This year, we are more inspired than ever by the unshakeable, tireless, spirited businesses in our community. Despite a pandemic temporarily closing so many of their doors, we saw pivoting and persistence like never before. We are so proud to celebrate these businesses that garnered more than 26,000 votes from Style readers!
When Ronald Corales dreamed of opening his own barber shop, he envisioned a throwback kind of place that would blend classic style with contemporary techniques. That’s why the men wielding the scissors at his Gentlemen’s Barbershop in Easton are clad in crisp white shirts with vests and ties, and customers are relaxing in vintage-inspired chairs while jazz or classical music plays in the background. “It’s a very chill vibe. Very classy,” Corales says. “Stuff that was done back in the day, we still do it.” That includes some of the services, too, such as the hot towel shave with hot lather. Men who really want the A-list treatment can spring for the deluxe package, which includes the shave and a facial massage, plus a hair wash and conditioning, as well as a fresh cut and style. They’ll even throw in a beard trim, if needed. But make no mistake—the Gentlemen’s Barbershop isn’t a boys’ club; women are welcome as well, and so are their little ones. “We want to make moms feel comfortable bringing their kids inside,” Corales says.
Get in and out in 30 minutes with a quickie facial, or go for more in-depth options like the GuaSha, Reflexology or CBD facials. Each treatment works on and beneath the skin to achieve the desired results. Improve your experience by adding in LED light therapy or a hydrojelly mask.
European Wax Center takes home this honor for the fifth year in a row, and it doesn’t seem like they’ll be giving up the throne any time soon. Head to one of their area locations for any of your hair removal needs.
Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure (or both) at Oliver’s Salon and Day Spa. From basic hand and foot care to nail art and reflexology, they’ve got you covered. Try their seasonal pedicure to take your experience up another notch.
Jayson Morgan strives to make a personal connection with every client who steps into his salon, and to give them the confidence to be their best selves. He believes that a good haircut, styling or coloring can be uplifting for anybody.
It’s been nearly 30 years since husband and wife Andy Danielsons and Jo Moranville decided to buy a bookstore in Easton. “We thought we might not get rich doing it, but it’s a way of life,” says Moranville. Under their guidance, the Quadrant Book Mart and Coffee House has emerged as an anchor of the downtown restaurant and retail scene. Residents and tourists alike duck into the shop to lose an hour or two or more—sometimes many more. Moranville says people watching is one of the perks of the job. “Just like you don’t judge a book by its cover, you don’t judge a customer by how they look,” she says. “People disappear into the stacks for hours. You never know what they’re going to come up with.” And, at a time when many brick-and-mortar stores are struggling, Moranville is confident that Quadrant, which offers a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes served among those stacks, in addition to 60,000 book titles for sale, can provide an experience that trumps one-click shopping any day. “When you’re online, you know what you’re looking for,” she says. “When you’re in the store, you find the book you never knew you needed.”
What began with selling homemade bracelets over Etsy has spawned Love Obsessed, a boutique with several storefronts in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You can visit their original location on West Broad Street in Quakertown, where they remain committed to the original, the inspired and the different.
The London Shop is committed to selling the finest tailored clothing from up-and-coming luxury brands. For more than 75 years, they’ve built their business around quality, selection and unsurpassed customer service.
Photography by Colin Coleman
Most pre-adolescents don’t have a very clear picture of what their future careers will look like. Then there’s Karen Sampson. “Ever since I was 12 years old I knew I was going to have a store and it was going to be called Missing Piece,” she says. The brick-and-mortar manifestation of that childhood dream is on Bushkill Center Road in Bushkill Township. “I’m not here because of the retail,” says Sampson. “I’m here because of the people. The people walk through my door, and I help them.” What does she help them with, exactly? Finding the “missing piece,” of course, whether that’s a bracelet or a handbag or a new outfit for a special occasion or a home décor item. In the accessories department, customers can browse a variety of collections, including Brighton, Moon Glow, Sorrelli and John Medeiros. “I do have something for everyone’s tastes,” Sampson says. “I have unique items, not something you’d find up the street.” And there’s even a perk for the smallest shoppers—they get a cup full of Teddy Grahams to snack on while mom and dad peruse the store.
Domaci sells furniture and home décor that is resilient, strong and eclectic—just like the city it serves. This store blends classic design with unique elements, creating distinctive and timeless pieces that will make your house feel a bit more like home.
Photography by Andrew Tomasino
Dan Schantz Greenhouse always rotates their plant and flower offerings to stay in season, so you can trust that the plants you purchase are ready to thrive. This is your one-stop gardening shop in the Lehigh Valley.
Photography by Andrew Tomasino
Bixler’s has been offering premium jewelry since 1785, and they’ve only gotten better with time. They offer a wide selection of diamonds and settings at unbeatable prices, so turn to Bixler’s with all your jewelry needs.
Rooted takes home Best Women’s Salon for the third consecutive year, continuing their tradition of providing outstanding hair and hospitality. The team at Rooted is dedicated to creating an inviting and comfortable salon experience to get you the hair you’ve always wanted.
Photography by Matt Bishop
The Attic is home to an ever-rotating selection of fun, unique and vintage clothing and accessories for enviable prices. Stop in and find something new to add to your wardrobe, or trade in your own items for cash.
Photography by Colin Coleman
Whether you’re looking for a full-body spray tan or just the essentials, Organic Tans is the perfect place to get a tan that looks and feels natural. Go for their quick tan if you’re looking for a short-term fix, designed to be washed off after a few hours.
Photography by Matt Bishop
Makeup by Roxy’s team takes part in hundreds of Lehigh Valley weddings and events each year—and they’re not afraid of going the extra mile to provide exceptional service. They regularly accompany their clients to destination weddings all over the globe. Whether in the Valley or on the other side of the country, Roxy’s team gives their clients personalized attention so they can leave the chair feeling their absolute best.
Many beauty experts preach the importance of eyebrows that are on point, and Alyssa Sedler is among them. She and her team have been helping clients shape, wax and tint their way to superior brows for several years, first at The Lash Bar in Bethlehem and now also at the neighboring Lux Skin Permanent Cosmetics. Each offers a variety of options designed to give your face-framers the once-over, including the popular brow lift. “It’s kind of like a perm for your brow hairs,” Sedler explains. “They end up looking fuller and fluffier.” Bonus: It could last up to 12 weeks. That’s not to say Sedler wouldn’t love to see you back in her chair sooner. “My biggest thing when I started this business was that I wanted to treat someone more like a friend than a customer,” she says. “When someone comes in I want them to walk out happy and they want to come back.”
During what’s been an exceptionally stressful year for many so far, Jennifer Burns’ services may be needed now more than ever. Burns, a licensed massage therapist, has owned and operated Bethlehem’s Healing Hands for 23 years, offering services like facials, waxing, colonics and, of course, massages. The menu of options runs the gamut from couples massage to prenatal massage to deep tissue massage, and Burns says it’s about much more than just working out the kinks. Over the years she’s been privy to countless success stories, clients who’ve been able to get a handle on a host of medical problems, thanks to the skilled hands of Burns and her staff. “I’m really picky about who I hire as massage therapists,” says Burns. “I want the best of the best.” Surroundings are important, too, and Healing Hands strives to be as welcoming as possible. “The environment I want to create is as if a person is walking into their own house or my house,” Burns says. And it seems to be working. Burns says her client roster includes people who have been stretching out on her massage table for more than 20 years.
Find great, lightly used toys and children’s products at amazing prices at Bears Repeating.