A passing of the shears: Sultanah's to open in Archbald

ARCHBALD — Sultanah Zielinski remembers walking into Ann's Hairstyling as a child.

Now, about two decades later, Zielinski, 29, will open her own salon, Sultanah's, in the same location next week.

Zielinski of Mount Cobb follows in the footsteps of Ann Kavulich, who recently retired after more than 40 years in business, including nearly 30 at the shop on Kennedy Drive.

For Zielinski, the decision to establish her new shop in the borough felt right.

"This is the first salon I was ever in with my grandma, Ellie Zielinski, when I was seven or eight," she said. "I was born in Archbald and my dad (Dale) is a 30-year business owner in Archbald. This is kind of like my stomping grounds."

Zielinski, who has more than 10 years of experience in the hair business, previously operated Styles by Sultanah in Eynon, but shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon learning about Kavulich's plans to retire, Zielinski immediately set her sights on the location.

"I sent her a message and came down," she said. "It was kind of the universe working at the right time. I missed it the entire time it was closed."

Kavulich quickly sensed Zielinski possesses the traits to run a successful salon after showing her around the shop.

"She's a great girl with a great personality," Kavulich said. "In this business, you really need to be talkative and personable to people. It helps tremendously, and when I saw her that first day, I knew this was the girl."

Zielinski appreciates Kavulich's assistance and support during the transition period and hopes to carry on the traditions established at the shop.

"She has been a saving grace in this entire thing — a godsend," Zielinski said. "I want to live up to Ann's standards. ... She was such a great asset here for so long."

Zielinski will hold a soft opening Tuesday and looks forward to serving previous clients again and building the trust of new ones, including some of Kavulich's former customers.

"Hopefully they can continue making this their hair home," she said.

Customers may make appointments on the Booksy app or sultanahs.booksy.com, and walk-ins will also be available, said Zielinski who will offer both men's and women's cuts.

Kavulich made many memories and friends on Kennedy Drive and was glad Zielinski stepped in to fill the void.

"It's exciting to see someone else go back in there for the people of the town," she said. "They'll still have the same services in that salon — it will just be someone else running it."