Local stylists return to Sussex County

ANDOVER — Two locally renowned hair stylists who left the area have returned and are working at The Spa at Bella Boutique, on the Sparta boarder in Andover. George Michael and Marianne Scully — each a guru in different areas of the field — bring years of knowledge and experience to keep styles fresh, extensions flowing and trends trendy.

“It's important to exceed the client's expectations,” Michael said.

The Sparta-native has melded years of experience with his personality into color and styling excellence combined with a fun, always up-beat experience for his clients. Michael said for some reason, he knew he was meant to be a hair stylist.

“I even wrote it in my high school senior year book,” Michael said.

For two years after high school, he worked in construction, then followed his coiffure calling and went to Wilfred Academy in Sussasunna. From there, he said he was fortunate to work for a salon owner who was “way ahead of his time.”

During the 80s boom of the permanent or “perm,” as it's colloquially known, Michael was hired by Zotos International, one of the world's leading perm manufacturing companies, to design for them. He did this while simultaneously working at several different salons and did hair for platform artists at the Jacob Javit Center as well as traveled the world to such places as Japan, Italy, Spain and Canada.

His experience catapulted Michael into salon ownership, and he opened George Michael Salon first in Sparta and then moved it to Newton to be part of The County Seat's revitalization movement.

“It had its time and place to be an owner,” he said.

After a number of years, he parleyed back into focusing on the art of being a stylist and worked in Morris County. He is thrilled to now transition back to the Sparta area.

“I missed the clients I'd had for years,” he said.

When it comes to color, his specialty is blondes though he is renowned for all colors.

“Since I've been at Bella, so many of my clients from the past have re-found me,” he said.

Michael added that he's excited to be working at one of the area's only MediSpa.

“It's a pleasure to work for Laura Rinolo, and the growth potential for the hair portion of the salon is huge,” Michael said.

Maryanne Scully grew up in Hampton and went to Sussex Vo/Tech. After graduating, she worked in Sussex County for 10 plus years gaining a strong following of clients. She is certified as a Pure Artist at L'Oreal — Pureology and loves educating other stylists. Scully left the area to work near the Jersey Shore for a stint, but found herself missing home.

“One day it just kind of hit me,” she said, “I re-realized my passion for being a stylist and felt a strong need to return back home.”

At Bella Boutique, Scully does all facets fo hair styling and care with a specialty in hair extensions.

“These aren't the inexpensive ones you can buy on the internet or plugs, these are the real deal," she said.

Scully actually fuses high quality extensions to the existing hair and is serious about her skill. Prior to booking an appointment, potential clients have a consultation with Scully to discuss a “hair plan,” and to ascertain if extensions are right for them. Another specialty is fine and thinning hair on which she does treatments to stop hair loss and encourage new growth.

When it comes to doing hair right, using quality products and educating the client how to take better care of their hair, both stylists agree that there are no short cuts.

Scully made the analogy, “You can take a pile of trash and paint it, but it's still a pile of trash. It's important to be genuine and do your absolute best for the client to create what they want.”

Michael added, “It's amazing how clients react to quality work. They leave more relaxed, more self-confident and ready to take on the world.”

Bella Boutique offers a host of beauty-related services, and recently partnered with One Makeupto do hair and makeup for social occasions.

“I pride myself on being at the cutting edge of the industry and bringing the latest innovations to Bella,” said Rinolo. "Get ready to get your glam on: Michael and Scully are back."

For further information or to make an appoitment, call 973-579-7709 or visit www.bellaboutiquespa.com.