Libertyville, IL (WLS) — After more than 50 years as a hairdresser and hairdresser, stylist Nance Grimaldi has finally decided to put down her shears and put on a smock.
“It’s been 53 years, but it seems like yesterday,” she said.
On December 31st, Grimaldi’s Shear Fashion Beauty will close in the northwest suburb of Libertyville. Retired at the age of 75.
“For me, it’s just satisfaction,” said Grimaldi. “It’s like I come here to play and get paid.”
Grimaldi followed his mother, who was a hairdressing instructor in Chicago, into the beauty industry. After he graduated from beauty school, he worked at a salon in the western suburbs.
In 1969, 21-year-old Grimaldi and her 24-year-old husband, Vito, an accountant, moved to Libertyville for work.
Soon after, she got a job at Shear Fashion. Her owner eventually asked her to buy her shop and she did.
Grimaldi’s clients are heartbroken that she is saying goodbye.
“I didn’t know what to say, so I didn’t say anything,” said friend and client Joyce Schmidt. “I think I cried.”
At a recent village board meeting, the town recognized Grimaldis’ contributions to the community. Nance has been known to style the hair of customers who are in the hospital, and has worked with local funeral homes to bring peace to grieving families.
Of what she misses most, Grimaldi said:
She has her last client on Saturday afternoon. She knows she will be emotional and ready to start a new chapter in her life when she closes her store for the last time.
“It was a good run, not everyone can say that,” said Grimaldi.
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