Saturday will be a good hair day on Wellington St

Franco, Trina and Tyler are having a grand opening on Saturday at 668 Wellington Street East.

And you're invited.

Over the past year, three local families, their close friends and neighbours have built Identity Salon Spa Tanning.

It's the Sault's newest kid on the beauty block.

But it's by no means the newest building on Wellington Street East.

The building was built about a hundred years ago and was completely renovated by the Onofrio, Polito and Cuglietta families, their friends and their neighbours.

It's owned by Franco Cuglietta and Trina Polito.

Polito's fiancée, Tyler Onofrio, is the business manager and her sister Sonya Polito is the salon manager.

The salon/spa's trademark granite - seen on the outside, the floors, and even on the nameplates on the doors - is from Tyler's dad, John Onofrio's, new shop out on Great Northern Road.

John helped Franco, Tyler and Trina pick out the building last summer.

"People didn't think we could do it," said Trina. "Honestly, if it weren't for John, I don't think we would have. Here we were, all of us under 30 and John was the one with the most energy. He kept us going."

The official renovation crew, comprised of family, friend and neighbours, all had day jobs, too.

Franco, Trina, Sonya were serving full lists of clients at Revolution Hair Design on Gore Street.

Tyler Onofrio is a paramedic.

His dad started his own Granite and Stone Decor Company during that time as well.

Tyler's brothers, Josh and Jay also had day jobs.

Then, right in the middle of it all, their mom, Cindy Onofrio, was struck with cancer.

John split his days between the hospital with wife Cindy, (who completed her treatment and is now cancer free), and Granite and Stone Decor.

Nights, he spent driving the team onward at Identity as the building was gutted and rebuilt from foundation to roof, often as late as 3 a.m.

"I have pictures of Franco, soaking wet, carrying water down the stairs to keep the concrete from freezing in December," said Tyler. "He was so exhausted he could barely stand."

They worked under tarps on the outside of the building in November and December.

"We didn't want to cut any corners," Trina said. "We wanted to do it right the first time."

But they did have to cut six layers of walls and five layers of ceilings out of the building.

"When we bought it, we thought it was going to be a lot of work to demolish the inside of the building," Franco said. "It was more like demolishing five or six buildings."

But there were some added incentives to keep the team going.

"I kept hoping money would fall out of the walls," Trina said with a laugh. "Every time we got through a wall and found another, I wanted to keep going because I figured there had to be money in here somewhere!"

While they didn't find money, they did find a cigarette package from 1918.

It's framed and on display in the salon.

They also found old lapel pins dated 1906 with slogans professing support for the Canadian Miner's Union.

"They were a little rusty but I think what saved them is that they were in paper bags that were sealed in ziplock bags and stuffed in the walls," Tyler said.

While the crew who renovated Identity knows little about the building's history, they are learning more.

"We've had a few people walk in and look around in a daze," Trina said. "Some have said they used to live in the building or in the neighbourhood."

"They're amazed at the transformation."

And that's a good thing.

Transformations of many sorts can be found at Identity Salon Spa Tanning.

It hosts six master stylist/colourists who travel regularly to shows and conferences in major centres to refresh their skills and find inspiration.

Trina, Franco and Sonya not only brought their skills and experience from Revolution Hair Design, they also brought Tiana D'Orazio.

Katheryn Petrolo and Lisa Porter have joined Identity, too.

The star stylist team is enhanced with esthetician Heather Praysner-Atkinson and registered massage therapist Candace Zack-Coneybeare.

She offers relaxing and deep tissue massage therapy as well as hand massages and foot soaks.

Soon she'll be adding reflexology to her repertoire as well.

Hair styling and colouring, makeup, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, body treatments, massage treatments and other services can all be accessed at Identity Salon Spa Tanning through its team of beauty experts.

And it isn't just for ladies.

"We've had a few men come in and try a facial," said Trina. "Usually it's their girlfriends who will convince them to try it and then the guys will book another appointment when it's done because they like it."

After all, skin is skin, she added.

The stylists at Identity enjoy working with their clients to achieve the look clients are going for or to help them find a new one, said Franco.

And it isn't as pricey as one might expect.

"Prices are one of the things we checked out when we travelled," Tyler said. "We're very reasonable, a good value."

Then, there's the tanning.

So far the salon offers one bed, but that number will likely be increased soon, Tyler said.

It isn't just any tan.

This one is a certified Australian Gold Premier Program tan on a real Wolff bed.

Everyone at the salon who will be supervising the bed has undergone training and they are all smart-tan certified.

They are ready with their tan meters to help those seeking a sun-kissed look without the time and expense of a trip to the tropics choose the best products and exposure durations for their desired looks.

The bed itself is controlled by a computer that ensures the bulbs are changed on time, and that the unit is clean and operating efficiently.

Identity Salon Spa Tanning is offering everyone a chance to check out the new shop this Saturday with a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be prizes, food and an opportunity to see the product of three families' hard work and dedication.