Consumer Services
Contributing to a mission
Community service is part of the cultural DNA at Michael Christopher Salon.
By Abby Cymerman
Smart Business Cleveland | December 2007
If Marianne and Darren Nicolli ever wanted to redecorate their
salon, they could easily cover the walls with all the thank-you
notes they’ve received over the years.
The owners of Lyndhurst-based Michael Christopher Salon have
integrated a commitment to community into the core of their company’s mission, and they have many letters of gratitude to show for
it. But it’s more than just a thoughtful act on the part of the owners
— their employees take an active role in the process.
For the past five years, Michael Christopher Salon staff members have visited the homes of The Littlest Heroes’ cancer
patients to provide pro bono salon services; sometimes the
patients and their families come into the salon. The free services include hair, makeup application, pedicures and manicures.
These services have enriched the lives of young girls who want
to attend their graduation or prom, family members who are taking care of patients and patients who are bedridden or need a
self-esteem boost.
The salon also provides more than 50 free haircuts a year to
men, women and children who want to donate 10 inches or
more of their hair to Locks for Love or Wigs for Kids — organizations that use the hair to provide wigs and hairpieces to cancer
patients.
Michael Christopher Salon also sponsors raffles to raise funds
for nonprofit organizations; the prizes are products and services
donated by the salon. In the case of Providence House, the salon
uses the proceeds to buy larger items on the nonprofit’s wish list,
and the Nicollis and their employees personally deliver the
donations each year.
Marianne and one of her team members also attended training through the American Cancer Society to become certified instructors of cosmetology for cancer patients. They teach the
patients how to apply makeup and care for their nails during cancer
treatment as well as how to buy and care for wigs and how to wear
turbans and caps after their hair falls out. The salon will also cut and
style a wig for any Michael Christopher Salon guest going through
cancer treatments.
HOW TO REACH: Michael Christopher Salon, (440) 449-0999 or www.michaelchristophersalon.com
