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It’s been said that those who look for beauty, find it.

For 20 years now, Lois Burak has found it in her Mayfair salon.

Burak, 41, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of BeautyWorx Salon and Day Spa this month. After renovations are complete, she expects a grand re-opening of the full-service salon this spring.

When Burak and her brother first came to Mayfair, they opened an 800-square-foot shop on Cottman Avenue. They tore up the old linoleum, bought their nail tables from Ikea and spruced up the front desk with mirrored tile.

Soon after, the two went to the International Beauty Show and saw posters of sketched hair styles selling for $60 a pop. Lois Burak was comfortable with a camera in hand thanks to her family’s film business, so she decided to make their own posters using client photos.

"It took off. Families would come in in groups," Burak said.

Twenty years later BeautyWorx, which has locations at 7242 Frankford Ave. in Mayfair and in Huntingdon Valley, is still known for its Client Model photo shoots.

When photos are taken, clients get several copies. If the photos are used in print ads, clients are welcome to use them as part of their modeling portfolios.

In addition to hair styling, BeautyWorx offers hair extensions, thermal

reconditioning straightening, waxing, makeup application, facials, body massage, body wraps, tanning, manicures and pedicures.

"We’re full service and we know how to do it," Burak said.

The BeautyWorx team is comprised of hair designers, a colorist, makeup artist, nail and skin specialists.
"I have a great staff — seven people in two salons," Burak said.

Burak also has a loyal clientele.
Netty Mason first came to Burak as a client more than 15 years ago to have her eyebrows waxed. Today she manages BeautyWorx.

Mason has seen BeautyWorx evolve over the years, with the changing styles and advancement in processes.

"Years ago, we did perms altogether differently. The styles of 2006 are very lightly curled and soft. The colors are much different. We can color and tone at the same time. There are a lot of options for different hairstyles for different shaped faces. We did not do pedicures years ago. I get so excited when the girls apply makeup and different tones of coloring. It’s really a blessing," Mason said.

Mason has also seen the metamorphosis of the salon as well, including the store’s new upscale facade.

"I have customers come in who think there is a new owner, because Lois is putting a lot of money into it," Mason said.

Burak is also overseeing a major re-

modeling from top to bottom. The front room on the top floor is being transformed into a Mediterranean oasis, for cooling down and couple’s massages. Other top rooms are being made over into facial and body treatment rooms.

The main floor will still be dedicated to hair styling stations, with a loft that Burak plans to turn into a hip lounge with a big-screen TV for playing music videos. Questions about the leopard carpet there and on the stairs down to the pedicure area linger, however.

"We’ve become known for our leopard rug," Burak said.

Two tanning beds and a stand-up unit will be moved to basement rooms when construction is complete.

Burak oversees everything from the shop’s renovation, looking out for new, cutting edge products and educating her staff, to being the style coordinator for makeovers and style shoots.

"Netty and myself live, eat and sleep this business. I take things personally," Burak said.

After 20 years in Mayfair, Burak doesn’t measure her success by money. Most everything she’s earned, she says, she put back into the business.

Burak does measure success, though, by the lives she’s touched.

"There is something to be said (about) knowing I was giving an opportunity to people, promoting them, showing off their talents, by looking at how many lives I’ve changed," she said.

Lois Burak works hard to show her customers that BeautyWorx salon and day spa is upscale, not uptight.
And the owner of the business assures that no matter which of her salons her clients are visiting — the one in Mayfair or the one in Huntingdon Valley — they’ll receive quality treatment and feel at home.

"We want them to feel comfortable," she said last week at the Huntingdon Valley location, which has been open for a year.

The Montgomery County shop is anything but uptight.

Trickling water from two fountains offers a soothing sound mixed with laughter from the employees as they chat.
The cheerful, two-story shop is also lined with "top of the line" hair and skin products, like Yon~Ka skin care products, which the salon also uses on customers for facial massages, the owner said.

