This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/27/2017 08:30 AMWhen most people think back to the months after their 21st birthday, they most likely remember their last months in college, or finally being able to do something fun like go to casinos with their friends. On the other hand, if you’re Abby Gyenizs, you remember that as the time you opened your own business and became the youngest business member of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce.
When Abby was growing up and attending school in Clinton, she knew that she eventually wanted to work in the art or fashion industry.
“I basically grew up in arts and dancing,” says Abby. “I’ve been dancing since I was two. I really love the industry and the art of it.”
At the same age when most high school students are still undecided about what they want to do, aside from getting out of school as soon possible, Abby actually signed up for more school. Abby split her school days, leaving Daniel Hand High School in Madison, at noon, then going to the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven until 4 p.m. Due to the travel involved, Abby wouldn’t get home most days until 5 or 6 p.m. While the long days might have had a negative effect on some people, Abby enjoyed it.
“I loved it,” Abby says. “It was definitely a different way to go through high school.”
Abby says she particularly liked that she was able to keep her old friends from Madison, while also meeting new friends who held similar interests.
Abby’s appreciation for the art and industry can be summed up by an experience she had when she was 19 years old. It was August 2012 and Abby was attending cosmetology school Paul Mitchell The School—North Haven. It was at that school that Abby received quite a pleasant surprise.
“One of my teachers, without me knowing, submitted me to a [Paul Mitchell] show in Las Vegas,” Abby says with a laugh. “It was my first time flying on my own and my first time in Las Vegas.”
Abby’s job at the event was to walk the runway at the show. Abby says she had done some modeling before, but this was different.
“It was definitely terrifying,” Abby says.
Abby says the show was broadcast on the Internet and watched by “millions of people.” Asked if her appearance was a onetime appearance, or if she would go back, Abby says, “I would do it again, but life is a little different now.”
Abby opened Salon A, a beauty salon located on Route 81 in Clinton, in January 2016.
“I knew eventually I wanted to own my own salon, I just didn’t know when,” Abby says.
When the owner of the salon at which Abby had been working announced she was going to close her salon, Abby decided pursue the opportunity.
“It was a push in the right direction and the right thing for me, “Abby says.
At first, she was hesitant, but eventually Abby joined the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, and became its youngest business owner (the youngest Chamber member is Isabella Lee, 9, director of the charity Kids for Clinton).
Becoming a business owner and an active community member was admittedly a big step for Abby, who recently turned 23
“It’s a little intimidating,” Abby says.
Abby says she’s enjoyed her time becoming involved in the community.
“We’ve become part of the community and become more involved,” Abby says.
As an example of her increased involvement, Abby points to the 2016 Clinton SummerFest and Fireworks. At that event, Abby used her cosmetology skills to contribute to the event. Abby had a booth and handed out sample products and offered fun services for the kids.
“I definitely had a good time doing it,” Abby says.
While the 2017 Summerfest and fireworks were canceled, the event is scheduled to be back in 2018, and Abby says she’s “very interested” to be there again.
Even though she grew up in Madison, Abby is happy to be involved with the events and people in Clinton.
“My favorite part of Clinton is how everyone is involved with everyone, and everyone knows each other,” she says.
In the little spare time she has when she isn’t working, Abby says she enjoys spending time with friends and family. Additionally, Abby and her future husband Brad are in the midst of planning their wedding.
“It’s the craziest time of wedding planning,” says Abby with a deep laugh, though she quickly adds with a smile, “It’s fun though.”