SALISBURY — Shahreh Ratiei arrived in the United States from Iran in 1980 at age 16, some six months after the fall of the shah.
She began her American career in banking, starting as a teller with Shawmut Bank in Boston and working her way up.
Then she trained as a hair stylist at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Boston. More recently, she has been a fixture at Noble Horizons for years, cutting and styling hair for residents and becoming part of the community.
“I had no experience working with people in that kind of environment, but I was willing to try,� Ratiei said. “Now it’s like a second home for me. People don’t just need their hair done, they need love, too.�
In addition to her Sassoon training, she spent six months in a Boston barbershop learning to cut men’s hair — and a few other things.
“I discovered that they also want cigars, and shoes shined, and to watch the Playboy Channel,� she said with a grin.
With a son and daughter in tow, Ratiei left Boston five years ago and came to Salisbury in search of better schools and a more peaceful atmosphere. And after five years in town, Ratiei has finally opened her own salon, La Bonne Coupe, at 15 Academy St. She cuts both men’s and women’s hair; prices range from $10 for children to $20 for women. Perms are $50.
As the new business gets established, she continues to commute to Avon to work at a salon there. Her Academy Street hours are Monday through Friday, 1 to 7 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Walk-ins are welcome, or call 860-435-6665 for an appointment.