Burak balances running two salons while treating her customers — and her employees — with respect, she said.

A licensed nail technician, Burak started in the beauty business when she was just 16, shaping and painting nails and applying customers’ makeup at a salon in the Neshaminy Mall, then the Nailery at the Gallery in Center City.

Burak opened the first BeautyWorx salon and day spa at 7242 Frankford Ave. in 1986.

She was just 21 and had no real experience cutting hair; still, she knew she had a knack for understanding what customers wanted.

"As a manicurist, I had to prove myself (in the salon industry)," she said.

The Mayfair salon has done well over the past 18 years. Customers — male and female — from Philadelphia and Montgomery and Bucks counties regularly come in for a cut, manicure, pedicure, massage or facial massage. Updos for bridal parties and prom-goers are also popular among women, Burak said.

The prices at the salon are on par with national averages, although the owner acknowledges that they are slightly higher than prices at salon chains — $28 for a cut and style, for example.

But she said the prices help to pay the salaries of her talented staff, which she tries to take care of.

"It’s a living for these girls, and that’s what’s important to me," Burak said.

A few years ago, she began to consider opening a second salon in the suburbs to accommodate the increasing number of customers in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Now, the 39-year-old owner is balancing two shops.

BeautyWorx expanded to the Huntingdon Valley store, at 1051 County Line Road, last September.

With a lot of help from her employees and friends, she updated the place, which formerly was a salon. Luckily, almost everything she needed — including a downstairs facial massage room — was already there from the previous owner.

"It was all done with love," she said of the work that went into the new shop.

Ironically, the second BeautyWorx is attracting customers who used to live in Mayfair or former Northeast residents who recognize the BeautyWorx name.

"It’s a pleasure to see some of the people we served back in the ’80s," Burak said.

Today, she works most of the time at the Huntingdon Valley shop giving manicures. She’s at the Mayfair shop one day a week.

Still, the owner hasn’t forgotten her Mayfair roots.

About 10 years ago, Burak was appointed president of the Mayfair Business Association, but she could not participate because her career was so demanding.

"My business came first," she said.

Burak still stays in contact with business owners from the area, and she’s glad to see the Mayfair Community Development Corporation working hard to make the neighborhood stronger.

"The community is very strong," Burak said.

BeautyWorx also is active in the community, participating in the annual Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving parade and offering baskets of cheer to local fund-raisers and photo shoots and test updos for St. Hubert High School honor students.

"I constantly am trying to support the community whenever possible," Burak said.

Huntingdon Valley's BeautyWorx Salon Day Spa will be featured on the new television show "Home Delivery" in October.

The program will feature Feasterville residents Janice and Rick Hardy, who received a make over at BeautyWorx.

"I got a call from the station last minute," said Lois Burak, owner of BeautyWorx. "Women wrote in about their husbands looking like mountain men and needing shaves."

The producers chose the Hardys and wanted to see a dramatic change in the both of them.

Burak was proud to be the owner of the salon chosen for the job.

"We shaved him, cut his hair and highlighted it. He looked really great." The salon trimmed and lightened Janice's hair and "she looked phenomenal," said Burak, who purchased the Huntingdon Valley site a year ago.

But the couple was not allowed to look at one another. "They were being so cooperative. They put a towel over his head. They put her in the bathroom with a chair against the door in case she looked out," Burak said.

It was a rewarding experience for Burak, who has been involved with beauty for nearly twenty years.

Burak started in the industry at age 15. She purchased her own shop, BeautyWorx in Northeast Philadelphia, when she was barely 22.

"We have incredibly wonderful clients," she said. "Some we've had since we opened the doors."
Her relationship with her clients is very important. Many times at work, "I felt I like I was on the porch with friends," Burak said.

And many times, she is with friends. Take Nettie Mason, for example. "Nettie used to be a waxing client and worked at Woolworth's. She had a license to do hair and kept it (to date)," Burak said.

