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Let's take a minute to marvel at how SalonCapri has established itself in Boston's competitive hair circuit, all while remaining out of the downtown spotlight. The family-run business has homegrown roots in Hyde Park, but found prosperity in the suburban markets of Newton and more recently, Legacy Place in Dedham. Today, Nicholas Penna, Jr. is bringing the salon full-circle, opening a third location back in Boston proper (at 11 Newbury Street, no less). We caught up with the expert stylist himself on how this new spot ties into the greater plan for SalonCapri.
How does the Newbury opening fit your vision for growing SalonCapri in 2013?
SalonCapri Newbury Street is my last baby. I know this well because I have three kids, and that last one just seems to get that extra bit of attention. Let's face it—Newbury Street is the spot in Boston. I would love to say that my salon could be in the South End or in the Seaport, or a number of other neighborhoods I love in the Boston area. But the retail spot, the place to be, is Newbury Street.
My first job in the industry was on that same block that we're opening up the salon. It's been a dream of mine since the beginning. I'm glad that we have been able to come out and have the business that we've had, and the reputation, and the success without being on Newbury Street. But that to me has been my goal since day one. Now we are there, and it's time to put my mark on the city. That's what this salon is all about.
Speaking of retail, do you do much shopping yourself? Where is your favorite place to shop?
A little too much! After the passing of Stel's—that was my place, still continues to linger in my memory as my favorite—I guess I'm a rag & bone guy, and I love Barneys. I've been shopping a little bit at Scoop NYC, which is pretty cool and has it going on in the men's department. But at the end of the day, since I was a teenager, I always have and always will be a J.Crew kind of guy.
Clearly you stay on top of changes in the salon market. What is your prediction for the next salon trend?
I think that the next trend is going to be an emphasis on beautiful, well-treated hair. One of the things that we're really focused on is delivering the best we can in product and treatment at the Newbury Street salon. We're promoting healthy hair, and I think that is one of the most important things when it comes to hair today. To try the latest trend, get all the blowouts you like, or change your color as much as you want...you have to have healthy hair. As far as trends in hairstyles, it's still falling toward the pattern we see today: a lot of texture, waves, short hair—all of which I love.
· Salon Capri [Official Site]