COURIER L DT IFE, FEB. 8–14, 2019 31
February, when Valentine’s Day
serves as the offi cial day of love
and affection, is a great day to
embark on a romantic vacation, especially
if that getaway is to a warmer
locale that can help couples momentarily
forget about the snowstorms
and colder temperatures back home.
Some resorts and travel-based businesses
take advantage of Valentine’s
Day by infl ating prices to capitalize
on gift-giving. However, many others
use this time of year to offer specialized
sales and discounts to help boost
business through the remainder of
the winter season. It is possible to enjoy
an indulgent trip without having
Pilo Arts, the award-winning
hair salon and spa, is
celebrating its 40th anniversary!
The Bay Ridge institution
thrives, having survived five
recessions, the aftermath of
9-11, the impact of Hurricanes
Irene and Sandy, and everything
else that has happened
over the last four decades.
In 1999, Pilo Arts was
granted admission into Intercoiffure,
the world’s elite organization
for salons. No other
salon in Brooklyn can make
that claim. It was recognized
as one of the top 200 U.S. salons
by Salon Today, and has
expanded into the tri-state
area, a feat that only a handful
of salons and spas have accomplished.
In addition, it has
been ranked as one of the Top
5 Color Salons in the State of
New York for years — and
there are over 16,000 of salons
in New York.
The long list of professional
accolades Pilo Arts has
earned can go on and on —
but this recognition only tells
part of Pilo Arts’ story.
The shop is a wonderful
Bay Ridge neighbor — it is the
recipient of 69 communitybased
awards, and its philanthropic
efforts have assisted
the fund-raising efforts of
countless charities and organizations.
In fact, Pilo Arts
says it never refuses any request
that comes from a charity
or a civic organization.
They contribute to them all.
Pilo Arts’ CEO, Jude La-
Barca, says he believes “servant
leadership” best describes
the culture of the
business, and quotes Robert
Greenleaf, who coined the
phrase in 1970.
“He believed great leaders
act as servants and make the
needs of others — including
employees, customers, and
community — their first priority,”
LaBarca says.
This is certainly true of
Pilo Arts. For more than a decade,
it has carved out time to
train and educate every one
of its employees. Some of this
education includes offering
advanced avant-garde color
education, by experts in the
field, to all of its stylists each
month, right on the premises.
The knowledge the employees
gain contributes to their personal
success. This, in turn,
is instrumental to the success
of the business.
The shop’s founders, Elena
Solitario and Paul Pastore,
have been outstanding members
of Intercoiffure since
1999. Color director Don Orlando
is a member of the exclusive
American Board of
Certified Hair Colorists. The
shop uses only color products
of the highest caliber.
But Pilo Arts is never
content to rest on its reputation.
Each year it strives
to improve, and to demonstrate
its appreciation to its
customers, its staff, and the
community.
What’s in store for the future?
LaBarca says, “My next
goal is to celebrate our 50th
anniversary with the opening
of a second location in Staten
Island.”
Pilo Arts Salon and Spa
8412 Third Ave. between 84th
and 85th streets in Bay Ridge,
(718) 748–7411, www.piloarts.
com. Open Wednesdays and
Thursdays, 10 am–8 pm; Fridays,
9 am–8 pm; Saturdays
8:30 am–6 pm; and Sundays, 9
am–4 pm.
BUS INES S , B ROOKLYN S T Y LE
Pilo Arts Salon improving year after year
to spend a fortune:
Consider cruising
There are cruises that depart from
various ports all year long. All it takes
is a call to a cruise line or logging on
to its website to check the scheduling.
For those unopposed to fl ying to a different
port, you may be able to broaden
your options with regard to cruise destinations
and departing dates.
Cruises are advantageous because
they are all-inclusive, self-contained
vacations. Couples who don’t want the
hassle of packing and unpacking several
times and want their meals and
entertainment planned out ahead of
time might fi nd cruising is their trip.
There also is the ability to visit different
ports of call all in one trip, ensuring
there is never a dull moment.
Look into winery
packages
Wineries may be doing their planting
and harvesting in the warmer
weather, but come the winter they
may be facing a slow-down in foot
traffi c and may be eager to attract
business. Sampling different vintages
and spending time in an often adultsonly
environment can be an ideal way
to spend a Valentine’s Day weekend.
Make it an overnight trip and stay
nearby in a hotel. Some wineries may
offer a restaurant on premises or work
with a local establishment to provide
package deals.
Visit your closest city
Many people living in the suburbs
seldom make trips into the downtown
area unless they are regular commuters
for work. Even those who spend
their weekdays in an urban area may
never have experienced all of the little
gems that attract tourists.
For Valentine’s Day, you may want
to see your urban center through the
eyes of a visitor, taking advantage
of the museums, cultural centers,
and buildings that attract tourists
throughout the year. Chances are the
trip will not be costly, and you’ll be
close to home.
Take in live music
There’s something romantic about
listening to music together. Investigate
upcoming concerts in your area.
Some coffee shops and bars host openmic
nights when budding artists can
be heard. Check to see if any smaller
venues are hosting intimate, acoustic
concerts by popular bands. It can be a
memorable night and one that doesn’t
break the bank.
Trade time-share dates
with others
Time shares are great ways to
have a dedicated vacation spot that
you are guaranteed during a certain
time each year. There are time-share
swapping sites like TimeShareJuice.
com. Find out if you can exchange
your requisite time with another and
take your vacation in honor of Valentine’s
Day.
Love in Brooklyn
Affordable getaway ideas for Valentine’s Day
Cruising is often a romantic option for Valentine’s Day vacations.
/www.piloarts
/www.piloarts