She offered Mason a job as a shampoo girl. Mason quickly advanced to her current position: manager.

"It's difficult to find help like Nettie. She's been with BeautyWorx for 13 years. She was the most wonderful blessing," Burak said.
Mason ensures customer satisfaction by randomly calling

customers and asking them about their experience.

"She's so good with people. She remembers everyone's names and their family. There's no way I'd be able to do what I do without her," said Burak, who has been quite busy.

Burak purchased a second BeautyWorx location, which opened last year. It was "filthy. The massage room was filled with oils," Burak said. She and her staff spent a lot of time cleaning the building.

As soon as the BeautyWorx in Huntingdon Valley opened, it became a success. "Since we've been open, we see clients from Hatboro, Warminster, and Horsham," Burak said. And, of course, the salon will be on TV.

BeautyWorx offers massages, waxing, pedicures, manicures, make up, straightening, thermal reconditioning, hair cuts, washes, and more.

BeautyWorx is located at 1051 County Line Road in Huntingdon Valley. For more information, please call 215-357-3333.

BeautyWorx is also located at 7242 Frankford Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. For more information, please call 215-332-1112.

There is an abundant of hot new services and products that you can incorporate into your own beauty regimens that are not only affordable, but don't take a lot of time.

New at BeautyWorx is Microdermabrasion. You can experience this new treatment at a trial price of $30.This treatment is most effective when multiple treatments are applied, helping to diminish fine lines and fade away age spots, for radiant, more youthful appearance.

Microdermabrasion is the gentle exfoliation of the skins macroscopic top layer . The minuscule crystals, Vitamins A, C, E and other antioxidants are effective with the reveal of smoother more even toned skin, causing new cell growth and will enhance blood flow.

You can purchase at BeautyWorx YON~KA Skin care AutoBRONZANT phyto fruit self tanning lotion. This self tanning lotion will hydrate, renew cells, soften, repair and protect. Within a few hours the pallor of your face and body is metamorphosed into a heavenly golden hue without damage or harmful rays of the sun.

Also, available in the YON~KA SKIN Care Line is creme 105 and creme 103. This creme is great to improve blood circulation, minimizes the appearance of dimpled skin, combats water retention, reduces tissue pressure and prevent "spider veins."

Many of these products that Top celebrities use are now available to you. We don't promote "EXTREME Make-overs," that involve recovery time and the associated expenses. For those of us that want to celebrate our beauty in less than an extreme manner, We do advocate the Reveal of your natural good looks and feel good simultaneously by treating yourself to one or more of BeautyWorx great products and services.

Vvacation plans may have been rained out, but whoever said you couldn't look like you just came back from a relaxing retreat. Skin glowing, hair shiny and healthy with a cut, color and finish that looks like you just walked off a hot NYC or LA fashion runway. (Don't believe me? Check out BeautyWorx Before and After Gallery on the BeautyWorx web- site.)

Great Summer services also include a refreshing Mineral Spa Pedicure for

pretty toes and sexy sandals. For your hair that is exposed to copper and minerals from swimming and tap water, sun damage or styling product build up Try one of the BeautyWorx clarifying / conditioning treatments.

And we can't forget the fabulous new shades that are available for your hair. Most of us may not relate or apply the word "Architecture" when referring to a hairstyle. BeautyWorx does. BeautyWorx style makers are inspired by art in any form. Scenes of the summer inspire us to create and recreate some of the hottest trends for spring and summer.

Our style makers can re-texturize course curly hair with Thermal Straightening or give straight hair a no fuss wash and wear permanent wave.

If your back is prone to breakouts during summer, Spend a meditative 20 min in our tan beds, or receive a soothing back skin treatment.

To get the Worx! and be pampered FREE of charge, enter to win our annual MAKE-OVER CONTEST. Send a photo to 7242 Frankford Ave 19135 or visit us on the web for rules.

