As soon as Shannon Nitti saw the light-filled retail space at 25 Parkway in Katonah, she said she knew that it would be the perfect spot for the hair salon she wanted to open. On December 6, “Gloss” opened its doors, with its owner eager to begin work in what she calls “a classy, laid-back and artistic” town.

Patch spoke with the Brewster resident and mother of three about her new venture:

Patch:  How long have you been cutting hair?

Nitti:  I grew up in Thornwood and I was not really into high school. When I was sixteen years old I took an opportunity at BOCES to learn to be a stylist and just loved it. I later got my business degree and spent nine years at Richard Scott Salon in Mount Kisco.

Patch:  Are you confident about opening a business in the current climate?

Nitti:  Well, I believe that my loyal clients and others want a low-key, uncluttered and intimate salon. My aim is to provide that extra style with an educated, artistic eye and full-service attention. Not a get-in, get-out kind of place. This is what I want to do here and I think there will be a lot of support for it.

Patch: How about the competition?

Nitti:  I really believe we are all unique—with different client targets and price points—and there is room for everyone. I have a good, reliable following and also feel that people in the community love “local” and will try us out. In the end, it is about doing what I love, having a purpose and really knowing my clients.

Patch:  What are some of the latest trends—are people still asking for Jennifer Aniston hair?

Nitti:  Actually, yes, people still like her style, and her layers were popular even recently. But what I see overall is not one specific trend, but a real desire for individuality. I am an open-minded stylist, where I study the client and see what works for them so a look conforms to the person and not to a style. We do everything here: color, straightening, Brazilian Keratin, extensions, treatments, special events.

Patch:  What do you want people to know about Gloss?

Nitti:  I want them to know that we are very accommodating. If our hours don’t suit you, talk to us and we will do our best to make a better time work. Also, I want people to be able to decompress for a couple of hours when they come in and leave smiling, relaxed and holding their head up high.

And of course, I want them to enjoy getting great comments on their hair.

Gloss Salon: 914-232-7655. Welcomes women, men and children and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Women’s cuts begin at $65.