Marianne Paton Lynne Beaudry and April Collins are now welcoming customers at April’s Island Salon, located at the island center. Collins is a licensed nail technician and Beaudry brings 35 years of hairstyling experience with her to the new business.

While April Collins is not new to the island, her recently opened business is. On Monday, Oct. 12, Collins opened the doors to her new salon and is now welcoming customers. Housed in the former location of C&C Feed on Pine Island Road near the island center, April’s Island Salon has been completely remodeled and filled with all of the latest equipment to provide manicures, pedicures, facials and hairstyling.

“It took us three weeks working day and night to bring this place to where it is now,” said Collins. “We wanted to provide an atmosphere that was welcoming, comfortable and clean and with the help of our community and friends, we have been able to accomplish just that.”

A licensed nail technician, Collins brings with her 17 years of experience and has worked at various locations both on and off of the island. Previously Collins had worked at Center of Attention Day Spa as well as Stylin on the Island, and most recently she owned and operated her own business in Cape Coral.

“Working off the island was OK, but I missed the island and the people here,” Collins said. “I had always thought that this location on the island would be the perfect place for a salon and when it became vacant, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to come back home to the island and reconnect with the people I had missed so much.”

Using only top of the line products, Collins said her best selling line is Arbonne cosmetics and anti-aging products.

“We will do our best to keep prices down, but will not use cheap products to do that. I have worked other places where they skimped on things like cream rinses and other low quality cosmetic items and it just isn’t worth it,” she said. “I think our customers will be very happy with the products we offer and that will keep them coming back.”

Also featured at April’s Island Salon is Hair by Lynne. Lynne Beaudry has 35 years of experience as a hairstylest and was educated at Wilfred Beauty School in New York City. Beaudry also is an island resident and she and her husband Larry make their home in Bokeelia. Beaudry also is familiar to many residents of Pine Island as she is currently the pastor at Jesus Christ Ministries and has worked at Ann’s Hair Salon, Armondos and Richards in past years.

“I had been looking for a place to work and I didn’t want to work out of my home or off of the island. When April approached me about coming to her place, I thought this would be perfect for me,” said Beaudry. “The other deciding factor was, like so many other island residents, it meant I didn’t have to leave the island to work so this worked out great for me.”

Offering a full line of services, Beaudry is available for haircuts, foils, perms, coloring ad other hair related services and also feels that quality products make all the difference to her customers. Beaudry also said she makes a point of keeping up with the latest in hair styles and styling techniques for the benefit of her customers.

“We mostly us Matrix products and a new product called Nioxin which aids in the prevention of thinning hair,” Beaudry said. “We want everyone to feel comfortable while they are here and to leave feeling good about themselves. That is what is so rewarding about this job. When you help someone feel good about themselves, you feel good too.”

Collins said that her prices are competitive and both she and Beaudry will offer free consultations. At this time, hair is done by appointment only, but all other walk-ins are welcome.

April’s Island Salon is located at 859 Pine Island Road next to the Beacon of HOPE Thrift Store and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Sunday. Those needing services after-hours also may make an appointment and will be accommodated to fit into a busy schedule.

For more information, call Collins at 645-5511 and for hair appointments, call Beaudry at 677-1380 or 645-5541.