Christine Whelan FEO, March 16, 2023, VOL. 4 ISSUE 15
As Nino D’Ambra Hair & Aesthetics at 231 Garrison Road in Fort Erie celebrated its 25th anniversary, they also welcomed, through the rollercoaster ride of the pandemic, the addition of Forever Young Medical Spa and Shoop Studio Laser Removal.
Owners Nino D’Ambra and Maria Costa have rented out the space on the second floor as well, expanding the salon into a full spa.
Maria explained, “Forever Young Medical Spa’s Julie Young does all botox, facials, anything that’s medically related, she takes care of that. And on the other side of the second floor is Pamela Parks with laser hair removal.”
She added, “COVID brought many companies together to support each other.”
Nino’s passion for barbering came from home, in Italy, where he started as a barber when he was 14 years old.
“He eventually went for his full hairdressing license. We then became partners and became a full-service salon for both men and women.”
Costa continued with their history of progression. “About 10 years ago, we were in Chicago and we noticed that barbering was becoming a big thing again so we decided to open up a barber shop within our existing salon.
“We wanted to bring modern barbering to Fort Erie with a flair of Toronto.
“And that’s what we’ve been doing with our education in the last 25 years — traveling to Toronto, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Italy. We work and strive, through continuing education, updating our expertise annually, to improve our craftsmanship, while forming a greater personal connection with our clientele.”
In 2017, Nino placed 2nd in the Battle of The Barbers Competition in Toronto.
At Nino’s, there are two separate doors; two different experiences.
The Man Cave Barber Shop opened its doors in 2016, bringing barbering to the next level — “exclusive pampering for the modern man”. Its entrance is in the back.
The front entrance is the unisex salon. It’s for the women but some men do come to the front. It’s about meeting specific needs.
“Some men want a typical barber and some men prefer to have a woman do their hair, as a hairstylist,” Maria commented.
She continued about today’s men in general, “They want more than just a haircut. They want what we, as women, want. They love to get shaved. They love to sit there and talk about sports, and different events. They just like the man talk.”
A Community Business
The team, according to Maria, is well known for their dedication to the community they serve through their philanthropic endeavours.
“About ten years ago, we amalgamated with Wellspring Niagara, coming up with a fundraiser for Wellspring Niagara.” They raised $82,000, supporting the community battling cancer.
“That’s what really put our business on the map, being a community business,” the co-owner admitted.
“We are affiliated with Community Living. We were the pilot program, integrating clients from the organization into the workforce. We’ve had Marissa with us for ten years, coming in twice a week for one hour. She’s become a part of our team.”
When asked if there are any further plans for the spa, Maria commented, “We just want to grow, be better than yesterday.”
Maria and Nino would like to thank all their loyal customers for being the “heart of their business”.
To learn more about the spa you can go to Nino’s website: ninodambra.com or check out the Facebook Page – Nino D’Ambra Hair and Aesthetics.