Have the winter blues got you down? Are you ready for a change? Why not kick off spring with a whole new look? BeautyWorx Salon and Day Spa can make your beauty fantasies a reality.

With more than 17 years of growth in the Mayfair section of the city, BeautyWorx has established itself as one of the hottest and hippest salons in Northeast Philadelphia. A full-service, unisex salon, BeautyWorx offers innovative hair, nail and skincare services, as well as tanning services. BeautyWorx exclusive line of skincare, make-up and color products are all top of the line. The salon also offers a variety of professional beauty products for purchase.

BeautyWorx is also well-known for its client Model Makeovers that work to enhance and accentuate a client’s natural beauty. “Our clients love our

Model Makeovers,” explains salon Owner and Operator Lois Burak. “Our makeovers can transform someone. Clients leave here feeling truly glamorous.”

Burak established BeautyWorx in 1986 as a way of offering affordable, upscale salon services in a local neighbor setting. “BeautyWorx has always strived to bring the latest industry trends and products to our staff and clientele,” says Burak. “Many of our ground-breaking ideas have been duplicated by some of the area’s top salons.”

BeautyWorx has recently been featured in Philadelphia Style Magazine for its product and service recommendations. The salon also will be featured in the upcoming issues of two leading nail industry trade magazines, Nailpro and Nails Magazine.

“As a salon owner,” explains Burak, “I am very particular about the work that comes out of my salon. BeautyWorx staff is a group of highly trained hair, nail and skincare experts.” BeautyWorx supports its staff’s professional growth, offering advanced education, as well as healthcare benefits and employee IRAs.

Let the BeautyWorx expertise speak for itself. Visit the BeautyWorx website at: www.beauty-worx.com to view a sampling of the salon’s hottest makeovers.

BeautyWorx is located at 7242 Frankford Avenue. Salon hours are Monday thru Saturday, evenings until 9 pm. To schedule an appointment or a free beauty consultation, call 215-332-1112. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Lois Burak is finally making her dream a reality. It was her dream to open a beauty salon that caters to everyone. Now she owns Beauty Worx, located at 7242 Frankford Ave.

She also wanted to find people to work in it who are as excited about the beauty industry as she is. She found Jacqui Brooks.

The last three years have been tough for Burak because she says she was unable to find beauticians who were both professional and excited to learn all they could about the beauty business. Brooks began working in the end of January.

“Jacqui and I clicked right away because of her enthusiasm,” said Burak. “She has a great professional attitude.”

Burak said that Brooks is a great

addition to the salon because now Beauty Worx can accommodate African Americans. Brooks specializes in hair extensions and chemical work. She also works on Caucasian and all ethnic hair.

Brooks likes to learn about new technology, and she investigates new products before she brings them into the salon. She always educates her clients about what she is doing to their hair, Burak said.

“Beauty Worx is different from every other salon because of me,” said Burak. “I’m a person who likes change and this industry is always changing.

“I love marketing and promotion,” she said.

Her salon is different because she

only employs professional-minded people and she is always trying creative ideas.

One of her ideas was to have a ‘Nail Clinix,’ which is designed for beauticians who want to learn the art of nail manicuring. The new students learn while they practice on clients, and the clients are charged the same price as discount nail salons charge. Burak said Nail Clinix is good for both client and student because the client gets a good, professional manicure. She said the discount nail salons are often unlicensed and untrained.

Beauty Worx offers a wide array of services like hair styling, cutting, perming, coloring and conditioning, tanning, massage, waxing, nails, cosmetics and ethnic hair treatments. Their prices are reasonable and they offer 25 percent off regular prices every day for seniors.

BeautyWorx Salon & Day Spa, Inc. will donate 50 cents from any eyebrow shape and wax done on Friday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., to St. Hubert High School's Tuition Assistance Program.

