Intuition Salon on 7th Focuses on Clients' Experiences

The pleasantly warm weather has everyone trading in their boots and jackets for lighter and brighter spring fashions, so why not start off the new season with a shorter hairdo? Maybe add some defining highlights or a whole new color all together?

Whatever the choice may be, Intuition Salon on 7th - formerly known as Salon Imperiale and Carmine's Haircutters at 103 7th Street - is the newest place to find your look. 

“For as long as I remember I wanted to do hair,” salon owner Jessica Rodriguez said. “Literally as a child I remember telling my mom I wanted to do something else (I don't remember what) and she said ‘No you're not. You're going to be a hairdresser.'”

Rodriguez , who has been doing hair for 11 years, started her career as an assistant hairdresser in 1997. 

“Well, oddly enough the salon I just opened is also the salon I started in, in 1997,” she said. “I also worked here another time. So this is my third time here.” Including this salon, Rodriguez has worked in six salons, four of them located in Garden City.

Opening Intuition Salon on 7th was not something that Rodriguez had entirely planned. “I used to hate the idea of owning my own salon. I didn't want the ‘homework.’ I'm not exactly sure at what point it became something I wanted to do. I think it was gradual. I feel like I just wanted to see if I could do it,” she added.

The name of Rodriguez’s salon is unique and has a significant meaning to her. “It is very significant because every important decision I've made in my life was made because of a gut feeling. I wanted to give the salon a name that had to do with a feeling,” she said. “I was driving one day and I asked my mom for a sign (my mom died two years ago). Just as I asked, the car in front of me had In2ition on its license plate. I figured she chose it for me,” she said. 

Rodriguez now has big plans for her new salon. Rather than focusing heavily on the image, Intuition Salon on 7th’s concept will be focusing on the clients.

"I want to emphasize the experience for the client," she said. "We want our clients to look and feel their best. I've worked with people that are more wrapped up in their own appearance than that of their clients. This salon is all about what we can do for our clients."

Rodriguez also hopes to bring a cozy feel to the atmosphere. She hopes her friendly and talented staff will make everyone feel welcome as they step in the door. “This business is about making people feel good and if they don't feel comfortable or welcome then we aren't doing our job,” she said.

Intuition Salon on 7th will have three hairdressers on staff, including Rodriguez herself. Also working with the salon will be local barber, Carmine, who is known throughout the village.

A majority of Rodriguez’s clients are from Garden City, but clients will travel from different towns, such as Port Jefferson and “even one who comes all the way from Chester, NY."

“I pride myself by saying that I truly have the best clientele in town,” Rodriguez said. “I have the nicest clients. Anyone who's worked with me would agree. I've been very blessed in this business. I pray that the blessing will continue in my own place."