To celebrate its 30^th year in business on Long Island, the Anthony DeFranco Salon and Spa (SALON TODAY’s 1^st Runner Up in the 2019 Salons of the Year) found a unique way to express its gratitude to the community and its clients. Owner Anthony DeFranco, an entrepreneur and respected beauty and hair styling innovator, honored and celebrated ten inspiration women who have faced and overcome personal challenges or who had given back selflessly to the community. (Flip through the slideshow above to read each of their stories.)

Each of the inspiring women received a total head-to-toe day of beauty where DeFranco and his team spent time with each, pampering and enhancing their natural beauty through hair color, styling, makeup and nails.

“I was blessed with wonderful mentors and others who inspired me and supported my entrepreneurial dreams. Recognizing these women was our way of giving back to the community that supports us every day,” says DeFranco. “My team and I applied our years of experience and skills to make these extraordinary women feel special; they deserve recognition for all they do in the lives of others. Our mission statement is ‘beautiful hair is not everything, it’s the only thing’ and our vision is to create and provide every client with an exceptional look that makes them feel beautiful, confident and individually unique. Each of these women looked great and it was our privilege to do something special for them,” said Anthony DeFranco.

The deserving women participated in a special ceremony at the newly renovated Anthony DeFranco Salon in Huntington Station, NY. DeFranco and his team shared the inspiring stories of each honoree as they walked down the red carpet. Each honoree wore a gown or cocktail dress donated by MIEKA Boutique of Woodbury and Greenville. Local dignitaries, including Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci, Suffolk County Legislator Susan A. Berland, Suffolk County Legislator Thomas Donnelly, Suffolk County Legislator Dr. William Spencer, and Bob Lopez, representing the office of NY State Sen. James Gaughran, presented DeFranco and the honorees with citations for their contributions to the community.

“Providing dresses and gowns to these remarkable women allowed them to express themselves and feel special. This event gave us the opportunity to recognize to those who selflessly help others. Their stories of loss, struggle and triumph have touched my wife Karen and me deeply,” said Ken Richter, co-owner of MIEKA Boutique.

Anthony DeFranco opened his Huntington Station Salon 30 years ago, and he became recognized as a national leader and innovator in hair styling and beauty. Today, he has a staff of more than 50 and a new location in Plainview. DeFranco believes in mentoring and developing local talent, and he and his team members support many local charities and causes.  from here on Long Island. He and team at both of his locations support many local charities and causes.