John Oakley of Fantastic Signs removes Butterfly Fine Art’s name from the future home of the Glam Bar, a blowout-only hair salon. (Click to enlarge)
By JOHN T. WARD
Coming soon to Red Bank, for women on the go with hair issues: a blowout bar.
No cuts, no dyes just blowouts.
Well, plus changing rooms, for those rushing off to weddings and other events. And a few dresses and accessories, for those in need of just the right finishing touches. And, of course, makeup artists. And beverages.
But that is it.
Red Banker Elio Ventrella calls his business the Glam Bar. The bar theme, he tells redbankgreen, will be incorporated into the decor and vibe of the place, with a non-alcoholic beverage bar and stools.
Patrons will be treated not only to coffee, cold drinks and desserts, but the use of data tablets for reading books and magazines.
“We’re eco-friendly,” says Ventrella, 32, who left a job in merchandising at Macy’s to pursue what he says has been his dream for years.
The business is also, he says, his salvation. Ventrella was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27 and endured more than 30 surgeries and numerous chemo treatments, over the course of which he says, “I lost my drive and motivation in life.”
But the cancer is finally in remission, and Ventrella says he now sees how the small things in life can change one’s attitude.
“A simple updo, blowout or a new dress can really improve someone’s self esteem,” he says. “I have the opportunity to change the way a person feels with the GlamBar.”
The Glam Bar replaces the short-lived Butterfly Fine Arts gallery at 116 Broad Street. Before that, the space was occupied by a California Closets store and, prior to that, a travel agency.
Ventrella plans a February opening.
In other Churnings:
EvenFlow Yoga, new yoga studio, plans to open Sunday, January 1, at 19 Mechanic Street, kicking things off with a free class at 9:30 a.m. and a free Detox Vinyasa at noon. The day will conclude with a celebratory kirtan session at 4:00, replete with harmonium and chanting.
The studio is owned by Christian Valeriani, who also owns EvenFlow Yoga in Long Branch, and Stacey Kasselman, an experienced local instructor. They plan to offer at least three classes per day.
