Building the Valley: Freeport graduate makes the cut with new salon business
A Freeport native has opened her first business — in her hometown.
Jamie Bieranowski opened Bier Beauty on Jan. 4 at 227 Fifth St.
The salon offers complete hair, nail and waxing services, with an emphasis on brides, color and haircuts.
“The salon is co-ed and all ages are welcome,” Bieranowski said. “Any age or gender is welcome through my doors, and my business philosophy is creating a positive environment where every person feels welcomed and valued. Without the clients, this industry wouldn’t exist.”
From her little girl days of playing with the hair of more than 80 Barbies, Bieranowski began creating pencil sketches of hairdos and clothing designs.
“I’m so excited about this new journey and can’t wait to continue servicing my wonderful customers and for all the new faces to come,” said Bieranowski, 28.
She chose Freeport because of its appealing small-town charm.
“It’s a well-kept town that’s easy to find and very supportive of their small businesses,” Bieranowski said.
With more than nine years of experience as a cosmetologist, Bieranowski is determined to promote a culture of self-care and wellness.
Her mother, Patti Bieranowski of New Kensington, said Jamie always expressed an interest in entrepreneurship.
“When she was a little girl, she always said she was going to have her own business and call it ‘Dress to Express’ and here we are,” Patti Bieranowski joked, adding the new salon will be an asset to the Freeport area.
“There is no other business like it in the area. In her blood, she has the goal to thrive, expand and achieve total success. I’m extremely proud of Jamie to see how far she has come and what amazing talents she has. Being a Freeport grad and opening her own salon in her hometown is great for her.”
Choosing the name Bier (pronounced Bare) Beauty was a nod to Jamie Bieranowski’s close ties to her family and her surname.
“It tied me personally to what I love most: beauty and togetherness,” she said.
Bieranowski welcomed her first clients Jan. 3 inside what was formerly The Little Hair Shop.
Former owner Linda Lucas was seeking a buyer who wanted to continue the tradition of a hair salon.
“I had come to the point in my career where I wanted to be my own boss and create my own space,” Bieranowski said. “I was lucky to find this space in Freeport. It’s a legacy of women passing on a salon.”
Freeport Mayor Zack Gent welcomed the news of a new salon and emphasized the value of Bier Beauty to the historic business district.
“It’s a perfect example of how our business district is becoming more and more sought after,” Gent said. “It proves when one business closes, rather than seeing the building vacant for months, or years, they’re being re-leased almost immediately.
“I’m a huge proponent of our business district building brick-and-mortar businesses where consumers walk through the doors for goods and services rather than storage for online businesses or personal belongings.”
Salon services range in price from $22 and up.
A graduate of Kittanning Beauty School, Bieranowski showed an interest in the beauty industry from a young age.
“As a child, I loved makeup, hair, nails — anything beauty — and taking care of people. I did my friends’ hair and makeup throughout high school. Once I went to beauty school, it just felt natural,” she said.
“This is my first business, which feels like a second home already. I love being able to express my creativity every single day.”
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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