I was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, I graduated New Hampshire with a BS in Marketing and a minor in Accounting. In 2002 I started my true calling. I am a hair, makeup, and wardrobe stylist and the founder and CEO of Make Me Fabulous, an award-winning non-toxic salon and spa that has been rated one of the hot 100 salons in America and Alayne Curtiss Bridal Beauty. My lip colors are named after streets in Saratoga Springs and my work has been featured in Glamour, Self, Instyle Hair, Women’s Day, Martha Stewart, The Knot and numerous other publications. My blog posts have earned a place on the list of both the top 100 aesthetician blogs and the top 75 cosmetology blogs. For over 25 years, I have made thousands of brides, socialites, celebrities and public figures look Fabulous!
I got my work ethic from my grandmother who came to America from Italy at age 14 and worked to support her family of 8 brothers and sisters. I grew up in Upstate New York on Saratoga Lake near my grandparents’ restaurant and was already a hard worker by the age of 12. By age 16, I was known as the girl in high school who always did everyone’s hair and makeup at slumber parties.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I grew up on Saratoga Lake, next to our grandparents restaurant Mangino’s and went on to work at my mother and her brother’s restaurant the Ashgrove Inn. I am married 28 years this month to the love of my life, David and we have 3 children 26,24 and 22,2 dogs and 2 cats
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love all the people I meet! I get to meet entire families and be a part of their very special days. I love their stories and ask a million questions!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I like restaurants that are like our family’s. Family owned and very Italian like Solevo and Augies
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up on Saratoga Lake and opened my first salon in Ballston Spa over 20 years ago. We relocated to Saratoga Springs inside the Pavilion Grand 5 years ago next month! And boy are we glad we did!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I absolutely love the former General Manager of The Pavilion Grand, Suzanne Simpson. We are both so passionate about our businesses, people and customer service. We still meet for dinner and drinks in town when I cut her hair. She is kind, hardworking and absolutely loves this community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A few years ago, I had an opportunity to work a photoshoot for several wedding dress designers in Hawaii, My husband and youngest daughter came with me and we vacationed for a few extra days. I absolutely love it there. We hope to live there a couple of months in the winter when we retire.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Dirty Dancing! It was filmed downstate, is a forbidden love story, great music and dancing. Plus, a young Patrick Swayze, um ya! Even my husband stops channel surfing for me when it is on!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I hate the whole BOSS BABE persona the internet tries to sell to young women. Owning your own business is hard! You Do Not get to make your own hours or schedule. And you will learn way more that you didn’t know than you ever wanted to!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Well, I would like to travel to our national parks and Grand Canyon with my husband and kids. But in a way , I have already reached one I love watching my kids talk and grow into amazing adults. They are so smart!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Prince! My daughter says that I’m always cooking to Little Red Corvette!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Oh there are so many. That represent different parts of my life. Brown’s beach reminds me of when I was a kid, The Rafters when I was a young adult and the Canfield Casino is a favorite because I was married there.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
It would most likely be Mother Theresa. She was so selfless and so giving especially to the poor and children. So mane of her quotes have connected for me. I would imagine that she would want to go somewhere not over the top. I think I would take her to the Old Bryan Inn. It is cozy and warm and has so many options.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people I meet year after year who come because they just love our town. I love when they come back each year to visit!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Well, still working because I’m a workaholic. But maybe enjoying life a bit more with my family. I’d like to still be running the business and teaching new staff what I have learned over my career in the beauty biz.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Well my name has a differentspelling so when I was little my grandmother just started calling me “Lolly” any one who has ever met me before the age of 18 still calls me that . But anyone who met me after high school, calls me by Alayne
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hawaii, I always say people who live there must always wake up happy because it is so beautiful there.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love the weather in second and third weeks of September in upstate NY. But March 26th the day I got married at the Canfield Casino was definitely the best day!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The customer service at Disney.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband. He is so selfless, disciplined and loving.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Eucalyptus and Vanilla
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Kids, Cooking, and Cuddling under a cozy blanket.
