NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) 鈥� Salon owner Pio Imperati took a chance and hired hairstylist Kathy Moura right out of technical high school 15 years ago. It has worked out so well that Imperati sold her his venerable New Haven, Connecticut, business for $1.
鈥淪he鈥檚 a good hairdresser, a good barber, she鈥檚 very nice,鈥� Imperati New Haven Register about the sale of Pio of Italy Hair Studio. 鈥淚 sold it to her for $1 so we would remain friends.鈥�
While Moura will pay rent to Imperati, she avoids a charge that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars to purchase a salon for the equipment, supplies and clientele.
Imperati, 79, is now working there as an independent contractor.
鈥淓ventually, it was a dream of mine come true to be able to turn the salon over to someone worthy,鈥� he said.
Imperati has been in business for about 56 years in various locations and forms, beginning with a barbershop in 1965, according to the newspaper.
Moura, 32, recalled that when she finished school, 鈥渘o one would hire me because I didn鈥檛 have any experience.鈥� She called a teacher for help and was given Imperati鈥檚 phone number. He and his wife gave her a tryout and eventually hired her.
鈥淲e grew like a family. 鈥� That鈥檚 how he treats everyone who walks into the salon,鈥� Moura said of Imperati. 鈥淎ny person who works here, he wants you to flourish and become something of yourself.鈥�
The Associated Press
