Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Viselli.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
“I was born and raised in Brazil. I moved to the United States when I was 16 years old. Even though my mother was living in Boston at the time, she sent me to live with my uncle and his wife in Idaho so that I could learn English and adapt to being in America. It was exciting to move to the United States and to be immersed in American culture. The teenagers in the town in Idaho were so involved in their community and I got to experience firsthand what American culture is all about. Everyone was so nice and it was such a positive experience.
In Idaho, I was placed in the school’s brand new ESL program with two other students. The high school was great and I learned so much in the ESL program. I lived with my aunt and uncle for a year and a half in Idaho before I came to Massachusetts. My aunt was a successful hairstylist and watching her in her business in Idaho inspired me to enroll in a cosmetology program at a vocational high school in Framingham.
Upon graduation from the vocational high school in Framingham, I started working on Newbury Street in Boston as a hair assistant and went on to work for salons in Back Bay over a 10 year period. I also worked in a bar to supplement my incoming and savings. I did everyone’s hair at the bar, which was fun. My dream was to own my own salon and it’s something I worked toward for many years. In 2010, I was able to make that dream a reality by opening Viselli Salon on Newbury Street. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband, who always has been my biggest fan, encouraging me to push myself and to go after what I want.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“Coming to this country without knowing English and with no financial support was not easy. It took me longer to understand things while I learned to speak and understand English, so I always felt that I had to work harder to prove myself to my peers.
It took me a long time to gain confidence personally and professionally and there was a lot of trial and error involved. But, I always focused on my goals and felt that it was just a matter of time before I reached them. I knew that no one was going to stop me and that I’d eventually be able to realize my dream of owning my own salon. I literally worked seven days a week for 10 years to be able to save money to open my salon. It was a long journey to get there, but I learned so much along the way.”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Viselli Salon – what should we know?
“I am proud to say that Viselli Salon has received Boston’s Best awards for the last four years in a row, which is a real honor. Viselli Salon is also a part of Green Circle salons and is the only Green Circle salon on Newbury Street in Boston. As a Green Circle salon, we recycle up to 90% of our waste. We recycle color, foils, color tubes and hair clippings. We send bags of hair clippings to Green Circle each week and they are utilized for cleaning up oils spills in the ocean because hair absorbs faster than synthetic products.
All of the hair color we use is paraben and PPD free, which is important for people with skin sensitivities and allergies and for those who are just growing their hair back after chemotherapy. It’s also important to me that I provide the stylists working in my salon with a safe environment, so I make sure the salon uses products that are as green as possible.
We have a very diverse and experienced team at our salon and we can cater to any client’s needs. Viselli Salon can host ladies’ nights and other special events, and we also provide bridal hair and makeup services.”
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
“My grandmother was a true inspiration in my life. She took care of me while my mom was working and was an entrepreneur herself. My grandmother had a small clothing boutique and I used to help her at her store after school. She taught me that I had to have goals and aspirations in life, and that if I wanted something I had to work really hard for it. She always said to never depend on anyone in life, always save money and always be honest. I loved working with her at her store — we had so much fun together. My grandmother taught me so much about life and business.”
Pricing:
- Women’s Haircut: $65+ Color – Single Process: $70+ Men’s Haircut: $55+
Contact Info:
- Address: 297 Newbury Street
- Website: www.visellisalon.com
- Phone: 857-350-4856
- Email: info@vs-salon.com
- Instagram: @visellisalon
- Facebook: Viselli Salon
- Yelp: Viselli Salon
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