Colors

Colors Twenty years of talent friendship and consistency by Pattie Cinelli C 1308 Constitution Ave., NE 202-544-6060 Center for Traumatic Stress Studies, PLLC Thoughtful treatment of trauma, depression, and stress the Judy B. Okawa, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist, jokawa@gmail.com Therapy, psychological evaluations, consultation and training Ronda Bresnick Hauss Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supporting you in having a healthy & productive life. Psychotherapy for adults using an integrative & holistic approach: traditional talk therapy, meditation, & creative, non-verbal techniques. 1308 Constitution Ave., N.E. 202.544.5050 www.quietwaterscenter.com Martina Washington Colon Hydrotherapist Colon Hydrotherapy & Aqua Chi Detox System 426 8th Street, SE 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20003 202.544.9595 Ph 202.544.1357 Fx E-mail: carmelvoice@aol.com www.newlifewellnesscenter.com olors Progressive Salon owners Fred Nester and Angela Coller defy the odds. Hair stylists are notorious for changing salons, changing cities or just disappearing. Not only have stylists Fred and Angela stayed on the Hill in one location for 20 years, but they also have clients who have kept returning for all that time regardless of where they have moved. One woman flies in from Brentwood, Ca., another drives 481 miles every six weeks to get her hair done and others come from Seattle, Maine, New Mexico and Arizona for Fred and Angela’s special touch. Located upstairs at 613 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, the unmarked door next to the 21st Amendment is easy to miss if you don’t know where you are going. The obscure entrance is on purpose. Walk-ins are not encouraged. “They never overbook,” said Tasha McGinn who discovered Colors from several referrals when five years ago she put out an SOS for a stylist on the Mothers on the Hill (MOTH) website. Tasha used to have to get her hair cut and colored every six to eight weeks. Now she said her hair looks good from the time she gets it cut to the day she walks in again, which is about three times a year. “It’s all about the client. They know we don’t have a lot of time and they are considerate of that.” Tasha is the mother of 3-year-old O’Nalley Anne who received her first hair cut from Angela when she was just 1-year-old. “I have more fun when I walk into their shop. I laugh because they’re so upbeat and so relaxed. Each client is important to them.” Fred first opened Colors in 1989. In those days he had a large staff. He had been thinking about downsizing when the recession of the ‘90s hit. Angela joined him in 1992, when Fred had just opened the smaller shop in the current location. “I had been working in another shop, needed a change and heard about Colors’ excellent reputation.” The rest is history. Fred is known for his precision cuts with personality. He sees 12 to 15 clients a day, who Fred describes as ‘all different’. “They satisfy my social needs,” which are considerable. Fred grew up in a family of 12. He’s uncle to 30 and a grand uncle to 50. Angela, who also does manicures as a service for clients, laughed when she said she likes her clients ‘chemically dependent’ and sees about six to eight customers a day. “We have a unique situation. We both consult with clients before hands-on work and we share a lot of clients.” They shut down the shop when they take vacation and both rarely get sick. Fred Nester and Angela Coller. Photos by Andrew Lightman 112 ★ HillRag | June 2009 DC’s Premiere Waxing Salon & Dermalogica Skincare Center “The personal relationship we have with our clients keeps bringing them back,” said Fred. “I have a great memory. We’re more than just their hair stylists. We’re their friends.” Ruth Hargraves, who has been going to Colors for about 10 years agreed. “Fred’s an allservice hairdresser. When I was thinking about ordering kitchen cabinets and complained to Fred about not knowing how to measure them, he came to my house and measured for me.” Ruth is not alone in her devotion. Customer Gina Adams couldn’t say enough about the ‘amazing job’ done to her hair at Colors, where she has been going for more than 10 years. “The real test of a great cut is when I’m at the end of my eight weeks and I get compliments on my hair. Fred is an incredible artist. Fred can assess each client and his/her needs, then make them look fabulous yet consistent with a client’s individual style.” Angela, whose coloring abilities are legendary, can low light Gina’s hair so that “no one knows I am doing it. It is so natural.” Fred describes their business as ‘personal’ that takes clients from ‘cradle to grave.’ They style the hair of people who start as children, become adults, then parents. “We hope that never changes,” said Angela. One day when Gina was having her hair colored, three generations of women walked in for cuts. “I’m not sure who was the client but Fred, in his unbelievable wisdom, made each look fabulous.” Both Fred and Angela agree that they are blessed. “I would have burned out years ago from just hairstyling. It’s the personal relationships with clients that keep me going,” said Fred. To contact Colors Progressive Salon call 202-543-1963. ★ Facial Waxing Smoothing Body Treatments Body Skin Bronzer skin beauty lounge Customized Facials Exclusive Bikini Therapy Lash & Brow Tinting Brazilian Bikini Wax Anti-Aging Treatments 202.543.6993 4041/2 8th street SE www.skinbeautylounge.com Eastern Market Metro Open until 9pm Tues-Thurs Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker NANCY L. LITHGOW, RN, MSW Individuals, Couples & Families Mothers & Infants Counseling & Psychotherapy when talking to friends and family isn't enough 202-543-7700 101 6th St., NE and 1616 18th Street, NW capitalcommunitynews.com ★ 113