Walking into Hair by Oly, at 1720 Rural St., Rockford, is like walking into a loving grandmother’s home. Owner Olfania (Oly) Helmich offers coffee, tea and scones on beautiful antique tableware, while soft music plays in the background. She warmly welcomes her clients into the cozy front room, complete with a fireplace and American colonial furniture.
“It’s not just about haircuts,” Helmich explains. “It’s about the connection I have with clients. We’re humans growing together.”
Clients at Hair by Oly have the space all to themselves and are welcome to bring their children, friends and family, if desired. It’s not unusual for clients to come back frequently, as often as every other week, for a simple trim and quality conversation.
“It’s all about you when you are my client,” Helmich says. “I create a place where you can get away and be pampered without going far.”
She offers men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts; hair coloring, including highlights and balayage; eyebrow waxing; and blow outs/styling. If a client feels unsure of exactly what they want, Helmich can offer guidance.
“Some people want help, and if they do, I give suggestions and we work together,” she says. “I always ask – do you feel comfortable with this length? Do you like this color? Do you want it darker or lighter? Because you’re the one who’s going to look in the mirror every day.”
Originally from Honduras and recently transplanted to Rockford from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Helmich hopes all her clients feel beautiful at the end of their appointment.
“To me, when you look beautiful, you feel beautiful, and you also treat other people better,” she says. “It’s a confidence. When you’re confident and you feel beautiful, you treat other people like you want to be treated.”
Helmich doesn’t have specific hours. Instead, she books with clients based on their availability. To schedule a service, call (954) 632-8270 or visit hairbyoly.com. ❚