Salon opening to benefit the local Shriners Hospital

Date: 5/10/2010

May 10, 2010

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW -- "My nails were done and my hair was fierce" sang the 1980s group Klymaxx in their song "The Men All Pause." That lyric resonated with Tina Manzi, who plans on hosting a grand opening of Salon FIERCE on May 16.

Manzi is taking over the salon, located at 634 North Main St. in the Pride Plaza, after its previous owner ran it for 19 years. Manzi herself has been styling hair for 26 years.

"I would like people to come in and get great service in a casual, fun, friendly atmosphere," Manzi said of her ideal salon. "I want people to feel welcome. This doesn't even feel like a job for me. I'm with a great group of people with great personalities and talent."

The grand opening celebration isn't just about a new business, however -- Manzi is combining the event with a fundraiser for the Shriners Childrens' Hospital in Springfield. Haircuts, mini-facials, back massages and manicures will all be offered for $10, and proceeds will go directly to the hospital that helped Manzi 42 years ago.

"I was born with hip dysplasia. I didn't walk until I was three," Manzi explained. "My family is definitely grateful to Shriners."

Pasquale's will be offering appetizers at the event, and the Shriners will be there with mini-choppers, full-size choppers and a few clowns.

She added that the reason she's doing the fundraiser is because she "wanted to do something special for the community."

The grand opening celebration will be taking place May 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Salon FIERCE.

"At first I was nervous about the event, but now I'm excited for it," Manzi said. "And if the fundraiser goes well, I would absolutely do it again next year."

For more information, call Salon FIERCE at 788-4400.