New Age Salon (NAS) is in the process of moving into impressive new digs on Hertel Avenue. I spoke to ‘salonstress’ Amanda Bamberg regarding the development and what it means for the business and the street:
Will NAS occupy the whole building?
Yes! It is the perfect size for the size of my business- 1600 sq feet, gaining 400 feet from our original location.
What new services will you offer?
Everyone is asking what we are adding to our menu. Our formula has worked for so long, so why would we change it now? We are a concept salon for men and women specializing in hair coloring, cutting, extensions and my own makeup line, Sally Peabody. We also offer facial waxing. We are a Bumble and Bumble network salon (you have to be approved to carry them) and there are only a couple of us in the Buffalo area. We use Davines color from Italy. I found it while cutting hair in Helsinki, Finland and we are still the only salon that I know of in WNY carrying their line.
How many employees will you have and what services will they be offering?
I now have 9 employees. When I opened in 2001, (age 19) it was just me, I had a buzzer on the door. I have grown in size every year since the first year as far as revenue, employees and clientele. They won’t let you buy a building at that age, they won’t even give you a small loan or take you seriously. We have a top website on Google offering online booking which is so current and convenient, nearly 50% of our clients book online now.
Is this the first commercial building that you have owned? What was the inspiration?
The reason I bought the building? It was serendipitous. I was looking for a while, it was time to make room to grow. I was born and raised in Buffalo and plan on staying here for good. So why keep paying rent? My husband and I were on our way to dinner on Hertel one night in April and I saw it out of the corner of my eye. The building I have always lusted after- for sale. I screamed, “stop the car!” and called immediately. I was in the next day and made my offer. The building was originally a bank, then Hertel Coin And Stamp and most recently Michael Donnelly interior design. I remember when it was for sale 5 years ago… and the timing wasn’t right. But now it is truly meant to be.
I have been working with architect Brad Wales, local designers at ‘room’ on Hertel, a NY salon designer, Renee Blundon, as well as a sleek company out of Italy for our equipment. Not to mention reclaimed barn-board from Buffalo hardwood, lockers from Buffalo ReUse and other elements which must remain a secret until I open the door. It’s a whole different world, building a salon with an actual budget and computer compared to being a 19 year old girl making things work somehow, building as I went.
What events will you offer?
Our first event will be our 10 year celebration/ grand opening party on new years eve. We will also continue to host Beauty Bar events inspired by the salon in NYC offering manicures, makeup while sipping on your cocktail in our lounge.
What are the plans for the interior and exterior of the building?
The plans for the building? It has been kept secret all along to do the big reveal. All I can say is that clients want to go to the most modern, trendy place to get their hair done… this will certainly fill the dreams of what I have always wanted to pull off all the while being earth conscious, space operative and mindful in design.
New Age Salon
1534 Hertel Ave
Buffalo, NY 14216
(716) 308-6520