Complements Hair Design won Best Hair Salon in Alameda Magazine’s Best of Alameda 2019-2020. Franco and Brandon are the owners of Complements, which has two brick and mortar locations – side by side on Everett Street. One location is just for hair services, featuring seven chairs, and the other features three hair stations and includes Lovely Brows and Skin. Franco and Brandon live on Bay Farm island. “My commute is 10 minutes if I catch all the lights,” says Franco. Franco recently shared some of his favorite things about being a business owner, and resident, in Alameda.
When did you open Complements Hair Design?
My husband Brandon and I opened Complements Hair Design in 1992.
Tell me about your family.
Brandon and I have been together for 31 years, married for two years. We have three kids – our oldest daughter is an award-winning colorist and manages the hair-only Complements location. We also have a 15 year-old daughter who attends Alameda High School and an 11 year-old granddaughter who attends Saint Philip Neri school.
How long have you lived in Alameda?
Since 1988. We lived off the island 1998-2007 and lived in a few different places in the East Bay, but moved back and have lived on Bay Farm Island ever since.
How did you find yourself in Alameda?
I was just getting out of the military. I came to Alameda to see Brandon – this was in 1988. The first thing I noticed was the small town Mayberry feel. I fell in love. I get the same feeling today as I did back then when I drive over the High Street Bridge back into Alameda.
What’s your favorite thing about Bay Farm?
We live in the “older” part of the island. Our neighborhood is funk, cool, and eclectic.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Alameda on the weekend?
The Alameda Point Antiques Faire if it’s happening, and if not, we love going to the beach and biking the trails around town. There’s a new trail over in Marina Village that we just checked out. Also, our kids have also gotten me back into music. They play the saxophone, and I’ve taken up the cello. I go to the Alameda Cello Academy on the base.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a date night?
We like to go to Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails for drinks and dinner – shout out to our favorite bartender Kevin and favorite server Greta! Then, we like to go to the Alameda Theatre for a movie.
What’s your favorite thing about Alameda?
My favorite thing about Alameda would have to be its perfect blend of the urban and suburban lifestyles. It’s reflected in our diverse bars and restaurants, and joyfully in our clientele at Complements!
A big thanks to Franco and Brandon and Gigi (the pup) for sharing their time to tell us their Alameda story! Visit Complements online here, call them at (510) 523-9577 or visit them at 1422 Everett Street in Alameda.
