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Stamford Ophthalmologist, Salon Owner Helps Others See Differently

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Stephanie Becker sees clear parallels between ophthalmology and women’s beauty services. They might be obtuse for most, but the Stamford physician, businesswoman and energetic whirlwind finds obvious and clear similarities.

Stephanie Becker, a partner in The Loft Salon and Spa in Stamford, is also an ophthalmologist with a thriving practice on Long Island.

Stephanie Becker, a partner in The Loft Salon and Spa in Stamford, is also an ophthalmologist with a thriving practice on Long Island.

Photo Credit: Contributed by Stephanie Becker
  • Who: Stephanie Becker of Stamford
  • What: Partner in The Loft Salon and Spa, ophthalmologist
  • Social activism: Stephanie and The Loft support an array of social causes

“You always treat every human being the way you want to be treated in any business,’’ said Becker, a partner of The Loft Salon and Spa in Stamford and the owner of Total Eye Care in Long Island. “If you realize every human being on this planet has value, and you’re respectful, then everybody wins. If people come away with away with a positive interaction, then you do too. It’s about making the world a better place. If you treat people that way, your life is complete.”

Becker started her eye care business in Hicksville, N.Y. more than two decades ago. After moving to Connecticut, she fought frustration trying to find a convenient facility for salon services. Early in 2015, she opened The Loft at 1051 Long Ridge Road in Stamford. The business offers beauty spa and cosmetology services.

“I found there is nothing in my area that offers affordable luxury, pampering and a high level of quality service,’’ Becker said. “As a working woman, it was impossible to figure out how to get services done. I either had to go to Greenwich Avenue or Manhattan, and all I could think about was how am I going to get there and where am I going to park. I also wanted a place that could work with my schedule. That’s what I saw missing, and this location couldn’t be any better.”

As an ophthalmologist, Stephanie specializes in cataract, refractive and oculoplastic surgery and the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

The skill sets she brings to the table at The Loft are far different. “What I bring is being the target demographic,’’ Becker said. “I know what the client wants. As a business person, I’ve been in business for a while. That’s important from a managerial standpoint.”

Becker stays in communication with her employees throughout the day, and visits the shop several times each week. “I tend to see things from a client’s perspective, and I’m able to communicate that with the staff,’’ Becker said.

Becker also consistently brings social awareness campaigns to The Loft. On Wednesday, Nov. 30, The Loft will host a fundraiser to support STARelief and its “Safe Place for Pets” fostering program. In October, the salon hosted a fundraiser to support breast cancer awareness programs for the Bennett Cancer Center in Stamford. At an event in March, The Loft slashed haircut prices to $50 and donated 100 percent of the proceeds to Boston Children’s Hospital.

Stephanie’s support of social causes also extends into her personal life. She and her teenage daughter were recently approved to foster pets for the North Shore Animal League. They take care of dogs who have medical needs and help nurse them back to health so that they can be adopted.

She’s also involved with organizations through the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has traveled extensively to impoverished nations to improve eye care.

“We are so spoiled,’’ Becker said.”We forget that the majority of people on the planet still don’t have a toilet. Anything that is community oriented is something I want to support. Anything somebody feels passionate about deserves my support. It’s something that’s missing from a lot of people in our generation.”

Becker’s most rewarding work is not even linked to her employment. She’s the single mother of a teenager, Hannah, and cherishes time with her. Stephanie’s outreach for social causes provides model behavior for Hannah to emulate.

“My mother was involved in community activism and charitable giving,’’ Stephanie said. ‘I have 100 years on this planet. If you can touch the world, even in a tiny way, then it is worth doing it.”

Becker keeps a lot of plates spinning at one time, but she said her medical training has helped her maintain focus and balance. “You learn how to work 36 hours on and have 12 hours off,’’ Becker said. “It’s the same thing as a mother. You learn how to play with a lot of balls in the air. Some of us find that tremendously appealing.”

With two demanding jobs, a commitment to social causes and motherhood, Becker has pieced together an interesting life with a lot of different components. Bringing The Loft Salon and Spa to Stamford was an important part in rounding out her life.

“I love a challenge, I love doing something new,’’ she said. “I love building and strategizing, and I also love playing into the feminine side of my personality and exploring that side of me, which The Loft Salon and Spa has allowed me to do.”

The Loft Salon and Spa specializes in corrective color, offers women, men and children salon services and is offering 15 percent off for new clients. 

For more information, click here to visit The Loft Salon and Spa's website or contact them at 203-890-9494.

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