By Louise Bolger
sun staff writer

It’s not really unusual for Florida transplants to pursue new careers after happily landing in the Sunshine State. Usually, people look for a job or business where they have some experience, but not always, as Carol Conte owner of Head Quarters Salon in Holmes Beach can attest to.

Carol Conte moved permanently to Anna Maria two years ago after owning property on the island and vacationing here since the early 1990s. After living her whole life in the Boston area, it was a change she was anxious to make. Since her profession for 22 years was working for Polaroid in their marketing division, she approached this phase of her life like another marketing project.

While making friends and spending time in some of Anna Maria’s coffee shops, she started getting a feel for where the perfect fit would be for her new life and career. It didn’t take her long to find that the well established Head Quarters Salon was available for sale, and she decided to use her marketing and business experience to purchase and operate the shop.

That was two years ago, and Carol Conte couldn’t be happier at how her business has grown and prospered. The salon has three stylists and one nail/esthetician specialist, all with years of experience who are virtually the same staff as when Conte purchased the business.

Head Quarters is a full service salon offering an extensive range of hair cuts, styling, perms, color and highlights. It is a unisex salon where all family members, including children, can feel comfortable. In addition, all styles of pedicures and manicures are available as well as facials and waxing. For a limited time from Nov. 15 through Dec. 15, Head Quarters is having an anniversary special with $15 manicures and $25 pedicures. Conte also invite everyone to join the staff in celebrating their two-year anniversary at an open house on Nov. 17 between 5 and 7 p.m. Beer, wine and munches will be served.

Conte has taken a page out of her former corporate life and encourages a team approach to running the business. In fact she keeps her marketing skills sharp by continuing as a marketing consultant to trade shows when she isn’t busy at the shop.

Stepping to a different drummer is what Carol Conte is all about these days, but at least her steps don’t involve snow and freezing temperatures something she is definitely happy about. Conte found paradise on Anna Maria and at Head Quarters Salon in Holmes Beach, give them a try, it may turn out to be your paradise too.