Parnell’s Curl Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary
By Robin Vinci, Editor at April 1, 2024 | 7:00 am | Print
You won’t find anyone named Parnell at Parnell’s Curl Center. Instead you will find the gracious owner in Donna Crockett.
Crockett, who began the salon in the old Gates building in 1981, now runs the establishment across the street in the Dakille building.
On Friday night the center will hold a celebration at Trinity-On-Main starting at 5:30 to celebrate the 30 years of existence.
“We began in a small narrow spot less than 1,000 square feet,” remembers Crockett.
Now the center is about 1,200 square feet.
Crockett was a hair consultant when someone from Barbara’s Beauty Salon informed her they were selling their business.
Crockett had a friend in Parnell Walker who owned a salon in Sacramento, CA. She asked if the two could get together to form a new salon. Parnell’s in New Britain soon began. In 1989 Walker left and continued his salon in Sacramento, but Crockett stayed on and went solo keeping the name.
“I never wanted my name on it,” she said. “He was my mentor. I liked his curl control concept.”
The two still keep in contact discussing such things as straightening hair and coloring hair. Parnell will be in attendance at the anniversary celebration.
“He gave me a foundation and how to build clientele,” said Crockett.
But, it is Crockett’s own ability and personality that has kept the business a success for 30 years.
“She’s pleasant, nice and does a great job,” said Customer Minnie Mobley. “She has a good attitude and I just love her.”
The clientele has always been important to Crockett.
“We have a lot of great clientele from the Greater New Britain area,” said Crockett. “Being in New Britain is good because it is centrally located and has public transportation. I have people come from Waterbury, Bloomfield and New Haven. There is a lot to do in New Britain. If we are busy they can go have lunch or grab it to go.”
Crockett said a financial advisor told her she should move out of New Britain and near the mall.
She scoffed.
“I can’t get what I have here anywhere else,” she said.
Crockett likes to build on what she has around her.
Crockett’s salon formerly housed karate classes. A contractor was going to tear down walls and rearrange the place for her. Crockett knew she could work with what she had making little changes to place.
She has 4 stations, 5 dryers, a facial and waxing station, and 2 shampoo stations.
“I added a few things and now this place has a comfortable feel,” she said.
Parnell’s Curl Center, 297 Main St., is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. For more information call 860229-8679.
