Customers peruse the clothing inspiration, and sometimes lighthearted cancer-themed clothing options at Balance Cancer and Wellness Salon and Boutique with owner Susan Manolakis. (Photo by Lynn Bosher)
SOUTHWICK – Helping women has always been Susan Manolakis’ calling.
A hair stylist, Manolakis has cut, curled, straightened, and most importantly, listened, to her clients over the years.
Many of her clients – who have become friends – talked to her about their personal challenges with cancer. Most of them have struggled with breast cancer.
“You know how you tell your hairdresser everything?” she said, “Well, they would tell me. And I wanted to help them.”
Balance Cancer and Wellness Salon and Boutique owner Susan Manolakis is assisted by Flo Castonguay as they fit a client for a wig. (Photo by Lynn Bosher)
Manolakis owns Balance Salon and the more she listened to her clients and what they needed, the more she knew she just had to do something more.
“I thought ‘I can do this. I can do good’ and I felt the time was right,” said Manolakis.
So, she and her staff, including Flo Castonguay, turned the salon into Balance Cancer and Wellness Salon and Boutique.
She now offers custom wig fittings, breast prosthetics and bras for prosthetics, clothing, hats, scarves and inspirational items. Plus, she still offers a full service salon for all customers.
Manolakis’ goal is to help people feel like themselves, whether that means a new hair color or the perfect wig.
Manolakis held a grand opening celebration March 11 and an open house March 12. Balance Cancer and Wellness Salon and Boutique offers a relaxing atmosphere. The bright space has vintage and rustic touches that give it a home-like feel. A private room allows clients to try on wigs and prosthetics alone, or with a consultant’s assistance, and Manolakis, Castonguay and the entire Balance staff offer expert advice.
Balance Cancer and Wellness Salon and Boutique owner Susan Manolakis, center, is flanked by town and state officials Friday as she cut the ribbon at the grand re-opening of her salon at 535 College Highway, Southwick. (Photo by Lynn Bosher)
At the grand opening, officials including Selectmen Joseph Deedy, Douglas Moglin and Russell Fox, Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart, State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga and members of the community gathered to celebrate.
Southwick Episcopal Church Fr. Tayor Albright gave opening remarks and a blessing.
Manolakis thanked everyone in attendance for their support.
“It’s been a really long process, and worth every moment,” she said. “We look forward to doing some good and helping people who don’t have a lot of options,” she said.
Balance Cancer and Wellness Salon and Boutique, located at 535 College Highway, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mondays are by appointment only.
