Oksana Villeneuve’s journey from a child of Moldova to owning her own hair style and beauty salons is a remarkable story of passion, resilience, and seizing opportunities.
The owner of Oksana Salon in West Hartford and Longmeadow, Ma., she arrived in the U.S in 1989 and pursued her childhood passion for hairdressing amidst the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture.
“I always loved hair and wanted to do hair since I was a little child.”
During her childhood in Moldova, a country in Eastern Europe formerly part of the Soviet Union, she styled hair for friends and neighbors in her city. Her move to this country coincided with the end of the Cold War, a period marked by significant geopolitical shifts that also influenced her journey here.
“We didn’t really know English because the former Soviet Union and America were always in the Cold War. English wasn’t a priority language.”
Despite the challenges, Oksana pursued her dream with determination. After graduating from Springfield Technical Community College in 1990, she honed her skills at a prestigious salon, immersing herself in advanced training with industry leaders like Vidal Sassoon. She became a Certified Goldwell Master Colorist, a high-level of industry achievement, and won accolades in international competitions.
In 2008, she realized her lifelong dream of opening her own salon, Oksana Salon & Spa in Longmeadow, where she focused not only on delivering exceptional hair services but also on mentoring and educating fellow stylists. Her journey continued with the opening of Oksana Salon in West Hartford Center in May of 2022, a venture she describes as a “God-given opportunity” that she and her husband eagerly embraced.
“At Oksana, we aim to create an environment where clients feel comfortable and valued,” she says. Her salon specializes in creative coloring, cutting, and transformative hair services.
“I love to see transformations. Hair is an investment; it can change how you feel about yourself,” she emphasizes, underlining the salon’s commitment to enhancing clients’ confidence and appearance.
Beyond her passion for hair, Oksana is equally passionate about nurturing talent and fostering a supportive workplace culture.
“I want other people to grow here,” she says.
She envisions Oksana Salon as a place where stylists can thrive and develop their skills. Her goal is to build a team of hardworking, dedicated professionals who share her commitment to excellence.
Reflecting on her journey, Oksana acknowledges the role of faith and perseverance in her success.
“It’s all God’s grace for me to come here not knowing English, to open this salon and the one I’ve had for 16 years. It’s a miracle.”
Oksana Salon
7 N. Main St., West Hartford
Phone: 860-236-3746
Online: Oksanasalonwesthartford.com
Email: Oksalonspa@gmail.com