Blanca Nolasco of Huntington Honored By Anthony DeFranco Salon

February 12, 2020; Huntington, NY / Huntington Station, NY– Anthony DeFranco Salon is celebrating 30 incredible years in business on Long Island. To express his gratitude to the Long Island community and customers, Anthony DeFranco, entrepreneur, salon owner and respected beauty and hair styling innovator, recently honored 10 inspirational women. Several of these women have faced and overcome personal challenges and others selflessly give back to their communities. Each of them inspires through their actions and dedication to others. All the honorees received a total head-to-toe day of beauty where Anthony DeFranco and his team spent time with each, pampering and enhancing their natural beauty through color, hair styling, makeup and nails.

“I was blessed with wonderful mentors and others who inspired me and supported my entrepreneurial dreams. Recognizing these women was our way of giving back to the community that supports us every day. My team and I applied our years of experience and skills to make these extraordinary women feel special; they deserve recognition for all they do in the lives of others. Our mission statement is ‘beautiful hair is not everything, it’s the only thing’ and our vision is to create and provide every client with an exceptional look that makes them feel beautiful, confident and individually unique. Each of these women looked great and it was our privilege to do something special for them,” said Anthony DeFranco.

The event honorees were: from Suffolk County: Blanca Nolasco of Huntington, Debbie Rimler of Northport, Aracelis Vanek of East Northport, Linda Nuszen of Patchogue, and Suzanne Chimera of Coram. Representing Nassau County honorees were: Angela Ruggeri of Westbury, Ronit Birns of Plainview, Korrine Weil of Plainview, Andrea Jones of Bellmore and Mara Navaretta of Woodbury. Additional background about of these women honoress is included further below.

These deserving women participated in a special ceremony at the newly renovated Anthony DeFranco Salon located at 333 E. Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station, NY. Mr. DeFranco and his team shared the inspiring stories of each honoree as they walked down the red carpet. As they came down the red carpet, each of the honorees wore a gown or cocktail dress donated by MIEKA Boutiques of Woodbury and Greenvale. Local dignitaries, including Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci, Suffolk County Legislator Susan A. Berland, Suffolk County Legislator Thomas Donnelly, Suffolk County Legislator Dr. William Spencer, and Bob Lopez, representing the office of NY State Sen. James Gaughran, presented Mr. DeFranco and the honorees with citations for their contributions to the community.

“Providing dresses and gowns to these remarkable women allowed them to express themselves and feel special. This event gave us the opportunity to recognize to those who selflessly help others. Their stories of loss, struggles and triumphs have touched my wife Karen and I deeply,” said Ken Richter, co-owner of MIEKA Boutique, a family owned business offering women’s designer fashions and sportswear.

Anthony DeFranco opened his Huntington Station Salon 30 years ago, where he became recognized as a national leader and innovator in hair styling and beauty. Today, he has a staff of over 50 and a new location in Plainview at Country Pointe, 1451 Old Country Rd. Mr. DeFranco believes in mentoring and developing talent from here on Long Island. He and team at both of his locations support many local charities and causes. Anthony DeFranco Salons are located in Huntington Station at 333 E. Jericho Turnpike, and at Country Pointe Plainview, 1451 Old Country Rd. For a full list of salon and medispa services as well as hours of operation and appointments, visit www.anthonydefranco.com. For Sight of Beauty medispa, which is part of the Plainview Salon, visit www.sightofbeauty.com or call (516) 293-0459.

Here is a list of Anthony DeFranco Salon & Spa’s Inspiring Women Honorees:

FROM SUFFOLK:

Blanca Nolasco - Huntington, NY
Blanca Nolasco, has been a loyal staff member at Anthony DeFranco Salon for 20 years. She is an incredible woman who has battled cancer several times during the years she has worked with Anthony. During these challenging periods, she always had a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Blanca is a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who is dedicated to her family and her job. She always gives her clients the attention that they need to ensure they have a wonderful experience, even when she is personally facing challenges. She is a true team player who never says no and is the first to offer assistance when it is needed. Her strength and positivity show everyone that life is worth living and celebrating.

Aracelis Vamek - East Northport, NY
Aracelis Vamek is a wife and dedicated mother of an autistic child. She is patient, loving and always available and supportive of members of the family and her friends. She works in the title insurance sector and her friends and family describe her as “a gift.” She is known for her compassion and taking extraordinary actions to help and support her family and friends. Her actions and personal example are an inspiration for others.

Debbie Loss Rimler- Northport, NY
Debbie Loss Rimler is the Executive Director of Tri Community and Youth Agency, a non-profit agency serving youth ages 5 to 21 in Huntington, South Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor. For 31 years, she has championed the organization’s mission to provide educational, recreational, cultural, counseling and advocacy services to youth and their families. She assisted with large programs such as a Backpack and School Supply Give Away and Project T.O.Y., which serves over 1,000 families in economic need during the holidays. She works selflessly to provide a safe space and guidance, food and the feeling of family to those who need it most. Debbie’s commitment to her community makes it a better place to live. She is an inspiration to all.

Suzanne Chimera - Coram, NY
Suzanne Chimera co-founded Hair We Share, an organization that provides free custom-made donated human hair wigs to those suffering from medical hair loss. Suzanne was passionate about helping others and she contacted an 18-year-old girl diagnosed with leukemia to offer assistance. Before the young woman’s prom and graduation, Suzanne gave her a wig that looked like her own hair before she lost it to chemotherapy treatments. This led to the girl’s mother becoming a Hair We Share board member and volunteer. Suzanne takes no pay for her tireless efforts. She runs events, solicits pony tail donations and monetary donations and works directly with recipients. Her heartfelt and inspiring work is making a difference in the lives of many.

