Ambiance Salon owner honored as 2024 Woman of Distinction
Collaboration with Mondays at Racine sets her Hewlett salon apart
Ambiance Salon in Hewlett is tucked into a corner of a small shopping plaza on Broadway, but owner Ali Artz has made huge contributions to the community by helping cancer patients, earning her recognition as a 2024 Woman of Distinction.
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick presented Artz with the award at a May 14 ceremony in Albany honoring wom-en from across the state. Each senator selects a woman from his or her area to receive the honor.
“Not only is Ali a dedicated member of her community and a successful small business owner, but her contributions and commitment to excellence have made a significant impact on the clients she serves,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, who represents the 9th Senate District, said in a news release.
After a 25-year career in the beauty industry, and roughly 13 years as an employee of Ambiance, Artz purchased the business from the previous owner in October 2019.
“I just felt that I needed a little bit more,” Artz said of taking on new responsibilities as owner.
The salon offers services ranging from hair coloring, cutting and styling to nail and makeup application, along with other cosmetic treatments.
What sets Ambiance apart from other salons in Nassau County, Artz said, is its collaboration with Mondays at Racine, a Long Island- based organization that provides cancer patients with beauty, health and wellness services for free.
“We consider ourselves extremely fortunate for our partnership with Ali Artz and her amazing team at the Ambiance Salon,” said Karla Waldron, executive director of Mondays Cancer Care, which oversees Mondays at Racine events. “Her beautiful heart, soul and dedication to the Mondays mission has helped us serve thousands of individuals battling cancer. Ali inspires us all to strive for greatness and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Artz said that on the third Monday of each month, when Ambiance offers these services, eligible clients can receive a hair color with specific gentler products, hair cuts and scalp treatments for those that have lost their hair.
The salon also accommodates shaving clients’ heads, for those who request it. In addition, Ambiance employees apply fake eyelashes for those who have lost their lashes, and cut, wash and style wigs for clients that bring them in, among other services.
“I make time to sit with as many of our guests as possible and talk to them and listen to them,” Artz said.
The services go beyond what the salon can offer, she added. A sound healing specialist and Reiki instructor work with the cancer patients, as well, to add to the holistic experience.
When Artz introduced Racine to her salon, she saw it as an opportunity to bring her employees together for a greater cause. She also wanted to give back to the cancer community.
“I witnessed firsthand the profound impact and joy this initiative brings to her clients, providing comfort and support to those who need it most and giving back to our community in a heartfelt way,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said.
On a daily basis, Artz continues these same values of connection and comfort in the way she works. In addition to her collaboration with Racine, Artz has received recognition for her work ethic and the environment she creates inside her business.
“The thing I love the most about being a salon owner and being in the industry is connecting with people,” Artz said. “I feel like as our world has gotten more, you know, on phones and Zooms, which are all wonderful, you know, there’s a place for that, but I feel like just connecting with people and making connections with people is absolutely my favorite thing.”
