Family Image Salon Helps BHS, Meadowbrook Manor Seniors Prep For Prom

Stylists, sequins and stilettos were in demand in Bolingbrook on Friday for one simple reason—prom.

One was held at the for students, the other at for the facility's senior citizens.

Although busy at dizzying heights, Vida Cortez, owner of , was the epitome of calm.

“After 15 years I’ve gotten used to this," she said. "Everyone that works here is. I don’t have to be directing traffic, everyone knows what to do.”

Cortez's confidence in her staff’s abilities allowed her to spend much of the morning donating her services to residents of Meadowbrook Manor who were readying for their own “senior prom.”

However, inside the Family Image Salon it was all about hair, nails, make-up and the big night. All hands were on deck to serve the steady stream of young ladies representing Bolingbrook High School’s senior class, who eagerly awaited their “transformation time.”

“Please don’t take my picture until I’m finished,” Taylor Swift look-alike Brittany Stroba said. “I’ve been coming here for three years. I’ve been here when other people were getting ready for prom. It’s important for your look to be perfect. That’s why so many people come here.”

Cortez said after being in business for 15 years, "we’ve had a lot of clients come and go."

"This year we’ll service more than 1,000 people," she said.

Conveniently located at 133 Boughton Road, just west of the consistently busy intersection of Boughton and Route 53, the salon—much like the community—has gone through numerous changes.

Eight years ago, the salon was relocated across Boughton when the homey looking structure nestled between the chiropractic and psychic
businesses was vacated.

“That was right before the styling industry exploded in Bolingbrook,” Cortez said. “For a long time we were one of only two salons that catered to the Hispanic market. These past two years, between competition and the recession, haven’t been easy. But we have a lot of loyal clients who keep coming and keep referring us to other people.”

“That’s why I’m here,” said Mariel Tyk, while having her hair sheared by Cortez. “It’s my first time. My mother-in-law came in for the Brazilian wax and referred me.”

Like a well-oiled machine, employees juggled their regular and teen clients. With Cortez orchestrating, activity was conducted in an organized manner.

The shop features the work of stylists Fabiola Gonzales, Alma Geronimo, Perla Torres, Martha Ocho, Anna Sanchez, colorist Cecilia Loeza, as well as a two massage therapists Louisa Garcia and Juan Garcia and a manicurist.    

“My business philosophy is easy,” Cortez said. “If your clients look good they are your walking billboard."