Linda Nuszen - Patchogue, NY
Linda Nuszen is the founder of Beading Hearts, a group of mothers who have lost a child to a drug overdose in either Nassau and Suffolk counties. Linda has created a safe environment for mothers to support each other during weekly meetings. The Beading Hearts members also visit mothers in sober homes, rehabs and even jails. She shares stories of hope, reflection and promise while making inspirational beads with them. The mothers in Beading Hearts are “broken open” and learning how to embrace a new life by letting some light in. Linda is that light during dark personal times.

FROM NASSAU:

Angela Ruggeri - Westbury, NY
Angela Ruggeri has been battling Cystic Fibrosis for 33 years and does so with grace. During medical treatments and hospital stays, she drew upon her inner strength and never gave up her fight. For years she has used her life as an example and her story to help and inspire others. She founded Breathe Believe to give hope and much needed support to those with Cystic Fibrosis who were less fortunate than her. Angela is committed to giving back to her community through Breathe Believe, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation. She is a shining light of home and inspiration to all who have the pleasure of knowing her.

Korrine Weil - Plainview, NY
A few years ago, Korrine Weil’s family faced major health issues; her husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and her daughter was hospitalized with a serious Illness. Sadly, their daughter passed away. Her husband’s MS progressed and now he is housebound. Korrine is her husband’s primary caregiver; helping him in and out of his wheelchair and bed is physically exhausting. Physical therapy was needed to treat her injured shoulder and back. Despite these monumental personal challenges, Korrine is happy to do small errands for her neighbors, such as picking up some groceries. This inspiring woman takes little time for herself, devoting it instead to those she loves.

Mara Navaretta - Woodbury, NY|Mara Navaretta is an inspiring entrepreneur and founder of Homes By Mara Realty. The company, founded in 2010, is headquartered in Syosset and now has over 60 agents and closes over $100 million in sales annually. Mara’s community participation includes work with Blanca’s House, the Ashley Wade Foundation pajama drive and a hurricane collection drive. She also supports North Shore Animal League and Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation. Her commitment to her community, leadership in business and professionalism are an inspiration for her family, her team and young women across Long Island.

Ronit Birns - Plainview, NY
In 2001, Ronit Birns was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Ever since then, she has devoted herself to raising money and awareness in the fight against the disease and to help others. As captain of the MS Walk Team RoRoRo, she raised over $500,000. She knows how stressful and challenging it is to live with MS. She remains upbeat and positive and is always willing to offer advice, comfort and support to those who are newly diagnosed with MS. She is a loving wife, mother, friend, and advocate who always puts others before herself. This inspiring woman is truly a “warrior” for a cause and respected member of her community.

Andrea Jones - Bellmore, NY
Andrea Jones has focused her life on helping others. Whether it was raising her now-grown sons, volunteering at the local Mother's Center, being a mentor through the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation, supporting friends in need or advising the junior members of her marketing team where she worked. She enjoys inspiring and assisting others to develop their talents and skills. She is looking forward to opening a new chapter in her life and continuing to be a mentor and trusted friend to those who face challenges.

Anthony DeFranco Salons are located in Huntington Station at 333 E. Jericho Turnpike, and at Country Pointe Plainview, 1451 Old Country Rd. For a full list of salon and medispa services as well as hours of operation and appointments, visit www.anthonydefranco.com. For Sight of Beauty medispa which is part of the Plainview Salon, visit www.sightofbeauty.com or call (516) 293-0459.

In 1979, Anthony DeFranco began his professional career as a young apprentice to Vidal Sassoon in New York City. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his first highly successful salon & spa in Huntington Station in 1989. Today, it is one of the largest salons on Long Island with a staff of 50. Anthony DeFranco Salons have been voted the best hair salons on Long Island. With two locations, the salons’ professional team of talented hair stylists, experienced hairdressers and cosmetologists, offers professional and affordable next level hair salon haircuts, hair color, hair styling, hair highlights, hair extensions, updos, blowouts, hair straightening and more. The new Anthony DeFranco Salon and Spa in Plainview has 20 professionals. Anthony trains and mentors all staff members. He inspires the staff with a positive outlook on the future, and determination to let nothing stand in the way of their dreams. For additional information, visit www.anthonydefranco.com or call (516) 588-0055.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS: (Photo credit is courtesy of Anthony DeFranco Salon & Spa,which grants media permission use of both photos)
Pictured is Blanca Nolasco of Huntington, NY, who was recently among 10 inspiring women honored as part of Anthony DeFranco Salon & Spa's 30th Business Anniversary Celebration where she and the other honoreess were treated to a day of beauty, pampering and makeovers by Beauty and Hair Styling Leader and Innovator Anthony DeFranco and his team of beauty professsionals before making their public makeover debuts two days later at Anthony DeFranco's 30th Business Anniversary Celebration event at his newly renovated Salon & Spa at his Huntington Station, NY location where they walked the runway wearing designer dresses provided by MIEKA Boutique and had their inspiring stories shared before an audience of at least 200 people, that included family, friends, dignitaries and VIPs.