“It was time to grow,” says Melissa Rios, co-founder of Lush Eco-Salon and Spa in New Paltz, now in its eleventh year in business. The salon has just moved from its former alleyway location at 2 South Chestnut Street to a much larger building at 10 South Chestnut (Route 208). “We’ve been able to expand in this space,” Rios explains. “We’ve added a sixth hair station, a third manicure station, and a third pedicure station as well.”
The new location, a two-story building that served as student rental housing for many decades, has been spruced up for its repurposing. The sunlit reception area opens onto a series of spacious rooms, each catering to a particular type of salon treatment, with two more private rooms tucked off to one side. More parking is available as well.
Lush’s specialty is providing “responsible and eco-conscious hair, skincare, body waxing and nail services” in a sustainable, clean-air salon environment featuring “ammonia-free hair color, formaldehyde-free smoothing treatments and fume-free nail enhancements.”
Rios’ business partner, Stephanie Michelle, has a master’s degree in nursing science with a special interest in advanced skin care. Accrding to her, there’s growing customer demand for additional services and improved products. She’s especially excited about expanding Lush’s offerings in such processes as glycolic and lactic acid peels and hydroderm abrasion.
Rios and Michelle started Lush in 2014 and opened their former shop in 2015. Since then, their staff has grown to eleven professionals with a variety of specializations.
Lush is equipped to serve bridal parties, special events and movie shoots. There’s a discounted membership program for frequent users. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For information, visit https://lushecosalon.com.
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