Suffolk News-Herald

The routes that Michelle Hagg and Leight Tornyos took to experience the benefits of the Bombshells beauty salon were quite different. But both paths converged at the same place Saturday night: the Riverfront Country Club. To honor the clientele who have made it into one of Suffolk’s most popular locations since its August 2001 opening, the shop held its second annual Customer Appreciation Night.

&uot;I grew up in Virginia Beach with Noreen Walton,&uot; said Hagg, whose friend is now a stylist at the Harbour View Shopping Center dive. &uot;She’s been doing my hair for about 15 years, since she used to do it for free. Bombshells is a beautiful salon; it’s like stepping into New York City.&uot;

Her journey is far from over. &uot;I’m going to keep coming for the rest of my lifetime. It’s fabulous, it’s fun, and I’ve made a lot of new friends.&uot;

Tornyos has a way to go before she reaches Hagg’s level of attendance. &uot;I’ve been coming for about a year and a half now,&uot; says the Riverfront woman. &uot;Bombshells is a very convenient, upscale salon. My work is really hard (she’s in respiratory medical sales), and getting massaged and my hair highlighted in a great way to unwind.

&uot;I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,&uot; she said of the appreciation event. &uot;I wanted to support Bombshells.&uot; She wasn’t the only one; hundreds of locals danced, talked, ate, and drank the night away.

&uot;The customers are the most important part of Bombshells,&uot; said co-owner Tom Flores, &uot;and no other salon can touch my staff. We’re just going to get bigger and better. We’ll keep expanding.&uot;

&uot;Bombshells is the best place I’ve ever worked,&uot; Walton said. &uot;The atmosphere is great; the place looks better than any salon I’ve worked at.&uot;

Bombshells patrons quickly become more than just people in need of a quick beauty fix, said beautician Sherri Smith. &uot;We always greet them with a smile, and make them feel welcome,&uot; she said. &uot;When we do their hair, we want them to be comfortable with us on a personal basis. This party lets them know that we really want them here, and that we really, really appreciate them!&uot;