Lookin’ Good Has Become ‘Epic’

2001 graduate Tracey Hurley remembers getting her hair cut at Lookin’ Good as a child. Now a North Branford resident and all grown up, Hurley just opened her first hair salon, Epic, in the exact location Lookin’ Good operated out for 26 years. “It’s truly amazing,” commented Hurley. “To think back, I would never have thought this is where I would have been; especially opening a business where I came from.”

Situated on the Green next to , with a beautiful view, Hurley and her partner, co-owner Laura Kaufman, are hoping that despite the rough economy, they too can make their American dream become a reality.

The location, the both say at once, is what sets their new salon apart from the more than 20-like businesses in town. “Look at our location,” said Hurley, “we get so many walk-ins” – the business officially opened to the public October 1.

Both women agree that having a hair salon in downtown and being part of the Merchant’s Association will be the key to lasting success. Kaufman a nearly life-long Hamden resident has been in Branford five years and is says she is so grateful for the Merchants Association and their welcoming of Epic. “It’s a really nice community,” she said of Branford, “and the merchants really stick together.”

Kaufman added that she’s really looking forward to being part of the holiday festivitieson the Green this year.

The ladies met about 10 years ago when Hurley took a job at where Kaufman was employed. Both were master stylists and credit owner Paul Bruno for pushing them to become the hairdressers they are today. Moving on for them was inevitable, they said, and both added they are grateful for having such a good mentor. Paul & Company also produced the owners of , Christine DeCaprio and Terri DePalma.

Besides being proud of their cutting expertise – Kaufman who was a haircutting teacher at Paul & Company, said Hurley is especially good at doing men’s hair – they are hoping their moderate price points and shoreline décor will keep customers coming back. Both ladies think they are the only salon in the area to capitalize on the seaside theme with light blue walls and shells and starfish scattered about. Usually, salons go with the “modern” theme, the ladies confided.

Epic will also be the first salon in the area to participate in the Look Good…Feel Better program, which matches hair and make-up stylists with area cancer patients for free beauty consultation and wig fitting. Please check back with Branford Patch for updates on this venture.

Nestled on the Green, Kaufman and Hurley said they have high hopes for Epic. “I love the town and I love the center,” said Kaufman. “It’s just such a nice community.”

Hurley added that she’s happy to be part of the downtown business. Of stores with one-word names, she said, “You’ve got Swish, Possessions, Foe and now you’ve got Epic.”

Epic Hair Salon
1100 Main St., Branford; 203-433-4679

Price Points

Shampoo, Condition & Blow Dry - $28

Haircut & Styling - $45

Men’s Haircut - $25

Children’s Haircut - $20 and up

Single Process Color - $48

Foiling-Full Head - $110 and up

Foiling-partial - $80 and up