A Makeover for Creative Hair Spa

Anela, Jay, Senada, Bibe, Stephen, Senada, John

The long established Creative Hair Spa on 9th Street just north of #theother5th is getting a make over! Seneda Bajraktarevic, the Salon Manager and her team kindly showed me around and told me some history of the Salon and their future plans.

Bibe Bajraktarevic started as a stylist 30 years ago in Manhattan and decided to open a small salon, which was located just across the street from where Creative Hair Spa is now. As she grew the business, she moved to a much bigger space (it is very large). So this 30 year old family business has seen some changes but this April it is getting a completely new facelift.

You will see fresher colors on the walls and some hints of bling, like crystal, and the overall look being a bit more edgy. High quality products are important to the Team within the Salon and Spa and this will continue to be so. A new color bar will be open on the Salon floor, so you can see your colors being mixed.  Organic, sulphate free and other hypersensitivity products will be options as well.

The Team is large and multi-cultural. They pride themselves on being able to work with any hair type and hair needs. Because they can give a full service and have a bright open space, Brides choose this Salon to come with their bridesmaids and get the full treatment; hair, spa treatments, nails and makeup. Different packages are available and Senada is happy to talk through your wedding needs.  If you can't make it to the Salon they will come to you as long as you are in the tri-state area!

The Spa provides, massages, waxing facials and nail care, in a very relaxing environment. In fact although there were clients in the Salon, it felt very calm and warm. I can't wait to see how the changes can make this experience even better!


The Grand Re-opening will be on Friday 17th April. If you grab a card before-hand, you can get 15% off. But you don't have to wait until then, the Salon is open until 5th April and closed just for 10 days.

We're going to take a sneak preview before the Grand Re-Opening, so watch out for that.

Creative Hair Spa
326 9th Street (between 5th and 6th Aves)
Brooklyn 11215
718 788-8796
Instagram #creativehairspa
FB creative hair spa

Joanna Tallantire

Celebrate Women's Achievements on International Women's Day

Today (Sunday, 8th March 2015) we celebrate women across the world. Thousands of events are scheduled marking the achievements women have made, economically, politically and socially. But this is also an opportunity to call for greater equality in this year's theme titled #MakeItHappen. Look out for events in your area. You can also check out the International Women's Day website to find out more.

We are extremely lucky, in the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, to have many skilled women running their businesses and organizations. Here are just a few we have visited recently, but we celebrate them all! 

Sandra Alfonzo, owner of Behind Bars in Brooklyn. As a certified mechanic, in an industry where women are few, Sandra already has very quickly developed a reputation for being knowledgeable and professional when it comes to bike repairs. She's also a keen cyclist and Spanish speaker.

Tabeel, owner of Tabeel's Aromatherapy Gift Shop and Salon. Tabeel is more than a respected business owner with sought-after salon skills and knowledge of aromatherapy. Her customers come back time and time again because of her warmth and professionalism. After almost 20 years in Park Slope, she participates in all community events and is the heart of the North Slope on #theother5th.

Patti Gilstrap, co-owner of Flirt Brooklyn. If you have been into Flirt's store in the South Slope, you will know what I am talking about. Patti's sewing skills are on display. She effortlessly produces beautiful unique dresses out of gorgeous patterned material. Her skills don't just stop there, she can teach you to sew, whatever your skill level.







Mrs Bisi Ideraabdullah, founder of Imani House. An international woman, Mrs Bisi works hard in Brooklyn and Liberia to bring family support services and youth development programs to those in need. In the recent Ebola outbreak, she worked tirelessly to keep her clinic open in Liberia to provide the much needed services for the local population.


Diana English, owner of Diana Kane Boutique. You can see Diana's jewelry crafting skills in her store and in her online shop. Diana is more than just a savvy business owner, she immerses herself in community affairs as a local resident, parent with children in local schools and part of the larger business community.

Kim Maier, Executive Director of the Old Stone House. As head of a focal cultural institution for the Park Slope community and local schools, Kim lead the renovation of the Old Stone House and the surrounding park and there's still more to come! She has not only developed strong education and community programming, but is integral to the cultural events and partnerships in the Park Slope area. Kim is a true community leader.

Erika Clark, Photographer and BID Secretary. If you walk along Fifth on any given day, you will often find Erika viewing the Avenue through her camera lens. She's a professional photographer and we are lucky to have her document BID events on a regular basis (see them on Flickr). She is a dedicated community volunteer (BID Board of Directors, 78th Precinct Community Council) and an avid supporter of local businesses. 

