It has been a lifelong dream of Anastassia Aida to own a salon.
The Estonia native has spent her entire career working in the beauty industry—from obtaining her license in Europe to working at Greg and Tony Salon in Westport, Aida never stopped working toward her ultimate goal.
Salon Anastassia on Main St. Credit: Donovan West
Two months ago, those dreams became reality. Aida opened Salon Anastassia at 80 Main St. in April.
Now, she said she’s learning how to be a business owner.
“I love what I’m doing,” Aida told NewCanaanite.com Tuesday during an interview in the sleek, modern second-floor salon. “I always had a dream to have my own place and recently started searching. I found a beautiful spot and took the opportunity.”
She continued: “It’s been a great journey. I don’t have much experience as a business person, and I’ve been learning something new every day, but it’s been incredibly exciting. The more things I read and see, the more people I meet; I learn so many little details that are so helpful.”
Aida finished her cosmetology license in Europe and came to the United States in 2012. She currently lives in Fairfield.
Asked why she chose New Canaan to open her business, Aida said she’s always loved the town.
Salon Anastassia on Main St. Credit: Donovan West
“It’s such a beautiful town,” she said. “It’s full of beautiful people and beautiful restaurants. I’ve always imagined myself having a business here.”
Salon Anastassia specializes in cuts, coloring and highlights but also offers blowouts, curls, perms and waxing services.
“Before I started, I checked with the other salons in the area, but I believe I do it differently,” Aida said. “I bring a European style and techniques that I’ve learned from many different countries over there. I’m also the only place that specializes in curly hair.”
Executive Director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Laura Budd said she has been happy to see the salon’s success.
“We are pleased that Anastasia has chosen New Canaan to start her business in,” Budd said. “New Canaan is really proving itself to be a place where female business owners can thrive. The salon is beautiful and we look forward to working with Anastasia to grow her business.”
Aida is the only person working at her salon right now but is looking to expand the staff as her business grows.
“I’m very lucky because I have some followers from my previous salons,” she said. “But I want new clients, so I’m trying to introduce myself here in New Canaan.”
Aida credited the welcoming New Canaan community for the growth she has seen since opening her business.
Anastassia Aida at her new salon. Credit: Donovan West
“My neighbors have been extremely helpful, and clients have been referring me to their friends,” she said. “Everyone I’ve met from New Canaan has been so amazing and done what they can to help me grow.”
Aida’s message to the community was this: “I believe I’m great at what I’m doing, and I bring a new perspective and style to the industry. I’ve created a salon that embodies who I am, and I think all people should come and give it a try. My goal is to make people happy 100% of the time.”
Salon Anastassia is offering NewCanaanite.com readers a complimentary blowout for their first visit with hair color or 20% off their first haircut. Bookings can be made on the salon’s website. The salon is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.