Barbershop owner in Connecticut, United States, sold his business to an employee for the price of $1.
Owner, Pio Imperati, 79, of Pio of Italy Hair Salon in New Haven, Connecticut, sold the studio for the ludicrously low price to Kathy Moura, 32, who began working at the store about 15 years ago, as she was ‘worthy’ of a ‘good foundation’.
“Pio noticed Kathy was special when she first came in for her interview with her mom. She was shy, family-oriented and eager to learn,” the salon owner said.
After graduating from high school around 2006, Moura had difficulty finding a job due to her lack of experience. The only salon that would give the opportunity to even try out was Imperati’s. He gave her a trial shift before eventually hiring her, and now Moura will inherit the salon’s building as well as all of its contents, according to last will and testament.
“Kathy was shocked when Pio told her about the price, she couldn’t believe it. A salon normally sells for thousands of dollars and here Pio was basically just giving it to her.”
Moura will be kept as a privately contacted hairdresser and will pay rent to Imperati – as he does not plan to retire any time soon, as has been in business since 1965 and owns a few stores throughout Connecticut.
The price was set at $1 as Imperati thought it would be a good way of allowing Moura to succeed and giving her a footing for her to begin the running of the business.
“Eventually, it was a dream of mine come true to be able to turn the salon over to someone worthy,” Imperati said.