JEREMY MIRANDA OPENS OPALISSE, HIS OWN BEAUTY SALON IN PITTSFIELD
A new hair salon opened its doors just a couple of weeks ago in Pittsfield, aiming to take its clients' style to the next level: Opalisse. Located at 11 Newell Street, near the corner of Elm Street, this new venture is the idea of Jeremy Miranda, whose parents are Salvadoran. Despite being only 23, he already has nearly eight years of experience with scissors, cuts, color, and various styles —a track record that has now led him to invest his savings and take on new responsibilities by opening his own business.
“Opening my own salon has been a dream come true. I saved up and focused my ideas and skills on creating more comfortable consultation rooms and offering personalized attention to each client. It has been a challenge, without a doubt, considering the number of salons in Pittsfield, but I love the competition!” Miranda said optimistically .
But for Jeremy, getting here also required making sacrifices. Miranda, who speaks fluent Spanish and English, admits that there was a time when he wasn't entirely sure about taking the risk of starting his own business.
“To get here, I made sacrifices that led me to start my own business as an hair artist. I wasn’t as confident as I am now,” he explained. Today, after finally opening his doors, he says he feels “more confident and excited to welcome new and existing clients.”
But Opalisse's story began long before they found a location. Miranda became interested in hairstyling around the age of 15 and from then on began to envision it not simply as something he enjoyed doing, but as a profession with which she could build her future.
“At 15, I became very interested in cosmetology. I've always been interested in hairstyles, color, and other services that I now do every day. I love seeing the results and knowing that I've made a positive change in people's lives!” Miranda recalled.
Thus, as the years passed, what began as an interest during his adolescence ended up becoming a profession. Over almost eight years, Miranda went from learning the trade to working directly with clients and developing the experience that would eventually push him to take the step of thinking about having his own space.
The opportunity arose after a conversation with his father, who encouraged him to open his own business. He then began searching for different locations in Pittsfield. Among the options he found was a space on Newell Street, which had previously operated as a beauty salon, making things easier. From there, another process began: preparing the establishment, obtaining the necessary permits, and gathering the resources to finally open Opalisse.
The response during the first few weeks has been encouraging. Opalisse is barely in its second week of operation, and Miranda says he already has appointments scheduled through October , although she continues to receive new clients.
“ Right now, my schedule is quite full. I’m booking appointments from now until October, and I’m still accepting new clients ,” he said.
Recently, he also had the opportunity to work with a group of seven or eight young people for a quinceañera party. The experience allowed him not only to do his job, but also to get to know and connect better with those who entrust him with important moments in their lives.
That personal connection is precisely one of the aspects of her profession that he values most. For Miranda, a visit to the salon can become more than just the few minutes needed to change a cut, color, or style.
“The connection with my clients is fundamental to my work. It goes beyond a good cut, color, or style; it’s about creating a comfortable space where they feel heard and safe. Often, our conversations go beyond hair, sharing moments from our lives. This trust and connection give my profession a special meaning .”
After so many years of listening to those conversations, he can't identify a single story that has changed his way of thinking. Rather, he believes it has been the collection of experiences shared by his clients that has ultimately influenced him.
“Among them all, I have heard stories from people who also motivate me to continue this career, to push myself further and to help people,” he said.
Currently, Opalisse offers hair services for men and women, including cuts, coloring, highlights, balayage, perms, treatments, and various styles . A men's haircut costs around $40 and a women's around $55, while the cost of other services depends on the requested work.
Miranda believes that personalized attention will be one of the key features of the new business. His goal is for clients to find a space where they can feel comfortable and, above all, trust the person in charge of working with their image.
“ A unique experience awaits you at my salon. It’s not just a place to get your hair done, but a space where people can feel heard, comfortable, and well taken care of. I know each client, understand their needs, and make sure that every visit is personalized , ” he explained.
That confidence takes on special importance, he says, when it comes to something as personal as appearance.
“ When a client sits in my chair, they place their trust in me, and I am here to provide them with a unique and personalized experience. I consider this trust a privilege, and I am committed to ensuring that every client feels heard, comfortable, and confident in receiving high-quality service .”
For now, Miranda hopes to eventually add more staff and services such as nails, eyelashes, and hair extensions, with the intention of expanding the options available to her clients.
You can contact him and schedule your visit at Opalisse : 413-242-6531
