“We seek to provide a special place, a pleasant change from daily trials,” says Cristina Mohajerin, owner of Oasis Salon. “Our salon provides a variety of services from the usual (haircuts, perms, manicures, pedicures) to the specialized (lash extensions, spray tan, makeup application and waxing, for example).” Mohajerin emphasizes customer service and is proud of often winning the Choice Awards, most recently in 2014 and 2018. Comments on the salon website include “I am always pleased with the outcome”; “the stylist gives me exactly what I ask for”; and “I feel good when I look so good.”
Oasis has been in its current location for 10 years, expanding four years ago. There are 10 stylists, two nail and lash technicians, plus three front-desk coordinators. “The coordinators are essential,” says Mohajerin. “They keep the business on schedule and organized.” They answer the phones and make follow-up calls.
Men comprise 25 percent of the clientele. “Our clients are very diverse,” says Mohajerin. “We have old to young and everything in-between. We have professionals, the military and college students. We build relationships with our clients. Most become repeat customers. Many come to us by word-of-mouth or from our website.” The website features many examples of hairstyles, and clients often choose from them.
“I come from an entrepreneurial background,” says Mohajerin. “My father owned a pizzeria and other relatives owned salons.” Mohajerin has been in the business for 20 years. “I worked for large corporate salons in department stores, but I always wanted my own salon,” Mohajerin says. Her husband, a Realtor®, encouraged her. The family name is Persian, but there is no family in Iran. “I would like to visit some day,” says Mohajerin. She grew up in western New York State, near Buffalo. She moved to Virginia to be near family. “I didn’t like winters. I was tired of snow and I don’t miss it,” Mohajerin says with a smile.
Mohajerin is mother to four-year-old twins—a boy and a girl. “My daughter likes to have her hair styled and her nails painted,” says Mohajerin. When asked about hobbies, Mohajerin says, “What are they?” She spends her at-home time playing with her children. “Just ‘Mom stuff,’” she adds. “We do not take vacations now but when we do, it will be somewhere warm. I’m sure we will eventually take the children to Disney World.”
Mohajerin hires experienced stylists, who usually bring their clientele with them. “They do not require supervision, and I am able to be actively behind the chair myself, which I prefer.” Mohajerin is usually booked a month or more ahead. “Hair styling is fun for me,” she says. “Yes, there is a lot of talking. I find that I don’t want to talk at home.”
Brittany Reid is the lash extension technician. “Extensions are becoming very popular,” she says. “They give a full, finished look and eliminate the need for mascara. My clients are very comfortable with the 30-to-60-minute process. Sometimes they take a nap.”
Other salon offerings include “balayage,” a form of hair coloring. “It is like hair ‘painting’ and is very popular,” says Mohajerin. The Brazilian blow-dry tames frizzy hair, caused by humidity. Mohajerin and her stylists strive to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. “A group of us attend the large hair shows. Sometimes a product company offers training for its new products. And I have classes here in my salon four times a year,” says Mohajerin. “We can’t be left behind,” she adds.
Oasis offers four “packages.” For brides, there is a special hairstyle and makeup plus a gel manicure, a spa pedicure and a spray tan. For prom night, there is hair, makeup and classic manicure and pedicure. “The Oasis Retreat” includes a classic manicure and pedicure, shampoo, blow-dry and makeup application. “Pamper your Princess” is designed for girls under age 11. It includes a child’s blow-dry, manicure and pedicure.
Mohajerin does try new stylings and products on herself. “However, I find that I am less adventuresome these days,” she says. “I am very fortunate to have been able to realize my dream and enjoy my work,” she adds.
TO THE POINT:
Oasis Salon
Address: 11710-K Jefferson Ave., Newport News VA 23606
Contact: Cristina Mohajerin, owner
Phone: 757-595-3767
Email: cmohajerin@gmail.com
Website: www.oasissalon.net
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