MIDDLEBURY — While Middlebury’s downtown has seen a few recent vacancies and a multi-year railway construction project will continue to cause some disruption, there was good news this Monday when Parlour moved its salon and spa services to 57 Main St.
“We think it’s exciting news for downtown Middlebury,” said co-owner Lisa Phelps. “We’ve completely transformed the old O’Brien’s space … and are looking forward to playing a part in reshaping Middlebury’s downtown.”
Phelps and Megan Mandigo joined forces a year and a half ago when Phelps moved her Brandon-based salon to the corner of Elm and Exchange streets in Middlebury on Aug. 30, 2107. At that time they had transformed a residence into a thriving enterprise providing haircuts and styling, color enhancements, nail and lashes care, waxing, and skin care.
The business also has an exclusive agreement with Shoreham-based Tata Harper to use its all-natural skin products for facial treatments.
At its new prominent Main Street location Parlour will provide those same services, with added space for a sixth hair stylist and almost double the amount of space for retail products.
The business has also added lines of women’s accessories by partnering with two Burlington-based stores — Mirror Mirror and Monelle. Some of those items now adorn the windows that face Main Street, creating a compelling storefront that highlights its retail offerings as well as salon services.
“Our goal is to create a space in downtown Middlebury that we’re proud to show clients,” Mandigo said, “and at the same time support the downtown. It’s really important for us to give back to the community … Being a part of the downtown has been on our bucket list of things to get done.”
“It’s always been a great place to network and make connections,” she added, but with the downtown location she and Phelps believe the business will be able to play a more active role in the community.
 
PARLOUR PROPRIETORS LISA Phelps and Megan Mandigo (front) are surrounded Monday by the team at their hair and beauty salon at its new digs on Main Street in Middlebury. Pictured from left are Breanna Lessard, Lynzee Vaughan, Will Landry, Maxine Eaton, Kelsey Parker, Susan Woloohojian and Genevieve Drzewianowski.
Independent photo/Steve James
Mandigo, who has served on the board of the Better Middlebury Partnership for the past few years, said she looked forward to being able to participate in the downtown sales promotions and the various events held throughout the year.
“We really believe in shopping local and supporting our local businesses and community,” she said, as well as helping the downtown thrive throughout the construction period over the next couple of years.
Mandigo added the business has been fortunate to attract customers from the entire community — from college students to residents throughout the county, young to older, adding that the stylists also offer haircuts for men and boys.
Mandigo, a 2002 Middlebury College grad, recalled a day not long after they opened when an 87-year-old woman came in to get her hair styled. Once she got up, a 5-year-old hopped into the chair.
“We are looking to create a space that is really community-oriented,” Mandigo said at the time, a statement that continues to reflect their mission today.