POULSBO — One of the best kept hair styling secrets in town may not be a secret for long.

After a decade nestled above the Magnolia Cafe in downtown Little Norway, Cilla’s Salon owner Cathy Larson has made the trek to the corner of Jensen Way and Sunset Street as one of the first businesses to open in Poulsbo Place II.

“It’s all about visibility,” Larson said. “I love the idea of catering to the residents in Poulsbo Place.”

One of her goals is to recreate the neighborhood salon that is chic and stylish, yet warm and welcoming at the same time, she said.

“I want everyone to feel welcome when they walk in the door,” Larson said.

That sense of purpose can be traced to her grandmother, Priscilla, who was a hairdresser in a small town in Minnesota.

“Cilla’s is named after her, and I have a tribute to her in the salon,” Larson said.

That tribute includes a picture of her grandmother along with some of the tools her grandmother used as a stylist.

In addition to having a historical background at her salon, Larson said stylist Paul Herrick will be joining her in the new location.

“Paul has been in the business for 27 years and as well as locally, Paul has worked in Seattle, Florida and most recently, the Caribbean,” Larson said.

Herrick specializes in total hair makeovers and will add to the chemistry of the salon, she said.

“Paul and I met several years ago and right away you could tell we were kindred spirits,” she said. “I feel we make a good mix.”

The duo will offer the entire gamut of hair services from coloring to regular haircuts and everything in between, Larson said.

As part of its commitment to quality, the salon carries only PureOlogy haircare products, which are especially designed for colored hair, she said.

“They are top quality and contain no sulfates,” she said. “They’re good for you and the environment.”

As she prepares for the official opening of her new location March 27, Larson said she will miss fragrance of the magnolia tree that was outside the window of her old location.

But it’s all part of the journey which has taken her from Le Salon Paul Morey in Seattle to Bainbridge Island and now to the corner of Little Norway’s newest housing development, she said. Her clients have been with her every step of the way.

“I have such a great appreciation

for my clients who have followed me,” Larson said.