Meet the Owner: Young Stylist Envisioned Being Her Own Boss

Marie Perico knew early on that she enjoyed styling hair, she also knew that she wanted to own her own salon and at the ripe age of 22 opened her own business.

“I was tired of working for someone else. I envisioned being my own boss,” said Perico.

Cutting Edge Hair Design in Commack is described by Perico as an upscale, but affordable hair salon.

“Not a spa and not a quick cut,” said Perico. “Something in between, with great quality and affordable service.”

The salon, located on Jericho Turnpike, is one of many salons in the immediate area, but Perico believes what her salon offers sets them apart from the rest.

“We are different than everyone else. There is a salon on every corner, but our clients love us because we are warm and inviting. We are busy,” she said.

She opened about the time the economy crashed, but said a loyal clientele helped keep everything going. Perico also had to face another challenge, her age.

“It was hard being a young girl and being taken seriously,” she said.

Perico believes her business is starting to hit its stride. They have recently designed a new logo and are working on branding. She is hopeful with the opening of Dick’s Sporting Goods across the street, that more traffic will be drawn to the area.

Perico enjoys being her own boss and not just for the obvious reasons. She said she enjoys contributing to the community and giving back.  She has done hair and makeup for the Commack High School fashion show and on Oct. 7, the salon will hold their second annual Cut for a Cure benefitting the American Cancer Society.

In the five years Perico has owned the business, she has grown and learned a lot and knows she is now someone to be taken seriously.

“I now consider myself a successful business woman,” said Perico.