Chic Salon expands to Holyoke
HOLYOKE — Chic Salon Beauty Bar Inc., led by husband-and-husband team José Ocaña and Josh Esteva, has opened a new upscale salon concept at 250 Westfield Road, Suite 3, in Holyoke.
Before launching their first collaborative salon in Chicopee in 2018, Ocaña honed his craft at a former salon in Holyoke, making this return a meaningful homecoming for both owners.
Designed as a refuge where every guest feels at home, Chic Salon welcomes the LGBTQ+ community, trans clientele, and individuals on the autism spectrum. With a reputation as the “gayest salon in western Massachusetts,” it’s more than just a destination for services — it’s a community hub founded on acceptance and respect.
Ocaña, a 20-year expert hairstylist, platform artist, and international educator, partners with Esteva, a six-year esthetician whose experience spans medical technology, HIV counseling, and administrative work at CEPA. Together, they deliver a full suite of treatments — hair styling, vibrant coloring, waxing, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, and signature transformations for milestone occasions like quinceañeras and weddings.
Retired health care ex joins HCC trustees
HOLYOKE — Patricia Samra, of West Springfield and Cambridge, a recently retired health care executive, has been appointed to the Holyoke Community College Board of Trustees by Gov. Maura Healey.
Until 2025, Samra, a master’s level registered nurse, was the vice president of HR Operations and Total Rewards at Baystate Health in a career that began with the Springfield-based health care organization in 1986. Over 40 years, she served two 14-year stints at Baystate, starting as a registered nurse before moving into human resources.
Before returning to Baystate for her second stint in 2006, she worked for nine years as an independent health care consultant for the Dix Consulting Group in Portland, Maine.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Samra attended her first HCC Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Her term runs through March 1, 2029.
Market Masters-Legal wins gold
NORTHAMPTON — Market Masters-Legal, of Northampton, has earned a Gold Award at the AVA Digital Awards for its creative work on the “Shirtless Executive” commercial.
This international competition recognizes excellence in Digital Communication and creative media execution. This is the commercial’s third major honor in 2025-2026.
Developed and produced by Market Masters-Legal for longtime client Hupy and Abraham, S.C., the “Shirtless Executive” campaign was designed to visually demonstrate a law firm’s strength when confronting insurance companies. Judges highlighted the commercial for its impactful copywriting, brand authority, and strategic execution.
Market Masters-Legal is a legal marketing agency specializing in creative strategy, video production, and digital campaigns for law firms nationwide. The agency partners with leading firms to develop distinctive brand identities and performance-driven advertising.