Tamaqua salon celebrates anniversary

Mary’s Hair Designs, 217 Pine St., Tamaqua has been in business for 15 years, developing a loyal customer base that included a 104-year-old woman until her recent death. That kind of loyalty is what gives Mary Burrell the desire to continue in her chosen profession.

Burrell, who resides in Lansford with her husband, David, opened her own salon in Tamaqua after spending more than 20 years at styling salons in the Hometown area. It was at the Happy Day Salon at the former Laneco in Hometown where Mary was named manager, learning the business side of the hair care profession. When she decided to strike out on her own, selecting a place in Tamaqua was a natural as that’s where most of her clientele resided.

Burrell opted for the change to her own salon to better provide a “one-on-one customer experience.” She has shared many of her clients’ life events, including marriages, births and deaths in the family, “sharing personal details in the same manner as a bartender,” she laughs. “My clients are part of my extended family and I can actually say I like my job.”

She admits owning her own business wouldn’t be possible without her husband. “He’s supported me every step of the way, especially when it comes to the holidays when things can get crazy.”

The salon offers customers a warm, friendly waiting area, two styling stations and a waxing station. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Appointments are required, although Burrell does try to fit in last minute requests. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 570-668-6480.