Mara Navaretta of Woodbury Among 10 Inspiring Women Honored

February 4, 2020; Woodbury, NY / Syosset, NY– Anthony DeFranco, entrepreneur, salon owner and respected beauty and hair styling innovator, recently honored Mara Navaretta of Woodbury, Founder and Owner of Homes By Mara Realty in Syosset, and nine other Long Island women at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Anthony DeFranco Beauty Salon at 333 E. Jericho Turnpike, in Huntington Station. Honorees were women who faced and overcame personal challenges and have selflessly given back to their communities. Each inspires through their actions and dedication to others. All the honorees received a total head-to-toe day of beauty where Anthony DeFranco and his team spent time with each, pampering and enhancing their natural beauty through color, hair styling, makeup and nails.

The highlight of the celebration was a special ceremony in which Mr. DeFranco and his team shared the inspiring stories of each honoree as they walked down the red carpet runway. Each honoree wore a gown or cocktail dress donated by MIEKA Boutiques of Woodbury and Greenvale.

“I was blessed with wonderful mentors and others who inspired me and supported my entrepreneurial dreams. Recognizing these women was our way of giving back to the community that supports us every day. My team and I applied our years of experience and skills to make these extraordinary women feel special; they deserve recognition for all they do in the lives of others. Our mission statement is ‘beautiful hair is not everything, it’s the only thing’ and our vision is to create and provide every client with an exceptional look that makes them feel beautiful, confident and individually unique. Each of these women looked great and it was our privilege to do something special for them,” Anthony DeFranco explained.

Mara Navaretta said, “It has been my nature to help others in any way I can. As a woman entrepreneur in the real estate business, I have been fortunate to be able to give back to the community through my charitable activities. Anthony’s idea to celebrate his 30 anniversary by recognizing inspiring LI women was so selfless and generous of him. My day of beauty was fantastic.

Local dignitaries, including Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci; Suffolk County Legislator Susan A. Berland; Suffolk County Legislator Thomas Donnelly; Suffolk County Legislator Dr. William Spencer; and Bob Lopez, representing the office of NY State Senator James Gaughran, presented Mr. DeFranco and the honorees with citations for their contributions to the community.

The nine other women honorees were: Suzanne Chimera of Coram; Andrea Jones of Bellmore; Blanca Nolasco of Huntington; Angela Ruggeri of Westbury; Korrine Weil of Plainview; Linda Nuszen of Patchogue, Debbie Loss Rimler of Northport; Aracelis Vanek of East Northport; and Ronit Birns of Plainview.

“Providing dresses and gowns to these remarkable women allowed them to express themselves and feel special. This event gave us the opportunity to recognize to those who selflessly help others. Their stories of loss, struggles and triumphs have touched my wife Karen and I deeply,” said Ken Richter, co-owner of MIEKA Boutique a family owned business offering women’s designer fashions and sportswear.

Anthony DeFranco opened his Huntington Station Salon 30 years ago, where he became recognized as a national leader and innovator in hair styling and beauty.

Today, he has a staff of over 50 and a new location in Plainview at Country Pointe, 1451 Old Country Rd. Mr. DeFranco believes in mentoring and developing talent from here on Long Island. He and team at both of his locations support many local charities and causes.

For a full list of salon and medispa services as well as hours of operation and appointments, visit www.anthonydefranco.com. For Sight of Beauty medispa, which is part of the Plainview Salon, visit www.sightofbeauty.com or call (516) 293-0459.

In 1979, Anthony DeFranco began his professional career as a young apprentice to Vidal Sassoon in New York City. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his first highly successful salon & spa in Huntington Station in 1989. Today, it is one of the largest salons on Long Island with a staff of 50. Anthony DeFranco Salons have been voted the best hair salons on Long Island. With two locations, the salons’ professional team of talented hair stylists, experienced hairdressers and cosmetologists, offers professional and affordable next level hair salon haircuts, hair color, hair styling, hair highlights, hair extensions, updos, blowouts, hair straightening and more. The new Anthony DeFranco Salon and Spa in Plainview has 20 professionals. Anthony trains and mentors all staff members. He inspires the staff with a positive outlook on the future, and determination to let nothing stand in the way of their dreams. For additional information, visit www.anthonydefranco.com or call (516) 588-0055.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured is Mara Navaretta of Woodbury, Founder/Owner of Homes By Mara Realty inSyosset, who was among 10 inspiring women to be honored at Anthony DeFranco Salon & Spa 30th Business Anniversary Celebration. Photo credit is courtesy of Anthony DeFranco Salon & Spa, which grants media permission use of photo.