When Zita and Robert Paniagua first arrived to the United States, they decided to make Cicero their new home. In the years that followed, Robert worked hard to provide for his wife and three kids while Zita took on odd jobs while studying to become a beautician. That work led her to take a job at Salon Impressions, a small store on Cermak Road that did enough to stay afloat.
Throughout the following years, Zita worked with the owner as the only two beauticians. As the years progressed, Salon Impressions’ owner decided to retire, leaving Zita a choice of finding a new place to work or buying the store for herself. Her decision, to buy it and rename it New Salon Impressions, led her and Robert down a path that established themselves as one of Cicero’s long-standing beauty salons.
Now, 25 years later, they have been honored by the Town Board for their longevity and growth in Cicero, having expanded the business to inclue 17 staff members, new clients every year and a health food store that worked in conjunction with the salon. The Paniagua’s were honored on April 12 for their hard work and creating new jobs for the town, and congratulating them for raising three children who are forging their own successful paths in the world.