Since opening in 1986, BeautyWorx Salon has been one

of the first and finest full-service salons in Mayfair, leading the way with professional waxing services like eyebrow wax and shaping.

BeautyWorx is located at 7242 Frankford Ave. The telephone number is 215-332-1112.

BeautyWorx Salon and Day Spa, at 7242 Frankford Ave., is participating in a work exchange program with students from Austin Meehan Middle School in Mayfair.

The goal of the program, which began in November and continues through May, is to help students work effectively with others, understand leadership roles and learn how systems are effectively organized.

Students from Austin Meehan Middle School work with the professionals at BeautyWorx, part of an exchange program with the school and the salon.

"By addressing these goals, students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become productive citizens and employees in a culturally diverse society," said program director Vera White.

"I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of this program," said BeautyWorx Worx owner Lois Burak.  "Respect for businessmen and for consumers seems to be lacking these days.  I believe a strong work ethic is crucial to promoting a healthy economy.  Anything I can do to encourage the return of good, old-fashioned customer service I'd gladly take on."

Students spend one and a half hours at the salon on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Some of the students' responsibilities include confirming appointments, filing, decorating the salon and handing out promotional fliers.

Lois Burak, owner of BeautyWorx at 7242 Frankford Ave., knows how frenzied things can get right before the prom.

Girls from local high schools such as Lincoln, Northeast, St. Hubert and Nazareth come to BeautyWorx for updos -- hair styles pulled up and away from the face -- and curly dos.

Some girls get their nails and makeup done there too. "We look forward to it," Burak said of prom time. "We have it down to a system now".

Girls arrive in groups and some bring their moms for advice, she said. "For the most part, I enjoy it. I never had a prom, so I live through them," said Burak.

Last Saturday -- when St. Hubert High School for Girls held its junior prom -- the salon was filled with

teen-age girls preparing for the big night.

One girl, giving into the pressure of the night, exclaimed "I hate proms" as she tried to decide on a hairstyle.

Jaqui Brooks, a stylist at the salon, was busy curling a girl's hair into soft spirals. "Oh, I love it. It's fun because all the girls are so excited," Said Brooks.

Moms were sitting on the sidelines and classmates were giddy with excitement, giggling and exchang- ing compliments on the hairdos.

Connie Heftner went along for the fun with her daughter, Corinne, who was getting an updo for St. Hubert's junior prom. "We never had all this excitement," said Heftner, who went to high school in the 1970's. "The girls are more into it."

She said some of the girls and their go out afterward. They go to midnight bowling and out for cheesesteaks. "It makes them happy. And all the girls get along in their school," she said.

Tiffany McCarthy, 16, a junior at St. Hubert, was cuddled up with a bunch of coats on the salon's couch trying to take a nap. She and some other students were up at 7 a.m. decorating Cannstatter's -- the hall where the prom was taking place.

McCarthy, a vivacious teen with blonde hair, said she believes that proms have not changed much over the years, with the exception of the prices. "There's still the same anxiety," she said. "Prices are alot more now."

She said her mom paid $30 for her dress. McCarthy paid $300. The dress styles are simple and elegant this year, according to the teens.

BeautyWorx recently celebrated the opening of their exciting new Fourth Level Salon with a fashion and art show by local designers and artists.

Designer Trung, a graduate of Drexel University, presenting his Killer Instinct line of women’s fashions, including suit, swing coats, casual and evening wear.

Bella Vexler, another Drexel graduate, was on hand to present her exciting line of hats. The models’ hair and makeup were compliments of Beauty Worx.

Also on display were printings, curio cabinets, and accessories by artist David D’Anglo.

Beauty Worx, at 7242 Frankford Ave. is already planning their schedule of beauty and fashion shows for 1995 in their fourth level. On Friday, Dec. 16, they will host a “Men’s Night Out” party featuring lingerie and beauty gifts for that special someone on your holiday list.

If you’re interested in attending one of their future shows or want to plan your own party or show, call 331-1112.

