MASSENA - One of Massena’s longest serving beauticians has found a new home after being forced out of the Sunrise Mall.

Nora’s Hair Care, which is owned and operated by Nora A. Irish, had been located at the mall for 28 years, but like Sunrise Mall’s other tenants she was faced with coming up with nearly $3,000 to keep the electricity on in the building or finding a new home for her business.

“I was afraid. It was the first time in all my years that I didn’t have a place to work, and I wasn’t ready to give it up,” she said, adding she would like to make it to 50 years working as a beautician.

“I’ve been doing this 48 years,” she said, explaining she began her career working at Gary’s Hair Stylists on Main Street and then worked at Salon De Mi Ladi for 13 years before going into business with Julie Serviss at the Sunrise Mall 28 years ago.

“I’ve been there for almost 30 years. I’ve seen four owners over that time and then someone slaps you with that. “It’s like, ‘Gosh, I have 9 days.’”

“I’m not ready to quit yet,” she said, adding that Eric Wescott and his wife, Joan, as well as her son, Scott Irish, and his wife, Mary Ann, who is a hair stylist at the Highland Nursing Home, have been very supportive in helping to keep her in business.

“Joan said, ‘Eric will do all the work, and we’ll take it out in haircuts,’” Ms. Irish recalled.

Since moving into her new home at 3 Church St., Mr. Irish said business has been great.

“It’s been wonderful,” she said.

When asked if she had set hours, Ms. Irish laughed and said, “From the time I wake up until I go to bed, whenever I’m needed.”

Walk-ins are accepted, but Ms. Irish said appointments are preferred.

“I’m pretty busy, but sometimes they (walk-ins) hit it just right,” she said.

To make an appointment, call 764-0015.

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