Chelsea Szost, owner of Glamorous Productions LLC, pictured inside her salon located at 1038 5th Avenue.
Making long term connections with clients is Chelsea Szost’s favorite part of the job.
”I always say hair is hair. We don’t just have services for men or women, we’re a family salon. I love forming relationships with our clients and watching their kids grow up,” she said.
Glamorous Productions LLC began as a traveling bridal hair and makeup team in 2012. Needing a space to bring clients for wedding trials led Szost, the salon’s founder and owner, to open up a brick and mortar location in Coraopolis.
“When you’re opening a business they always say, ‘location, location, location.’ I wanted something that had a storefront window on a main drag. Fifth Avenue was perfect for us,” commented Chelsea.
Brought to her attention by her husband Ben, a Groveton native, the revitalization in Coraopolis was originally what caught Chelsea’s eye. Learning that incoming businesses included a coffee bar, an art gallery, and antique shops encouraged her to snatch up her own space in 2016.
“There is a huge difference from when we first started in town. The community involvement has really grown. It’s nice to be a part of a neighborhood and not just in a commercial space - Coraopolis has a hometown feel to it.”
The Brentwood native began her career as an assistant, received her cosmetology license in 2004, and went on to become a regional salon educator with Italy Hair Fashion, a color distributor in Baden, PA. Though Chelsea enjoyed the work, she wanted more from the beauty industry.
She quickly learned just how much time you need to invest as a business owner. “This is a never ending job. From ordering products, to social media, working with clientele, scheduling classes - it is nonstop.”
As an educator at heart, Chelsea makes sure her team of talented stylists - a mixture of tenured veterans and newly licensed professionals - is always up to speed on innovative techniques and products. “Our main focus is hair and makeup, and we love color.”
Szost’s desire to constantly improve isn’t limited to her work in the beauty industry. She also competes in shows with her beloved horse, Reba. “It was always my dream to ride horses. We’ve done parades and jumping shows, we’re always working on new things together.”
Chelsea holds a number of causes close to her heart, including support of first responders and animal advocacy.
“A lot of my family was involved in the Brentwood Fire Department. And Ben and his dad are part of the Groveton Fire Department. It’s a legacy of service for us.”
She also said the salon organizes a number of fundraisers throughout the year for their partner animal charities.
“All of us in the salon are big animal lovers. I think a big part of owning a business is giving back. My favorite way to give back is through animals,” she said.
For business owners looking to get more connected in Coraopolis, Szost suggests they get in contact with Coraopolis Community Development.
“I came to Coraopolis without being from here. Amy (CCDC Executive Director) was so welcoming, introduced me to other business owners, and made me feel a part of the community right away.”
If you’re in need of a stylist or ready for a new look, check out Glamorous Productions LLC online at www.glamorousproductionsllc.com or make a stop at the salon located at 1038 5th Avenue in downtown Coraopolis.