From Sleeping In A Car To Owning Hair Salon, Bridgewater Mom Celebrates Her Success

SOMERVILLE, NJ — A single mother at 19 years old, Bridgewater native Jessica Colon found herself and her daughters sleeping in a car in the parking lot of a motel. Now she is celebrating the 8th anniversary of her salon Hairitage Hair Lounge in Somerville.

Colon's road to success was not easy but she remains proof that dreams can come true.

The Bridgewater-Raritan High School grad always led "with faith over fear" and picked her life up over the years.

She worked at several salons in Somerset County, met the love of her life, bought her dream home, and in 2017 took the leap to open her own salon called Hairitage.

With the help of her husband Stefan and daughters Tia, Hazel, and Jayla, they were able to transform the space into a fashion-forward salon featuring original works of art and a custom wood pallet wall.

• Related: Bridgewater Mom Is Proof Dreams Come True: Opens Hair Salon

Since opening, she gave birth to her fourth daughter Ashlynn, and overcame the hurdles of small business ownership. Eight years later, Colon is flourishing with daughters Hazel and Jayla now assisting at the salon they once helped their mother create.

"I never imagined touching thousands of people in the same community I grew up in such a positive way," said Colon.

The salon at 131 N Gaston Avenue in Somerville celebrated its anniversary this past Friday with giveaways, games, music and food.

The salon will also be extending a root touch special for $30 and a wash and style special for $30 for the person who is putting themselves last.

"As a mom, I get it. Everyone comes first on the budget. We are trying to make it a little easier for people to be able to take care of themselves," said Colon.

Hairitage specializes in curly hair with the entire staff educated in cutting and styling curly hair.

"Growing up here, there was never a beauty salon that understood shrinkage and frizz," said Colon. "I always left feeling ugly and had to go home and do my hair myself. Hairitage is the place where you can feel comfortable and trust that we care about you as a person — you are the crown jewel."

Along with curly hair, Hairitage Hair Lounge services men, women, and children and specializes in weddings, proms, and special events.

For more information or to book an appointment visit hairitagehairlounge.com or call 908-506-1111 or instagram.com/hairitagehairlounge or Facebook.

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