The people have spoken! Lina’s Chop Shop, a full service hair salon with a presence in Downtown Washington for nine years, was picked by community members to be the Washington Business Improvement District’s Business of the Year. 

On Feb. 5 at Hawk Pointe Golf Club, Lina’s will be honored at the organization’s annual Business Recognition Dinner as the People’s Choice top business along with Delmy Morales (Business Person of the Year), Next Level Hair Designs (Redevelopment Award), and Josephine Noone (Community Partner). 

“I didn’t expect it,” said Rosalina “Lina” Ryan, who owns the shop with her husband Patrick. “It’s pretty shocking.”

Certainly not shocking to those who are well aware of what Lina’s brings to the Borough. What does Lina think is the formula for the business’s success? 

“We are consistent,” she said. “Our clients know us. They know that they are getting the same service every time.” She added that they try and make it as convenient as possible for their clients with flexible hours. 

For the first few years, Lina’s was in a small space in town. In 2021 they moved to a larger spot across the street at 60 E. Washington Avenue (Route 57), its current location. 

Lina started in the “hair business” in 2000, eventually becoming the manager of a shop. When that shop suddenly closed her life took a different turn.

“It was never a dream of mine (to own a shop),” she said. “But when that shop closed I wondered where will my clients go, where will I go.”

Patrick, her boyfriend at the time, saw things from another light.

“I saw how much time she spent with her clients,” he said. “She was doing all the things a business owner would be doing. She was doing things that were making money for others. So the opportunity came. It made sense.” Lina agreed.

At the start it was just Lina and one other. In time, the business was growing, hence the need for a new location. Now there are 14 employees. Lina refers to her shop as a teaching salon. Lina’s has gained a reputation as a place where aspiring hairstylists want to go.

“When hair stylists start with us they are associates, not assistants,” said Lina. “They are co-stylists working directly with me with clients. They are learning by touching and doing. We are one of the few salons that do this.”

In the case of Lina’s Chop Shop, the people have spoken! 

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $75 in advance, $85 at the door. For more information email washingtonbid@gmail.com. Checks can be mailed to “Washington BID”, 21 Belvidere Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882.

For more about Lina’s Chop Shop visit lcshair.com.