Our Team
Establised in 2006, The Porch Hair & Nail Salon is dedicated to providing high quality services in a family friendly atmosphere. Our stylists have access to the highest quality education in the industry. Let us pamper you and leave feeling rejuvenated and renewed. Teamwork and consistent advanced education are the core values of our Salon Team and play a crucial role in the success and growth of its members. Meet the heart and soul of our salon.
Linda
Linda Karlovitch has been cutting hair for 40 years in Cranford. Ever since she was a child, Linda knew she wanted to be a hairdresser and she’s been in the business her entire adult life. “In the years that I’ve been working, first as an employee and then as a boss, I’ve come to value the relationships I have with my staff and clients. I’m incredibly lucky that when I come to work I get to see friends and have the chance to catch up with them. One of the reasons I love being a hairdresser is because of how social and creative the job is.”
The Porch Salon opened in 2005, when Linda decided she needed a new challenge. Though working as her own boss offered her more flexibility, it also meant that
she was putting in long hours at the beginning. That hard work has paid off, though, with a successful business, satisfied clients, and enthusiastic employees. “We offer our clients personalized service, and those relationships keep people coming back,” said Linda. “Our clients often run into their friends and neighbors here, and family members will all come in together. It’s a real gathering place for many people.”
Linda is a big supporter of Downtown Cranford. “Ever since I first opened The Porch Salon in 2005, there’s been unwavering support from the Cranford community,” said Linda. “I love this town. I’ve received support not only from our clients, but also from the Downtown Cranford office and other business owners. In addition, the Downtown Cranford business district is thriving which helps create buzz and brings customers in the door.”
Alberto
Though he’s worked at The Porch Hair Nail Salon for 7 years, Alberto Vega has been a stylist for around two decades. Alberto was friends with fellow stylist Kim, and when there was an opening at The Porch she recommended him for the job. Alberto admits that he can be shy, but says that disappears when he’s cutting hair. He’s quick with a smile and conversation to put his clients at ease. That may be one of the reasons why families often seek him out for children’s haircuts.
“One of our jobs as stylists is to make people feel relaxed when they’re here,” said Alberto. “I recently spent about 10 minutes talking with a young boy until he was comfortable with me cutting his hair. They need to trust you. I have clients who are in college and come back here when they’re home just so I can cut their hair. Other people started coming to me when they were kids, and now they’re getting married and starting their own families.”
One of the things Alberto likes most about his job is the instant gratification. “You can immediately see on someone’s face if they like the haircut you’ve given them,” said Alberto. “There’s nothing like seeing people walk out of here happy.”
Denise
Denise Gentile has been styling hair for 35 years, and has been with Linda since she opened The Porch Hair Nail Salon. Denise originally became interested in hair when her older sister did perms. She enjoyed the creativity that’s possible with cuts and color, and also loves making people happy. “I’ve been working with Linda for so long that we’re like sisters,” said Denise. “I’ve never had a reason to leave. It’s fun working here and we all learn from each other. I truly look forward to coming in each day.”
Denise has clients who have been with her the entire time she’s been a stylist. She’s now cutting the hair of children whose parents originally went to her. “One of the biggest challenges we have is meeting our client’s needs and interpreting what exactly it is that they want. If you can match the vision they have in their head and make them happy, then you’ve succeeded.”
Denise’s co-worker Kim is quick to compliment Denise as an employee and friend. “Denise is laid-back, but she’s also a hard worker. She looks out for everyone here.”
Kim
Kim VanBuskirk has been cutting hair for 24 years, and working at The Porch Hair Nail Salon for 7 of them. Linda was Kim’s first boss, and eventually Kim found her way back to working with Linda again at The Porch.
Kim loves her job as a stylist and the opportunities it gives her to speak with customers and help them feel good about themselves at the end of an appointment. A number of her clients have been with her from the beginning. “I enjoy doing color and highlights the most, but I really do everything here,” said Kim. Linda sees Kim as a key member of her team at The Porch. “Kim is a great stylist, as well as easygoing and a team player. In the years that we’ve known each other and worked together, I’ve seen her skills improve and grow. She’s not afraid to try something new and step outside her comfort zone.”
When it comes to The Porch, Kim says that it often doesn’t even feel like work. “We’re like a big family here,” she said. “Not only that, but the customers are our friends also. Many of our new customers come in due to word of mouth recommendations from current clients.”
Michelle
Employee Michelle works at The Porch part-time, and is passionate about hair styling. “I love it when people leave my chair smiling,” said Michelle. “Linda has fostered a work environment that’s both fun and creative.”