Hair Salon In Enfield Thriving At New Location In Historic Hazardville

ENFIELD, CT — Jenn Fournier says she has always been fascinated by historic buildings, so when the opportunity arose to move her hair salon to a much-needed larger location and an opening arose in a high-visibility spot in the old Hazardville Hotel, she gleefully jumped at the chance.

The owner of Shear Savage had been operating since late 2020 in the Smyth Corners Plaza on Route 190, having purchased the former Hair Matters from the retiring Joyce Frangiamore. However, the 3-chair salon was not conducive to her business, which consists of two full-time hairstylists and three part-timers.

When the owner of Mane Habitat decided to move to the freestanding former Rockville Bank building on Enfield Street, Fournier immediately capitalized on the vacancy on the ground floor of the 3-story structure at the corner of South Maple Street and Hazard Ave., built in the 1850s.

The building has been the subject of many legends over the years, including unconfirmed reports of having been a brothel at one time, and Hazardville itself being named in honor of the Hazard Powder Company during a banquet at the hotel. One true story is that in 1902, a clandestine prize fight was scheduled in the hotel ballroom by a promoter from nearby Springfield, Mass., where boxing was prohibited.

"I've always loved this building in particular," Fournier said. "I like the aesthetics of it. I was not expecting to grow out of the other location in a year's time."

An Enfield High School graduate, Fournier attended cosmetology school, then worked for 14 years at Split Enz, owned by her uncle, Joe Parelius. When he retired, she worked at a few other salons before buying Frangiamore's business.

In early fall, she and her husband began working on some cosmetic renovations in the new spot, and the shop officially opened at 316 Hazard Ave. on Oct. 8.

And just how did the name Shear Savage come about?

"I was joking around with my sister and I said something stupid," Fournier said. "She looked at me and said, 'Jenn, you're just a straight savage.' I told my husband, who is always my devil's advocate, and he said, 'I think that would be perfect.'"

The salon provides complete hair care services, as well as facial waxing. Appointments are recommended, and may be made by visiting www.shearsavage.com.