About Lauren Elizabeth,

Lauren Elizabeth Slensby is a Hopewell Junction resident and has been her whole life. She graduated from John Jay High School and the art and business programs at Dutchess Community College. 

Lauren loved everything she was learning but was still unclear about her future. It was through working in local businesses around the Hudson Valley, that she found her true passion. She worked for a salon as a receptionist and for the Lancome beauty counter, which led her to realizing her true passion. 

Lauren worked for a local salon for almost 4 years when she saw an ad that would provide her the opportunity to grow in the beauty and salon industry, leading her to realize her dream of business ownership. The ad was for a Salon and Spa Coordinator at the Steven Amendola Salon and Spa, a highly respected local salon in the Hudson Valley. Lauren interviewed with Steven himself, someone she has known since she was little having visited the salon when her mom would go in to have Steven cut her hair.

Through this position, which Lauren held for 14 years, she grew in her role at the salon and spa and was instrumental in helping Steven expand, market and manage the business. As Lauren’s responsibilities grew her dream of owing the salon grew inside of her as well. 

As Steven neared retirement, Lauren’s dream came to fruition and Steven made her an offer to purchase the business and the building in December 2016. After a seamless transition, thanks to a wonderful existing staff, Lauren launched the new brand - Lauren Elizabeth Salon and Spa in June 2021. 

Lauren is forever grateful and thankful for all she has learned about business, the beauty industry, managing people and being part of the Hudson Valley business community. She made a promise to Steven to honor his legacy by always growing and continuing his legacy as a successful local business.

“thank you to my husband, who has been my biggest supporter in so so many ways. As well as unofficially being head of maintenance. My son and step son, who are a great team and help around the salon. Last but certainly not least, my amazing team. Many of which are the previous team, as well as the new additions through the past few years. I couldn’t ask for a better, more supportive and encouraging group of people.”

Lauren Elizabeth Slensby,
Owner, Lauren Elizabeth Salon

About Steven Amendola

Our founder Steven Amendola came from very modest means and knew if he wanted spending money he would have to work for it. He started working at age 13 as a cleaner for a bakery in Hopewell Junction, NY on Sunday evenings. He resented it at the time but realized later on in life that It was a lesson he took with him…even to this day!

He have been in this wonderful industry for over 40 years! He started at 18 years old right after High School and has loved it ever since.

At 18, Steven went to Westchester to work at B. Altman’s. They had a large Salon in their department store and transferred him to their New York City store. When Steven was 20 he was promoted and sent to their affiliate Salon in RH Stearns in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

At the age of 23 he left Massachusetts and came back to Hopewell Junction, where he purchased the very building that was home to the bakery where he cleaned and opened his first Salon!

With the support of Family, good friends and loyal clients (many still with us from his first Salon to this day! ) we have grown into a Salon & Spa with over 30 team members!!

No Bio would be complete without acknowledging Steven's parents, Victor & Irene Amendola for all of their constant love & support and advice to always follow your dreams. His father told us to find a career that you love…you will be doing it for a long time! Steven always hold them close to his heart…"they made me the person I am today!"