Credit: Submitted
Bristol Borough is no stranger to national awards. There was the 2017 Small Business Revolution that brought seven businesses in town to prominence for participating with its Main Street makeover theme. Now, a beauty salon is in the spotlight.
Josefina Berrocal-Irizzary, owner of Josefina’s Unisex Salon on Pond Street, was recently recognized by Pantene beauty products and dresscode Project, as one of eight salons across the United States that provide an accepting environment for the LGBTQ+ community.
Advertisements
The contest was posted on Instagram, inviting all salons to participate by showing their willingness to accommodate the LGBTQ+ and non-binary clients. Pictures and testimonials from those clients made up part of the contest requirements. A $10,000 prize also came with the recognition.
Credit: Submitted
“We showed that our clients are safe and accepted at a time when society is separated so many divisions. Hair is hair, it has no gender; It’s what you build up with your clients, and love is part of it,” Josefina said, as she expressed her delight at receiving the award.
Josefina’s is a mostly family run business that takes pride in it own Latino roots. Josefina’s son, Raul Irizzary, who followed his mother into the beauty business, saw information about the competition and urged his mother to enter.
Advertisements
“My mother and the rest of the family have a welcoming atmosphere, so I thought we should take part in the contest,” said Raul, who specializes in precision cuts and hair coloring, and has several LBGTQ+ customers.
The dress code Project was founded in 2017 with the purpose of providing member businesses and professionals relevant resources and training to understand those among their clients who belong to the LGBTQ+ and non-binary communities. Dresscode Project and Pantene collaborated with a singular role: to help LGBTQ+ individuals be at ease when styling their hair.
Credit: Submitted
Advertisements
“Many people in the LGBTQ+ community struggle to feel listened to and understood at salons,” especially when they seek a hairstyle that doesn’t reflect the so-called gender norm, said a spokesperson for Pantene and dresscode.
Josefina’s sister, Aida Berrocal-Rivera, who has been with the salon from the first, believes that all clients should feel welcome.
“We get so many compliments from people who walk in and say they feel like it’s home,” Aida said.
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
