The building was previously a bright tangerine color, with orange trim and a sidewalk sometimes sporting outdoor accouterments such a paddleboards and kayaks.
Now, it’s a more muted, soft color, likely one chosen as the clientele has changed,
A place where customers can drop in for a mani-pedi, or visit next door for a haircut, is now open in the old Morsel Munk building on Main Street in Winsted.
Nhi Dang and her husband Ricky Nguyen bought the building early last year and moved their nail salon, Lotus Nails and Spa, from the Big Y shopping plaza in Torrington to Winsted.
“We were looking for a different space and wanted something bigger; rents are very expensive,” Dang said, during a recent morning in the new space, which opened in May. “We found this and decided to buy it, with help from my family.”
Morsel Munk, which calls itself a “lifestyle essentials,” included apparel, drinkware, such as “shatterproof martini glasses that won’t tip over,” beach and camp chairs that “fit in your beach bag or backpack.” It also notes casual T-shirts that are “moisture wicking for those sweaty days.” It moved to a new location in Winsted at Whiting Mills, a shopping, arts, small manufacturing and crafts location.
Dang and Nguyen, originally from Vietnam, live in Torrington, and have lived in Connecticut for about 15 years. Dang, with a shy smile and gentle voice, said she’s built a steady clientele and wanted to expand “to offer something more.”
A reiki practitioner is offering her services at the nail salon, and she also does tarot card readings, Dang said.
That “something more” also includes Aero Hair Salon on the other side of the renovated building, where owner Erica Koenig said she happily settled in July.
Aero Hair Salon was previously located in Mad River Lofts, also off Main Street. She loved the space, Koenig said. But parking was limited, and customers had to climb a staircase to the salon, which was inconvenient for her older customers.
“The loft stairs were an issue,” she said. “When this opportunity came up, I was excited.”
Dang, who was welcomed as a new business in Winsted with a ceremony hosted by the Economic Development Commission, said the small city is growing and making things better for business owners.
Along with manicures and pedicures, Lotus Nails offers facials and facial waxing.
“It’s been really great,” she said, referring to the reaction from customers. “I wasn’t sure at first how it would go, when we moved out of Torrington. But it’s just been great.
“People are very nice here,” she added. “We like Torrington, and we also like Winsted and New Hartford. I have many customers from all over.”
Koenig’s customer base also includes local towns, including Winsted, New Hartford and Barkhamsted.
Koenig’s hair salon is furnished with new chairs, mirrors and equipment; she offers coloring and haircuts, a line of beauty products and a variety of gifts, some made by her husband Doug Koenig, who “can make anything,” she said.
In fact, she said, he was instrumental in creating Aero Hair’s comfortable atmosphere, including new shelving, display structures, wall hangings and other fun décor throughout the space. His custom cutting boards are some of the gifts sold at the salon.
After “doing hair” in Litchfield County for more than 30 years, Koenig said, she’s also looking for other stylists to pick up the reins.
“I am looking for people to come and work here,” Koenig said. “Rent a chair; I have four open stations available. Give me a call.”
Services are by appointment only, she said. Koenig also uses an online booking system, aerohairstudio.glossgenius.com, where customers can make an appointment and choose the services they’re looking for.
“For me, beauty begins when you decide to be yourself, and what better place to do that than in a salon?” Koenig said. “I want people to feel comfortable here, to be who they want to be. Being next door to Nhi and Ricky is nice too. They’ve been wonderful.”
To reach Aero Hair Studio, visit their Facebook page or call 860-605-7264.
To reach Lotus Nails and Spa, visit their Facebook page, or call 860-482-4731.