A Boutique Salon Where It’s All Relative

By Kaaren Valenta

Among all of the hair salons in Newtown, Robert Anthony’s Hair Studio on South Main Street is unique. The boutique salon has three stylists, all members of what is called the Skuba team: Robert Anthony Skuba, known to friends as Bob; his sister, Diane Skuba Harty, and their mother, Diane Skuba.

“My children grew up in the business,” Diane Skuba said. “I worked for more than 20 years at Latrease in Stratford and I used to bring them there. They got a dollar for sweeping the floors and doing other chores. Later I had my own salon, Coca Beach in Monroe. My kids always said they wouldn’t be hairdressers.”

That changed, however, after Bob and Diane graduated from Newtown High School. By then the business of hair styling had changed.

“Years ago women went every week,” Mrs Skuba explained. “They got a perm every two or three months and had a weekly wash and set. Now it’s specialty cuts and blow drys, foils, and colors – it’s a much more creative business.”

Bob and Diane Skuba both worked for other salons, Bob for nine years and Diane for 10, before the family business opened in Newtown earlier this year.

“I had been looking for a place to have my own salon but it was very difficult,” Mr Skuba said. “The town’s aquifer regulations limit the areas where a salon can be located. I found several places that were turned down. We were pretty much limited to the small B-1 zoning area along South Main Street.”

Finally, they found a small spot inside the building at 85 South Main Street that also houses the Tan & Body Center. Big windows give the salon a spacious feeling that belies its small size, just big enough for the three stylists and their customers.

“We’ve seen a lot of salons this size in Manhattan, where space is at a premium,” Mr Skuba said. “This is a boutique size. We’d like to have something larger, but we are very grateful that Tan & Body allows us to be here.”

Bob Skuba opened the salon on April 1 with his mother. His sister joined them three months ago, a few months after her June 9 marriage.

“I wasn’t sure about working with the family, but it has turned out very well,” she said. “It’s like everyone who comes in here is part of the family.”

The three stylists have their own areas of expertise, Mrs Skuba said. “My son does the specialty cuts, my daughter does all the updos for weddings and proms, and I do all the senior citizens,” she said, laughing.

Robert Anthony’s is open Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 am to 8 pm; Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm; and Saturday, from 7:30 am to 3 pm. For appointments or information call 426-8448.