Maria Polsinelli's business plan has always been to think big at Bocu Salon and Spa in Commack.
The strategy starts in the name of the airy 7,000-square-foot destination for hair care, facials, massages, manicures and more. It riffs on the French word
"beaucoup."
"It means 'a lot. That's what I wanted to give my clients, a lot of good quality services," says Polsinelli, of Laurel Hollow. "That's what has kept me in business for the last 37 years."
Roberta Phillips introduced vintage and antique costume jewelry at the salon in 2019. About a year later, she and Polsinelli expanded that venture into Bocutique, a consignment shop specializing in
"selling the best" of what's in people's closets, per its mantra.
Dresses, bags, shoes and jewelry are all up for grabs.
"Everything is in mint condition," says Phillips, of Northport. There are typically pieces by Gucci, Chanel Prada, Dior and othersThe women have admired each other's business enterprises and savvy for three decades. "We've always stayed in touch, and then it came time to coordinate our businesses together under one roof," says Phillips.
The arrangement is a win-win for them - and their customers. Between the spa, salon and shop, clients can de-stress and get dressed in an all-in-one spree.
"Clients have another venture when they can come in," says Polsinelli, adding that while their hair is processing they can browse for something for their wardrobe. "It's
a great concept."
Nothing like showing off a sleek new manicure with a chic designer handbag or sparkly vintage bracelet. It's multitasking made easy - and stylish.
Some of Bocu's offered services are blowouts ($45 and up), men's cuts ($48), keratin treatments ($300 and up), the signature facial ($110), massage ($100) and pedicure - soak, scrub, hot towel, polish
($32). Bocutique merchandise changes regularly. Prices can run from $60 to $500Polsinelli has accrued a roster of repeat customers over the years, so the business feels like a family affair. The fact that her daughters work at Bocu - Francesca as a colorist and Tatiana as a receptionist - boosts that vibe. Bocu will continue, she says, "with the next
generation."
For now, Polsinelli and Phillips are enjoying their businesses and partnership. "Retire?" says Polsinelli.
"Never."
Follow us on instagram for our lastest pieces
@bocutique
Come for the cut-and-color, stay for the vintage finds.
For Karen Lewis, 67, a retired speech and language pathologist who lives in Fort Salonga and Naples, Florida, that's the ritual at Bocu Salon and Spa in Commack.
Lewis' latest post-coif addition to her closet is a mint-condition $425 vintage straw bag from the 1950s. "It's very detailed with a beautiful bracelet-like clasp," she says. "I just had to have it. It's one-of-a-kind."
The salon, along with hair care, facials, massages and manicures, features a 4-year-old consignment shop, Bocutique, inside. It's an added extra that's hiding in plain sight.
Maria Polsinelli has run Bocu Salon and Spa for 37 years. The presence of Boutique makes appointments an experience. "For new clients, it's a nice surprise," she says.
For longtimers, too. "Every time I go in, I do a double-take," says Lewis. "They're always changing the merchandise. I make sure I have time before and after my appointment."
It turns out that there are other hopping destinations tucked inside Long Island stores, some within locations you might not expect. If you're craving sweet honey, energizing crystals, pet-safe houseplants or a dress for a wedding, here's where to go.