View more pictures from this event

As a matter of fact, Lois and her 13 employees are getting a real education on health, beauty massage and inner and outer therapies, both in the classroom and on-the-job.

“I really believe in education,” said the young entrepreneur and owner of the Beauty Worx. “We are constantly upgrading and changing in this industry and I want Beauty Worx employees to be on top and to understand all parts to beauty and therapy. Most people don’t think of hairstyles or nail techniques as a continuing education process – but it is. Out color specialist go out to classes for training, we have speakers come in to us. All of our girls are trained in the shiatsu method of massage. Of course our certified, full-time specialist also knows the full body European style or Swedish style, sports style and more.”

The owner explained the numerous services offered by the eight-year-old full service beauty salon. In addition to the superb hair services (starting from $5 for toddlers), nails (starting at $8) and tanning services that originally put the salon on the map in Northeast Philadelphia, the salon now offers mini and full body massages in a variety of techniques (ranging in prices from $5-$45), photo model make-overs, make-up applications, waxing services, facials,

mineral wraps, cellulite massages, and more.

A menu of special promotions, combination of packages and reasonably price services are available with a multitude of offerings. Bridal Party Packages (French manicure, designer updo, makeup application and Shiatsu stress buster, sparkling cider and snacks for $60), Couple Escape Packages, (complete with shrimp cocktail, sparkling cider, shiatsu massage, pedicure, make-up application, shampoo, conditioner, scalp treatment for two run $150), and Pamper Parties (shampoo, treatment, conditioning, hairstyle, shiatsu neck and shoulder massage, manicure, make-up application and cider/snack tray for $50,00) are available to take some stress out of your life. Clients are invited to devise their own packages at times and costs which are designed for the “time tight” and “cash crunched.”

The 3,500 square foot location at 7242 Frankford Ave. houses 4 floors of very upscale and trendy services for a fraction of the cost one would expect to pay. The salon also contains some of the most creative artists in the business.

Britton Condran attended Harcum College as an Art major. Her creativity comes through as she paints detailed works of art on nails as a Beauty Worx nail technician. Her “masterpieces” have included the outrageous to the traditional. Santa Claus, holly and reindeer designs are available in time for the holidays.

Alisa Hadad was working on her own but wanted to treat her mother-in-law to a time at Beauty Worx. She was

impressed with the group and ended up taking a job with Beauty Worx instead.

Ann Irons has been with Lois since Beauty Worx’ inception. “I love it here. These changes are wonderful and so creative.

In order to keep employees and customers current, Lois offers classes and parties to customers. The salon is sponsoring a video imaging night at the saloon where a customer can view herself in approximately 25 different hairstyles on January 6th. On the 30th of January the salon is sponsoring an aromavera class and a senscience shiatsu gathering is scheduled for February 11th. For further details regarding these parties, call Lois at 332-1112.

The salon also provides a mini boutique that offers jewelry and a variety of make-up, skin and hair products.

Lois encourages people to stop in and add their names to the Beauty Worx mailing list in order to receive the quarterly newsletters filled with events and coupons.

As one customer, Marion Hart, said on her way out, “the prices are unbelievably reasonable and the services are great!”

About the meaning of the words aromatherapy, reflexology, they are the study of, well, they mean, I mean it’s like… It’s really a little too complicated for me to explain, but I strongly urge you to visit Lois and her group… they’re the experts.

For a small girl, Lois Burak is carrying a big load on her shoulders. At 28, Lois is the sole proprietor of the Beauty Worx Salon at 7240 Frankford Avenue. On her own since 16, Lois has always been a very responsible woman.

Now, after a long search to replace Rosemarie McMenamin, a president of the Mayfair Merchants Association, Lois has come forward to take on this added responsibility.

“Technically, I’m not responsible until January 1st, but little by little, word has spread and I’m already flooded with requests and questions,” she said.

