Amy Pal has a knack for spotting industry trends. In 2016 she had just sold her spin studios in Ridgefield and Wilton. Noticing a lack of new hair salons in the area that combined the blow-dry bar concept with a full-service salon, she opened Whip Salon in Ridgefield six months later. The salon, with its edgy New York City vibe, was a hit. When Bedford Square in Westport was leasing, opening a second location in the new downtown development was a “no-brainer moment.” She loved the vibrant location, the history of the building and the vision the developers had for the whole area—and she wanted in.
Amy's goal is to provide clients with “excellence, ease and edge.” She partnered with General Manager and Master Stylist Shay, who has run several of her own salons; and her Head Colorist Suzanne Baumann, who has been in the business for 28 years.
“We have some fierce talent. People are super passionate about what they do," Amy says.
In addition to top-notch talent, Amy defines Whip Salon with a carefully selected music playlist, a free drink (either “wild” or “tame”), phone charging stations, fast and free Wi-Fi, online booking using an app and the ability to tip through Venmo.
“People are sitting for three hours to get highlights, and that time should be a stress-free and fun experience for them,” she says.
Whip Salon also has two treatment rooms for Medi-Spa services. For customers who want to quit mascara, Cathy Bull has 300 choices of lash extensions, single strands of synthetic or silk material that are applied one by one for a thicker lash line.
“Cathy is a pro. People are obsessed,” Amy says.
Amy's board certified Derma Technician is Carolina Villalon. A former banker, she was going to school for tattoo removal and fell in love with micro blading, which is a form of semi-permanent tattoos for eyebrows.
“I have clients aged 18 to 95," Carolina says. "Some just want to enhance and define their brows. Some have cancer, alopecia, lupus and other conditions. People are tired of waking up with the anxiety of having to put on so much makeup every day and worry about it wiping off when showering or working out. Everyone leaves happy.”
Cosmetic injectables like Botox are available through Jackie Giannelli, a family nurse practitioner and aesthetic injector. A mom from Ridgefield, Jackie prides herself on “helping people put their best face forward.”
If you've got a big night out, Whip Salon also offers makeup application services as well as lessons for adults and teens.
After opening Whip, Amy, an art lover, saw an opportunity to do something fun in the hallway. She approached Bedford Square developers and now also runs Newtown Roux Gallery, a 100-foot-long exhibition space featuring the work of emerging realist and abstract painters. The gallery hosts eight exhibitions per year. In the future, she hopes to work with Bedford Square tenants to create collaborative events to bring merchants and customers together.
“We have lots up our sleeves," Amy says.
When asked what she is thankful for, Amy replied, "My husband and my two boys are so supportive and always keep me laughing and grounded no matter what's going on. The talented staff that I work with that inspire me every single day. And Whip Salon's friendly, supportive clients never cease to amaze me with their kindness."
For more information, visit Whip Salon
