Nuhi "Nick" Mirzo and his wife, Erin, opened Unisex House of Style in New Springville. ( Staten island Advance/Tracey Porpora)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When Nuhi "Nick" Mirzo -- who is of Albanian decent but grew up in Macedonia -- was 5 years old, his parents took him to visit family in America.
From that time, Mirzo saw the United States as the land of opportunity. But when he came here 13 years ago in search of the quintessential American dream, he was all alone.
"I have family who has lived here for 30 years. My parents told me about the U.S. and when I first came to visit, I liked it," said the man whom his loyal clientele know as "Nick."
"When I came when I was 5 years old I had a good time because I was with my parents, but when I moved here I came by myself. It was different. ...But I am very happy I made this decision to come here (to America and ultimately to Staten Island)," he added.
Working as a barber, he fell in love with a co-worker who became his wife four months ago. That's when his dreams began to transform into reality.
Five months ago, the Mirzos decided to buy the salon where Nick was working as a barber.
Dubbed Unisex House of Style in New Springville, this is the full-service salon Nick has long dreamed of opening.
"My favorite part of the business is when you make people look good, they really appreciate what you do. And once they feel good, I feel great," said Nick.
ONE-STOP SHOP
The couple wanted to create a salon where the whole family could come to get their haircut.
"In one shot a woman, man and the kids can come to get their hair done," said Erin Mirzo, Nick's wife and business partner.
With two barbers, including Nick, and several stylists and colorists, the salon specializes in all types of cuts for women, men and kids, including hair designs.
"We have hairstylists who specialize in women's hair and color, up-dos and make-up. Any type of styling they want, we have it," she said.
They are hoping to soon add waxing services, said Nick.
WORKING AS A TEAM
While Erin takes care of the business-end of the operation, including the front desk, Nick cuts hair and takes care of many day-to-day duties.
"We work together as a team; we try to help each other out the best that we can," she said. "We worked together when we first met so this is just an extension of that."
UNISEX HOUSE OF STYLE AT A GLANCE
Address: 460 Nome Ave., New Springville
Social Media: www.facebook.com/unisexhouseofstyle1
New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners.
If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.
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