Bringing world class hair styles to NEPa

Mary Koczwara has been a licensed cosmetologist for more than 25 years. In 2010 she opened her salon, Mary Koczwara Hair Studio at 318 Davis St. in Clarks Summit.

A resident of South Abington Township, Mary is married to John and is the mother of Alexis and Lauren.

Mary trained at Keystone Beauty School in Scranton where she learned the basics of the profession and earned her cosmetology license. After working at several hair salons, she made the decision to go on her own.

"Throughout my professional career, I focused on not only maintaining my skills but continuing to evolve by keeping up with current trends. I have enhanced my skills by training in New York City and attending the training academy. I have also studied elsewhere in the United States including in California and internationally in Paris and London. I also meet with and exchange ideas with a network of stylists.”

“The key to success, she said, “is that you cannot become stale and keep performing the same cut as trends change so frequently in hair fashion."

Each day in her life is different. “I have built a relationship with local clientele and clients who make a long commute to utilize my services. I guess this is a result of my skill and desire to bring world-class expertise to Northeast Pennsylvania. My parents provided me with a strong work ethic and I really don't think of my day as working but rather as an opportunity to express my artistic talents. Knowing that others have challenging lives due to family or professional commitments, I extend my day to provide service to my clients. I do get tired but my love of the profession drives me to keep going. However, when I get home, I love to enjoy a relaxing dinner with my husband and then spend time with our cocker spaniel 'Rosie.'"

Mary's fashion travels have provided her with the opportunity to see and experience changes before they migrate to our area. "I am a sponge of knowledge when I am training, not only witnessing these changes but continually developing my skills to give my clientele what they will eventually see on television, online or in a magazine. You need to realize that styles come and go but each time they are different."

She noted that there's really no specific style for long or short hair. "Each person is unique with individual facial features, hair length and texture which ties into how they personally want to look. I strive to offer my professional knowledge to each client to creatively match today's trends with their features to create the look they are seeking. Each year, colorization and styles are made popular by clothing or general fashion trends. People see certain styles on television, online or in a magazine that piques their personal interest. Frequently people will come to the salon with a photo on their cellphone and want to look that way. Sometimes it is easily done but there are also limitations to what their hair or features allow."

Mary said she truly loves her clientele and the opportunity to make someone feel good about themselves and walk out of the salon feeling better than when they arrived.

“Everyone I help has a different challenge in life. I love being able to allow my clients to leave their diffi- culties at the door and enjoy a moment to themselves,” she said. Mary works independently to provide personalized service in an intimate and private setting where her clients can relax and feel pampered. “I have created a warm and soothing environment with big front windows that let in natural light. The ambience offers comforting background music, soft colors and fragrance that soothes the mind," she said.

Mary specializes in all aspects of hair design including hair treatments, cutting, coloring, foiling, highlighting and blowouts. "Rather than try to offer more services, I continually strive to be a master of my trade," she said.

"At the end of the day, I love going out to a nice dinner with my husband or with my Thursday night dinner group and having someone else provide me with exceptional service. My sister and I, along with our mother who passed away in February 2021, started a weekly dinner night out every Thursday. Although my mom is no longer with us, we continue our tradition which has expanded since covid restrictions have eased.

There are four to six of us enjoying a girls night out at different local establishments. I love when my daughters are home and we can enjoy some time together."

In her spare time and to her husband’s consternation, she said, while laughing: “I love to shop for new clothing or household items."

Call 570-586-2795 for more information or to make an appointment. H

–Christine Fanning