As a child, Lois was always an organizer. “Growing up, my brother Jeff and I used to come up with all kinds of entertainment ideas and newsletter. I’d like to see some kind of newsletter and a good utilization of

the area papers to help spread the news regarding the Mayfair merchants over the next few months.

Lois grew up near the old Sears building on Adams Avenue. She moved to Mayfair when she was 16. “I never graduated high school. I hate wasting time. Back then, we were babysat. Thank God the times have changed.”

Lois worked in a beauty salon doing nails. “I used to sit around and think up new ways to generate business. I never stop thinking about. But I’ve been very fortunate. I worked part time at Tom’s Sportsman’s as a bartender. They’ve always supported my ideas. When this position was available, one of my girls, Jane, came to me and suggested I take the job. I had no idea what was involved. For the most part, however, people are supportive. I’m young, I want to be involved in this community and I care to make a

difference. If the community dies, so does my business and I won’t sit by and let that happen,” she said.

Lois is planning o a beginning of the year “Get to know you party” with the merchants to better understand their needs from her. She also feels that because she is in constant contact with the public, she knows what the general public wants.

Along with a newsletter, get to know you meeting and the usual street clean-ups, Lois wants to remind the Merchants that she will be calling for donations, ideas and anything to make her reign a success. “I will work to get an official agenda. Give people official jobs and stop spending as much dollars on labor by using more volunteers. I’ve been told I’m a nag until I get what I want. And what I want is success for all of the Mayfair merchants.

Sounds like a success story to me.

A local business owner has stepped forward to lead the group, which has been without a president since Rosemarie McMenamin stepped down from the position in September.

Lois Burak, the 27-year-old owner of Beauty Worx, at 7240 Frankford Ave., is hoping to supply a transfusion of new blood to the association’s leadership.

Although her presidency probably won’t become official until the merchants’ next meeting, which has yet to be set, Burak said she already has been contacted by several area business owners who offered their congratulations and support.

In fact, Burak noted, some of her fellow merchants were among the ones who suggested that she give the job a try in the first place.

“I think they’ve seen how resourceful I am with my own business,” she reasoned. “I mean, I’ve had to start a business twice from like next to nothing, and build it. I have a lot of enthusiasm.

“I’ve always been one of those people who wanted to see change, and was really frustrated with the way things have been going the last couple years,” she added. “I love this neighborhood, and there’s so much potential, but it’s just not being used to its fullest.”

‘I’m willing to take it on, and I’ll do the best I can,” she insisted. “Believe it or not, I have a lot of time because I’ve got the most wonderful staff right (here)… and they’re going to be a great help to me.”

“Kevin is going to be a major player in helping me,” Burak said. “There’s no way I could do it without his help, because he’s very knowledgeable with the avenue. I was very, very impressed.”

For the last few months, Kologinsky had tried to find a Mayfair business owner who had both the desire, and the time, to lead the merchants’ association.

“A lot of people were interested, but when they found out how much work it involved, they were overwhelmed by it,” he noted.

Burak also seems to have a solid grasp of the problems that she will likely have to address with the merchants’ association – cleaning up trash and graffiti, monitoring zoning issues, filling vacant stores, and attracting more shoppers to the business district, to name several.

“I’m a big promoter of other businesses,” she said. “I try to do as much shopping on this avenue as possible. Not only is it convenient for me, but I also want to keep the money in Mayfair.”

Burak said she’s planning to spend the rest of the year familiarizing herself with the job, as well as the merchants in the community, and will get to work on the actual problems and issues in January.

For now, Burak is calling upon her fellow merchants to decorate their store windows this year, because the merchants’ association cannot afford to put up Christmas lights along Frankford Avenue, as it has in the past. As an incentive to do so, the owner of Woolworth’s, at 7310 Frankford Ave., is offering a 20-percent discount on holiday decorations to those who provide proof of their neighborhood merchant status, she noted.