The frequency people visit beauty salons varies. However, we all need them from time to time for self-care, a fresher look, or a slight boost of motivation.
Until recently, people in the village of Debet had to travel to the city of Vanadzor to use services offered by beauty salons or had to turn to local freelance hairdressers and nail artists. The latter is no longer the reality in Armenia’s first SMART village.
On April 14, Debet saw the opening of its first-ever modern beauty salon, called “D Salon,” which surpasses many beauty centers in Yerevan with its charm and design solutions.
Cutting the ribbon
D Salon’s opening ceremony was attended by those who invested in the project, followed its progress along the journey, and were impatient for its opening: the Ambassador of Lithuania in Armenia, Inga Stanytė-Toločkienė, local administrative bodies, and the COAF team.
As luck would have it, the first client of the newly-opened salon was Ambassador Inga Stanytė-Toločkienė.
What makes “D Salon” special?
Rural, yet urban
When the yet unpaved road brings you to the salon, you sense an interesting contrast between the venue and the reality of the village. The light-colored walls, wooden decors, green plants, modern furniture, and equipment are reminiscent of an urban environment (designed by “Tarberak” architectural studio). The good thing is, you’re not in a city but in one of the greenest villages of Armenia, where you are treated to unlimited fresh air and the peaceful melody of silence.
The welcoming location
The salon is located on the ground floor of the municipality building, and it is a short walk or drive from the popular hotels and guest houses of the village. Being at the crossroads of villages where there are no beauty salons yet, “D Salon” is ready to welcome visitors not only from Debet, but also from nearby communities.
Mission: empowering women
“D Salon” employs three local women who were among the 24 participants taking the hairdressing and nail courses organized within the “Empowered Women as Agents for Change and Rural Development” program of the Lithuanian Embassy in Armenia. Later as project winners, they took professional training at the French-Armenian Professional Education Center Fund and the Yerevan-based “Kilejian’s” beauty lounge to master the new crafts and attract clients. By visiting “D Salon,” you support rural women entrepreneurs.
“Our clients have been impressed by the salon, especially its ambiance. I already have ten new clients who used to travel to Vanadzor to do their nails,” says the salon nail technician Lilit Hovakimyan, who provided freelance nail care services in Debet before and now has her own lovely working corner in her community.
Where to find “D Salon”?
Address:
8th building, 2nd street, Debet village, Lori region
Follow D Salon on Instagram and Facebook.
If you want to be part of this meaningful difference in the villages of Armenia, consider supporting COAF’s education, health, social, and economic development programs.
