When asked about his nickname, the “Mayor of Park Avenue,” salon owner Gary Lambert answers with a quick laugh. “It’s only because of longevity,” he replies. But it’s this longevity that’s given Gary a flourishing business and a unique perspective on the people and city of Winter Park, both past and present. He opened Gary Lambert Salon on Park Avenue in May 1983. “Even today, I can walk you down the street and tell you what store was where, and who owned it.”
“This used to be a great little community, all about people knowing each other,” Gary recalls. “Since those days, progress has shown itself and the Avenue has never looked better.” But, as they do in every city, rents got higher over the years and a lot of “mom and pop” businesses could no longer make a go of it downtown.
Of course, Gary doesn’t begrudge the changes. As the city has grown, so has business. “That’s what we have to do to grow. And I’m living my best life right now. I like to reminisce about the ‘good old days,’ when East India and Two Flights Up were still around, but those were all part of us growing.”
Today, Gary runs a thriving business with seven hairdressers. He credits his achievements to consistency. “People always know when we’re going to be open, and that their service is 100 percent on top of everything else. They’re that special person in that special chair. We want them to feel like they’re a part of something, and the salon has been able to give that up to this point.”
Over the years, he has developed an interesting perspective on success. “Success is you competing with yourself. I just focus on what I want to do and make sure I do it well. I’m always open to learning. The minute you acknowledge that you don’t know everything is the minute you’re going to be successful.”
Gary also has strong views about giving back to the community. “It’s important to see yourself as a community element. There are so many little things we can do, like supporting daycare centers and elementary schools, and foundations like Bears Who Care.”
Treat Yourself Special This Season
A guide to Gary Lambert Salon services (Call 407-628-8659 to schedule an appointment.)
Women’s Cut & Style
The stylist starts by consulting with you to design a look that will get you noticed everywhere you go. Appointments begin with a stress-relieving scalp massage, relaxing shampoo and conditioner, consultation, customized cut, and blow dry styling.
Men’s Hair
A skilled cosmetologist knows their way around a clipper and razor as well as a scissor and flat iron. From fades and shaves to beards and burns, the salon has you covered with all the things guys need to look their very best.
Hair Texturizing
Prevailing trends regularly change but there will always be a desire for people to change the natural texture of their hair. The salon offers solutions to create the texture that will give you the look that you’re dreaming of.
Highlights & Color
Euforacolor™ provides damage-free, beautifully vibrant hair color. The salon offers no-ammonia and low-ammonia shades of Semi, Demi, and Permanent hair color. The outcome is silky, healthy, vibrant hair.
Keratin Hair Services
If you wish you had smooth, frizz-free, healthy-looking hair with exceptional manageability, keratin services may be the answer. Gary Lambert Salon is Winter Park’s exclusive provider for GK Hair® Global Keratin smoothing services.