Safie Salon And Day Spa Opens Its Doors

Safie Salon and Day Spa, which opened its doors for the first time recently, offers Massapequa residents more than just a simple wash and blow.

Owner Lisa Azemi says her business, located at 519 Central Avenue, represents cutting-edge Manhattan-style chic, combined with a new-age holistic sensibility.

"We're a full-service salon, linked with wellness and beauty together" Azemi said. "We have amazing employees that are extremely educated."

Azemi said that the location, which is close to the Massapequa LIRR station, should be a benefit for her business.

"There's a lot of walk-in traffic though here," she said. "A lot of people from the trains who, at times, need to feel the simplicity of relaxation before they head home."

Philip S., Safie's general manager, says the salon offers a unique experience for Massapequa.

"I like that there's no other place like it," he said. "It collaborates both the trendy hair fashion end of it with beauty, wellness, and more of a holistic, natural approach. I don't see that just anywhere."

"The products that we've chosen are modern yet organic," Philip added. "They're natural, so they're contributing to our wellness factor as well."

Services include hair styling, pedicures, waxing, and perms, in addition to non-traditional salon fare such as Yoga classes, hot stone therapy, and acupuncture.

David Hanley is Azemi's partner in the salon. In addition, he also brings years of massage therapy experience.

"I do medical massage, acupressure, and Swedish massage," he said. "I also do reflexology, bringing wellness through the feet."

Carol Benedetto runs a jewelry counter in the salon. She has also been a long-time client of Azemi.

"The salon is clean, fast, and professional," she said. "She does a great job and I know when I come here, it's going to be a very relaxing, enjoyable hour."

While giving a tour of the beautiful 2000 square-foot salon, Philip elaborated on the lavish touches around every corner.

"The flooring is Italian porcelain tiles...we definitely went for the gusto there," he said. "And all of our furniture is imported from the Netherlands."

Philip also commented on the importance of supporting the people who, in turn, support their business.

"As a team, the Spa Salon went and did the breast cancer walk at Jones beach this year, and we sponsored ourselves," he said. "It's a great social responsibility, and an effort to give back to the community."

Hairstylist Dana Licata believes that it won't be long before Safie Salon starts creating a buzz in Massapequa.

"It's very comfortable, very neat, clean and inviting," she said. 

Bob Rubino of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce feels that the salon will be a positive addition to the community.

"I think they did a beautiful job in this place, and I wish them well," he said. "I walked around and saw all their rooms and all the things they offer, and I think they're going to do great."

Despite the economic turmoil gripping the nation, Azemi is confident that her salon has a shot at making it big.

"I have a positive feeling," she said. "It's difficult, but I've run salons before, so I'm very familiar with the business, and I have an extremely devoted clientele."

"When you walk in here you have many choices," Azemi added. "When you walk out, you feel beautiful, you feel confident, and you feel like a different person."