Brunch at Henri on #theother5th

Henri on Fifth (279 Fifth Avenue) is kicking it into high gear on Saturday, serving a rather extensive, unique brunch menu that includes Breakfast Bao (Bao Buns stuffed with cheese, scrambled eggs, chives and jalapenos, smoked bacon, duck prosciutto), Sriracha Deviled Eggs (did someone say Sriracha?) and "Boat of Bagel Balls" (mini bagel balls stuffed with artisanal cream cheeses).

Download the full brunch menu here.

Authentic Greek Food right on your doorstep just off #theotherfifth

The 'real' John Stamos (as he aptly names himself) is the owner of Pitas and Sticks on 9th Street, just shy of 5th Avenue. As the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District runs up much of 9th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, John is part of our BID community.

John told me he wanted to create a small, authentic restaurant with a rustic feel, like you would actually find in Greece. The warm wooden tables, soft lighting and exposed brick walls certainly make it feel that way, and the smell of something yummy coming from the kitchen definitely does. Tables are set up with lots of space between them and there is a small bar with a tv at the back of the restaurant if you fancy catching a game, having a beer and a slice of Spanakopita.

The menu is as you should expect: pita bread with meats, traditional dishes like Moussaka and Gemista (stuffed peppers), dips and salads.  Pork, beef and lamb are humanely raised, chicken is organic and free range and John cooks with the freshest quality ingredients. You can see the rotating grills at the back cooking your order.




A family man himself, John welcomes you and your children and has some lil' Bites on the menu and for you a good selection of wines and beers including some Greek ones! He was telling me about a large school party that came in and had a great time and they had a Santa visit in December.


John is hoping to have a few tables outside in the near future as well.

Open daily from 11am until Midnight.
321 9th Street (between 5th and 6th Aves)
718 369-9800 to make a reservation or go online to Open Table


More Information at pitasandsticks.com
Instagram #pitasandsticks

Joanna Tallantire
#theother5th

A Taste of Fifth: Just 4 Weeks Away!

Just four weeks until Park Slope's big spring food and drink celebration!

 A Taste Of Fifth, Wednesday, April 1st, from 6:30 - 9:30pm at The Grand Prospect Hall

Buying a ticket not only allows you to sample all the savory offerings from our many local restaurants and bars (complementary wine and beer), but you’ll also be benefiting many of our local charities.  Tickets are $55 online ($60 at door) with $20 of every ticket going to the local charity of your choice!  

New restaurants and sponsors (Car2Go, Barclays Center/Forest City Ratner, Adirondack Brewery and more) are joining every day. Grab your tickets now before it's too late! 

Ticket link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1273478

Participants (In Formation)
200 Fifth
ACME Wine and Spirits
albero dei gelati
Backyard
Benchmark
Beygl
Blue Sky Bakery
Bogota Latin Bistro
Bonnie's Grill
Bricolage
Brooklyn Crepe and Juice
Buttermilk Bakeshop
The Chocolate Room
Coco Roco
Culture
Du Jour Bakery
Fleischer's
Freddy's Bar
Gorilla Coffee
Jake's Handcrafted
La Villa
Le Pain Quotidien
Loki Lounge
Luke's Lobster
The Monro Pub
O Live Brooklyn
Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn
Palo Santo
Prospect Bar and Grill
Pure Bistro
Russo's Mozzarella and Pasta
Sky Ice
South
Stone Park Cafe
Taco Santo
Teaus
Two Boots
Uncle Louie G
Varrio 408
Yayo's Latin Bistro

Participating Charities:

*Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX)

*Brooklyn Pride

*Brooklyn Dream Factory

*CHIPS Soup Kitchen and Young Mothers Homeless Shelter

*Fifth Avenue Committee

*Good Shepherd Services

*Imani House

*Middle School 51

*The Old Stone House

*Park Slope Civic Council

*President Street Garden

*PS 321

*Public School 39

*Public School 118 Maurice Sendak Community School

*Spoke the Hub

Sponsors:

Ms. Ida Blue "Marches" Into Freddy's Tonight

She's back! Seriously, if you are looking for a night out on Fifth, this is a great show to see! Watch the video, above, for a sample.

9 pm at Freddys Bar front room (627 Fifth Avenue)

This Month: Atlantic 10 Basketball Championship at Barclays Center

Happy March, everyone! Spring is coming! It''s just about 20 days away, so ignore that fresh layer of ice and snow!

Next week, the Barclays Center will be host to the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship for Men's Basketball. The teams, from schools ranging from Rhode Island to UMass, will be visiting Brooklyn, bringing players, family, fans, alumni and more. Park Slope's Fifth Avenue is ready play host!

For more information, go to barclayscenter.com.