Most Fridays at about 8:30a.m., Shari Sage and Robin Brasslett of Modern Image Salon hop on Facebook live to communicate with their clients, followers and friends. During this time, they reveal snippets of their own personal lives, engaging their audience with endearing content about new babies in the family, vacations they’ve just returned from, and more. Then, they use the platform to support their local community by promoting events, businesses, fundraisers, and significant needs that exist in the area.
On Friday, October 4th, Chamber director Denise Buzzelli waited patiently in her car, parked outside of Modern Image Salon, for the FB Live to begin. Within the first few minutes, Shari shared how she had just returned from a cross-country trip, and though she was missing Nashville, was moved by the warm welcome she received from her clients and friends, and was so glad to be ‘home’ and behind her chair doing what she loves. Then, she and Robin began discussing their annual ‘free haircut day’, when they provide haircuts to community members who can’t afford it, prior to sharing that they would be in touch with Kelly at the Piscataquis Regional Food Center to find out what is needed for Thanksgiving this year. Shari paused and said, “I just want everyone to remember – it feels really good to give.”
Moments later, Buzzelli entered abruptly and interrupted their broadcast to announce to the ladies and their followers that the chamber would be celebrating it’s 40th Anniversary on Nov 18th during its annual dinner and the Business of the Year Award Celebration; she extended the invitation to the viewers, before sharing that Modern Image Salon would be given a free table of eight for the evening. “That’s wonderful!”, Shari responded, not questioning why?, so Buzzelli continued, “And the reason you have a free table of 8 is because YOU are the 2024 Chamber Business of the Year!”. Fighting back tears, the ladies looked at each other in disbelief and confusion before embracing. “It was the perfect way to announce their win,” said Buzzelli, “I encourage folks to visit the Modern Image FB page and view the LIVE broadcast from Oct 4th to see it for themselves,” she said.
Annually, the chamber reaches out to all communities within the county via social media, email campaigns and other media sources, asking for nominations for Business of the Year. Though any business within the county can be nominated, only chamber members are considered for the final vote. “There are specific criteria we consider when making the final decision,” said Buzzelli,“we look for a Piscataquis-based business in good standing with the Chamber that shows a commitment to growth as a company, one that supports its employees and cares deeply about the communities it serves”.
“Between 2023 and 2024,” Buzzelli explained, “Modern Image Salon received forty-two nominations for Business of the year, with many citing that Modern Image is ‘all about community’, calling them a ‘small business that cares in big ways’”, she said.
Sage started the salon on Lincoln St. nearly 26 years ago, and it has been a staple in Dover-Foxcroft since that time. In 2022, a second floor apartment and new siding & signage on the building gave the space a modern, welcoming look; Shari celebrated the re-opening with a “red carpet event’ to thank her clients and the local residents.
When the salon celebrated its 25th year in Jan. of 2023; Sage held an anniversary party with live music and complimentary appetizers, then sharing; “I just want to thank the community from the bottom of my heart for supporting me for 25 years..I have grown to love so many individuals; I've been a part of weddings, graduations, the birth of babies, funerals, summer bbq's, birthday parties and more - just building relationships; I am so grateful,” she said.
Sage, who often speaks of ‘building trusting relationships’ with her clients, attributes the growth and success of the salon to both the connections she’s made with her clients over 25 years and the women she has had the privilege of working with since Modern Image first opened its doors. Clients and residents who have been impacted by the ‘heart’ of Modern Image submitted pages of accolades about Sage and Brasslett, the sisters who have worked side by side to make customers feel like they are ‘at home’ in the salon, while spurring their clients and Facebook followers to give to many local needs or show support in other ways. “These ladies don’t have a massive budget to give in broad, public ways,” Buzzelli said, “but they live and breathe community and always have their eyes and ears open for how they can get involved and advocate for those in need, or draw attention to other local businesses that need support; they are the essence of community-mindedness,” she said.
There’s something BIGGER about this year’s Business of the Year Celebration; typically held during the chamber’s annual meeting; this year’s bash will also highlight the fact that it is the Piscataquis Chamber’s 40th Anniversary. Incorporated in August of 1984, the Chamber opened its doors at 1033 South St. one month later with a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming the community into the Chamber’s visitor’s center for the first time; a little log cabin generously donated by Northeast Log Homes with the help of Jim Robinson, and placed at the bend of the Piscataquis River. “We are so excited to share a little about the Chamber’s history, and to demonstrate how far we’ve come and how much we’ve grown since our launch,” Buzzelli said, “it will be an unforgettable evening”.
The 40th Anniversary/Business of the Year Celebration will be held on Monday, Nov. 18th at 6pm at the Central Hall Commons. The $30 per-person ticket price will include light starters, a full dinner buffet, and dessert provided by Elaine’s Bakery and sponsored by NL Mayo Regional Hospital. A cash bar sponsored by the Guilford Bed & Breakfast will be open all evening.
The event is open to the public, and registration is required. Please visit piscataquischamber.com/events for the agenda, full menu, and registration link. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event should contact the director at 207-564-7533.
The Modern Image Team, photograph captured by Denise Buzzelli[/caption]
From left are Haley Wooddell, Shari Sage, Robin Brasslett, and Julia Shaw of Modern Image Salon.