South Windsor Top Business Nominee: Batik Salon

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Earlier this week, South Windsor Patch asked readers to nominate their favorite local business for Business of the Year. Many South Windsor businesses have managed to navigate the turbulence of 2020 with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve.

A half-dozen submissions were received raving about the Batik Salon at 1004 Sullivan Ave. Most praised how owners Audrey and Matthew Butler extended themselves above and beyond the minimum requirements thrust upon salons at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since founding the salon in 1998, Audrey has received accolades as a master colorist, with her work being featured in Vogue, Glamour, Elle and Allure magazines. Matthew has been described as "a consummate perfectionist." They, combined with associates Lisa Ramos, Katie Zajaczkowski and Janine LeDonne, comprise a passionate and talented team of professionals dedicated to beautiful hair and exemplary service.

Here are excerpts from some of the nominations received in favor of Batik Salon.

• "The owners of Batik Salon, Audrey and Matt, have been diligent in creating a safe and comfortable place for their staff and clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have, and continue to, provide a structured COVID-19 protocol while still offering their clients a relaxing respite from the outside world issues. This in itself has been a major accomplishment, but add that success to the already established competent and creative hairstyling services they provide, and Batik Salon is a winner. I have been a client for over 20 years. I have total confidence in the Batik Salon staff. Audrey and Matt keep me "beautified" in a safe, friendly and upbeat atmosphere. In these uncertain times, I enjoy spending a bit of time once a month knowing someone has my best interest at heart." - Betty Poythress
• "During these unprecedented times, it is not easy to find a business where you feel health and safety is a priority. Batik Salon has put health and safety at the forefront of their business model. Their staff is professional and upbeat. Their protocols have been followed diligently and their service is superior. When you leave, not only does your hair look beautiful, but you feel secure in the fact that they take their health department license seriously." - Nicoleen Lacy
• "I am nominating Batik Salon because of their rigorous focus on keeping their clients safe from infection during the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining a pleasant work environment. I switched to Batik Salon in September 2020 for my haircuts after not feeling well protected from COVID-19 at my former barber shop of nearly 40 years. Matt and Audrey have a highly structured and well-disciplined process to protect their clients and their staff, much closer to a medical facility than a beauty salon. Starting with arriving for the appointment and waiting to be called, each client first has his/her temperature taken, then asked to sanitize hands, then given a new mask and asked to deposit keys, phone, etc. into a plastic bag. Only then is the client escorted to the chair in the spotless clean work area. The staff all wear face shields and masks, and each chair or work area is isolated. Amid all this, the atmosphere is pleasant and collegial. Yes, I'm paying more for my haircut, but I feel much safer and better served. Matt and Audrey deserve Batik Salon to be recognized as South Windsor's Business of the Year because of their attention to detail in avoiding exposure to COVID-19." - Christopher Poythress

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