Settled in the mid-1500s, St. Marys, GA, is the second oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States after St. Augustine, FL. Its motto, "Rooted in history, branching into the future," is evident throughout the city, including at On the Green Salon and Day Spa, which incorporates eco-friendly practices to protect the future of the earth.
As members of St. Marys EarthKeepers, a grassroots organization aimed at preserving the environment, On the Green owners Mary Rose and Bob Cannistraro take pride in all of the salon's eco-friendly aspects, including sculptures created from green recycled glass and business cards, menus and gift certificates made from recycled materials.
The full-service salon and spa offers hairstyling, cuts, nail services, massage, body treatments, waxing and makeup application. The European-inspired design features 14 Venetian chandeliers with green teardrop crystals, billowy clouds painted on a sky-blue ceiling, and walls painted with classical columns, climbing vines and brick. Eight free-standing mahogany styling stations feature black granite countertops, while custom arches lead the way to the spa area, where a fountain creates a serene atmosphere for guests to relax while waiting for services.
Clients admire the salon's interest in preserving the environment, as well as its efforts to give back to the community. The salon has hosted events to raise money for charity, but the event that Mary Rose says had the greatest impact on the salon was when it hosted a group called Sisters Without Mothers, providing them with a tour of the salon and consultations with beauty therapists. "This is a group of adolescent girls who have the misfortune of not having mothers in their lives," Mary Rose says. "Our beauty therapists gave these girls hope and encouragement." —NICOLE PALMIERI
In stock: Goldwell, Paul Mitchell