronxville is a great town, with so much to offer we are happy to be here and our clients are happy we're here." Kristina Gelardi said. “You’re able to come in and walk out with red carpet ready hair, in half an hour. You can park and walk, and it’s a good middle point for Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Scarsdale residents. Now every day can be a good hair day."
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