Queen of Swords, a well-established local hair salon, celebrated the grand opening of its second location in Ridgewood on Saturday, Jan. 25.
The event marked a significant milestone for the business, drawing a diverse group of attendees, including loyal clients, new neighbors, and fellow business owners. The opening was a joyful celebration of the salon’s expansion and the growing sense of connection and creativity that defines the neighborhood.
Reflecting on the grand opening, salon owner Elma Siljkovic expressed both gratitude and excitement for the achievements that led to this significant milestone.
“The grand opening was a dream!” she shared. “It was such a beautiful reminder of how much energy and excitement there is around Queen of Swords. Seeing so many people come together—new faces from the neighborhood, longtime clients, friends, and fellow business owners—made it feel like we’re building something really special here in Ridgewood.”
For Siljkovic, the grand opening wasn’t just about celebrating the salon’s success but also about affirming the salon’s role in the broader community. “My biggest takeaway is that salons are more than just places to get your hair done; they’re community spaces where people can connect, express themselves, and feel taken care of,” she added.
Building on its first salon in Bushwick, opening a second location has been a long-held dream of the salon. The decision to open in Ridgewood wasn’t made lightly, but the neighborhood’s unique energy made it an ideal fit for the next phase of its growth.
“Queen of Swords has always been about thoughtful, expert hair care in a fun and welcoming environment, and I knew there was room to expand that vision,” Siljkovic explained.
“Ridgewood felt like the perfect fit—there’s such a creative and vibrant energy here, and the neighborhood really values independent businesses. I wanted to bring our signature approach to hair (especially curly hair!) to this community while also creating a space where stylists can grow and thrive.”
With its diverse community and thriving arts scene, Ridgewood offered precisely the kind of atmosphere Siljkovic envisioned for Queen of Swords 2. It’s a place where individuality is celebrated, and she hopes to contribute to that energy by offering a space that goes beyond just great haircuts.
Beyond the hair services themselves, Queen of Swords has always placed a strong emphasis on community involvement. The salon is a place where people feel like they belong, and the grand opening was just the first step in building lasting connections with the local community.
“We want to be a space where people feel a sense of belonging,” Siljkovic said. “Beyond great hair, we want to be a space where people can come together, share experiences, and support each other.”
In addition to offering top-notch hair care, Queen of Swords 2 plans to engage with the community through collaborations with local artists and makers. The salon will also host events, much like the grand opening, which featured a blend of crafts, tattoos, and tarot readings, all designed to create an inclusive and fun atmosphere.
Small businesses and local partnerships are central to the vision for the new location. In line with their passion for education and empowerment, the salon will also host workshops and events designed to help people feel more confident in their hair, providing education on everything from curly hair care to styling tips.
Looking ahead, Siljkovic has high hopes for the new location.
“I hope Queen of Swords 2 becomes a neighborhood staple, where people know they can come for incredible hair and a welcoming experience,” she said. “I want this space to be busy, thriving, and filled with laughter.”
The vision is to keep evolving while staying true to the values that made the original location so beloved—creating a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and inspired.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us—whether you came to the grand opening, booked an appointment, or even just shared kind words,” Siljkovic added. “Opening a second location has been a wild ride, but moments like this remind me why I do it. I’m excited to see what’s next!”
With its new location now open at 875 Woodward Ave., Queen of Swords is excited to serve the Ridgewood community and beyond, offering outstanding hair services and a space where clients can feel at home.
