As Hair Today celebrates 40 years, owners Jane and Mike Chemerynski reflect, in a Q&A with their daughter, on a journey built on creativity, passion, and giving back - all with their signature “Look Good, Feel Good, Live Good” vibe.
The couple, high school sweethearts, grew up in Colchester. They raised two daughters in Marlborough and now have four grandkids, Isabella (7), Ollie (5), Grayson (5), and Josie (3).
How does it feel to reach 40 years in business?
Jane: It’s not about the number – we’re just doing what we love, together. We feel incredibly blessed to still be here, surrounded by an amazing team and loyal clients.
Mike: We’re truly grateful - our team, clients, and community have made this journey so special.
Jane, how did your journey begin?
Jane: My mom was a hairdresser, so maybe it was in my genes - though my first haircut on my little sister at age five was a disaster! Mom jumped out of bed and had to fix my choppy cut. College wasn’t for me so I went to hairdressing school, learned the Vidal Sassoon technique at my first salon, and fell in love with the craft. I joined Hair Today in 1982 as a stylist.
And just a few years later, you bought the salon?
Jane: I wasn’t sure at first - I didn’t want to be “the boss.” But Mike encouraged me to take the leap.
Mike: I figured we’d do it for ten years tops and here we are, 40 years later!
Mike, how have you supported the business over the years?
Mike: I began with team building and finances.
Jane: Remember the time you had an easel with ‘pages and pages’ of notes?
Mike: Yep, Jane would occasionally give me ‘the look’! Now I’m focused on growth and community with my “Spread Good Vibes” mindset.
Jane: We can always count on Mike to find new clients- at coffee shops, even running half-marathons!
Your team seems like a big part of your success.
Jane: Our team is like family. Many have been with us for decades! I even did Kristin’s hair for her junior prom before hiring her in 1982. Our 10 talented stylists and amazing client care team make the salon shine. And we stay in touch with many of our past employees.
Mike: We love our team- their creativity, passion and heart make all the difference!
And now you’re unveiling a new look for the next chapter.
Mike: After 40 years, it felt right to refresh our brand and space. We renovated the salon, launched a new website, and created a new logo that reflects who we are today.
You’ve also built strong relationships with clients and community.
Jane: Many clients have become lifelong friends. We’ve shared milestones from weddings to grandkids - and even enjoy a UCONN women’s basketball bracket with a longtime, weekly client (winner buys coffee, and Mike scores the tickets!).
Mike: I enjoy meeting clients and connecting with our communities. After ten years on our Chamber leadership team as “The Connector,” I now serve as Board VP for AHM Youth & Family Services, supporting children and families through life-changing programs.
Hair Today is also known for supporting community causes.
Jane: Our Hole in the Wall Gang Camp fundraisers were my favorite.
Mike: What started as a simple cut-a-thon grew into two incredible events, raising $15,000 to send kids with serious illnesses to Camp. More recently, we partnered with the Breast Friends Fund in memory of Sandy Cassanelli. Together, our salon family has donated more than $100,000 to various community causes. The generosity of our community always amazes us.
What makes Hair Today special after all these years?
Jane: The best part of these 40 years has been the people - genuine friendships, sharing tears and joy.
Mike: We’re grateful to keep doing what we love - helping clients look and feel their best, having FUN, and continuing to give back to the community that’s given us so much.
Hair Today
2844 Main St.
Online: hairtodayct.com
Instagram: @hairtodayct
Booking link: tinyurl.com/HairTodayCT
Together, our salon family has donated more than $100,000 to various community causes. The generosity of our community always amazes us.
We feel incredibly blessed to still be here, surrounded by an amazing team and loyal clients.