Snip, snip before school starts…free

By Brandon LaChance, Reporter

MENDOTA – Four years ago, Marion Quintanna, owner of Expressions Salon, had an idea.

The hairstylist decided to open her shop for children from kindergarten to grade 5, who could have their hair cut for free before school started.

Since it was just her and one other hairdresser, they kept it small so they could serve everyone.

Each year the free service gets bigger. This year marks the eighth year that professionals can give students from kindergarten through eighth grade a fresh haircut for free.

The free back-to-school haircuts will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 3 at Expressions Salon, 709 Illinois Ave. in Mendota.

“It’s growing and the more we do it, the more kids are coming. Hopefully, the eight of us won’t have to wait long for the ones who come in for a haircut,” Quintana said. “I’ve been very blessed with the store and the success we’ve had. I decided to give back to the community. We were that family that by the time we got all the shoes and school supplies, our haircuts were at the bottom of the priority list. We were lucky if we got a haircut.

“I thought, why don’t we help families with their expenses and help kids look and feel good when they go to school? They can go to school with a fresh perspective. We’re seeing more and more kids every year. They’re coming from out of town. It’s nice to see it spread to other cities and not just Mendota. It’s worth it. We’ve started a trend and hopefully it will start a trend.”

Quintana is joined by her employees Jenny Colin, Abbey Rodriguez, Joanna Silva, Maria Guzman and Blanca Nohemi, as well as Jackie Fitzgerald, owner of Jacquesi2.0 (903 Main St., Mendota), and Caitlyn Aguilar, who represents Maxie’s Salon (2104 Main St., Ste. E, Mendota).

Schedules permitting, hairdresser Edward Bautista will also have a chair at the event.

Fitzgerald is participating for the first time and is grateful for the opportunity to help the children.

“I think it’s really important to give back to the community, but I also think it’s important for the community to see all the local salons in the same city come together and work together for a good cause,” Fitzgerald said. “We’re going to be inundated and I’m excited. Plus, I’m always excited to be around good talent.

“I’ve heard a lot of feedback that this is only offered to preschool-aged children because they feel like that age group is being left out.”

Aguiliar is in the same situation as Fitzgerald.

It’s her first year.

And she’s happy to help you.

“I think it’s a very different idea. I think it’s great to do anything for kids, especially in Mendota,” Aguiliar said. “I feel like there’s not a lot to do here, so something like this is huge for the Mendota area.”