Salon Opens In New Location In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Alchemy, The Salon, officially celebrated the grand-opening of its new location in Fairfield with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday. Alchemy, which is owned by Fairfield native Imogene Wilson, is located on the second floor of a stand-alone building at 1851 Post Road in Fairfield (above Tequila Revolucion, and across from Hemlock Hardware). Read more about Alchemy, The Salon, from the press release below:

Alchemy, The Salon is a full-service, premier adult-only beauty salon that specializes in hair shaping and styling, as well as keratin treatments and a wide variety of hair color services, including today’s hottest trend, balayage. Fairfield native, Imogene Wilson is the driving force behind Alchemy, the Salon, bringing with her nine years of experience as a hair stylist and colorist specialist, both in Florida and Connecticut. Imogene received her Bachelors of Business Degree in Marketing and Family Business from Stetson University in 2008 before deciding to start hairdressing school six months later.

After giving a traditional business career a shot, she realized that she wasn’t getting the personal fulfillment she needed and looked for a change. As a hairdresser, she now has the ability to make people feel more beautiful every day which she describes as no better feeling in the world. In August of 2017, Imogene was featured as one of Fairfield’s “Young and successful Entrepreneurs” landing a spot on the cover of Fairfield Magazine which recognized for her top-notch customer service and attention to detail.

On days that Imogene is not in the salon, she is out in the field serving as one of three Matrix Artistic Educators in the state of Connecticut. This position allows her to travel and share her knowledge of the industry with her peers. She frequently gives demonstration on color which has recently facilitated in a win for Alchemy as Best Salon for Hair Color by Town Vibe for 2018.

The salon space itself is truly a breath of fresh air. Right outside of the hustle and bustle of downtown Fairfield, the lofted ceilings, large station mirrors, touches of original trim, windows all the way around the building, exposed beams, skylights, and a faux brick wall, created with a little sweat equity by Imogene herself, you can’t help but feel like you are in a New York City, Soho-style loft salon overlooking the streetlights of Manhattan, especially when the local train passes by. The experienced staff has a warm and welcoming demeanor and the energy in the salon is unmatched. Alchemy offers evening and weekend appointments to convenience their guests as much as possible, and is currently open by appointment only. The salon’s motto is, “Come as you are. Get cozy. Leave better,” and we truly think you will.

When first launched in 2016, Alchemy received support from Fairfield’s Department of Economic Development, which provided a $5,000 grant through the Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program that Imogene used to purchase equipment and cover tenant fit-up and marketing costs.

“I’ve always loved being creative and not necessarily fitting inside ‘the box’ and I think that has allowed me to be focused and driven enough to be my own boss very early into my career,” Wilson said. “After I moved back from Florida, it was like ‘this is where I grew up, this is home to me and this is where I want to own a business.’ I wanted to enrich this little town and make it proud, and I’m so grateful for all of my experiences that led me here. I never thought I wanted to own a full service salon, but now I couldn’t picture my life any differently. The grand opening party with the town officials was just the icing on the cake. It was like, ‘this is my baby and my soul. Somebody pinch me. I’m so proud to own this business!’ I’m so in love with this space and my career, and I can’t wait to share my passion with my hometown.”

Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart said: “We are thrilled to help Imogene celebrate the new location of Alchemy, The Salon. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs and economic opportunities, and we are fortunate to have entrepreneurs like Imogene willing to venture forth on their own. We wish her many years of success in Fairfield.”

Pictured, from left to right: Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart, Master Stylist Kristina Ivezaj, First Selectman Mike Tetreau (holding scissors), Owner Imogene Wilson and Fairfield Chamber President Beverly Balaz. (Contributed photo)