Beneath Jake Bailly’s tousled blonde hair and ruffled bangs is an energetic boy with a contagious smiles, features that Cuts for Peanuts owner Sally Larsen brought out with the snips of her silver scissors and therapeutic voice to give the young boy and other individuals with special needs a positive salon experience.

After turning the key to her beauty salon in Avon Village on East Main street in January 1995, Larsen has since dedicated her time to making sure Cuts for Peanuts is a safe and comfortable space for the young and older to come for a haircut, she said.

The 160-square-foot space is a simple, yet warm environment made for any individuals, specifically for those who may suffer from anxiety, she said.

“I have fun chairs like a frog, fire truck and police car but, I don’t believe that’s why people come to me though. I think people come to me because of my ability to read their body language and adjust the appointment to fit what’s happening,” Larsen said.

“I’ve done haircuts in the hallway, parking lot (and) walking in circles on the sidewalk. I even did a haircut in a client’s car,” she said.

As soon as the door to the little shop opens and the house bell rings, clients and visitors are always greeted with their favorite music such as the tunes of Disney Guitar. The musical greetings allow her younger clients to feel happy, more relaxed and comfortable.

“People always say they can’t believe I can do this, working on moving targets,” Larsen said. “I say, ‘eh we’re just dancing! Dancing in the tiny shop.’”

Throughout the nearly 30 years of running her business and later receiving an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly praising her work in the intellectual and developmental disability community, Larsen has built a strong reputation.

From what began as a seed of curiosity when pursuing cosmetology instead of college, the business owner said she found her niche when she gravitated towards tending to the young peanut-sized clients, which stems from her childhood.

“I’ve always felt comfortable around children with special needs because of my mom, Annie. She was born with webbed fingers and toes. Growing up, I never saw her as having a disability because she could do everything. She is an amazing woman,” Larsen said.

“I learned that you are responsible for your own happiness and to not let others’ opinions of you change who you are. You must be comfortable in your own skin,” she said.

Over the course of five days a week that Cuts for Peanuts is open, the salon will serve as many as 75 clients, while making sure each appointment is private. Even with a set haircut cost of $28 to $48 for women, $26 for men and $20 for children, Larsen’s pricing will adjust based on her special needs appointments, she said.

Every day, the salon owner takes pride in the thousands of haircuts she does and loves the smiles that walk out her door, she said.

She adjusts for her clients’ needs.

“Early in my career, I met a little boy who struggled with haircuts. His parents were desperate to find someone who could at the very least cut his bangs. I was able to give him a full haircut with him standing up and walking around,” she said.

“It didn’t take long after that for more clients to come. When I was pregnant he would come in once every other week to measure my growing belly. It was pretty special. He was a child on the spectrum and had a difficult time with so many things,” Larsen said.”I named my first son Cooper after that little boy.”

With each fallen lock of hair, a fresh chapter begins, which Larsen sees as a time for her clients to grow and embrace their newfound beauty. With styles Larsen creates with her buzzer, scissors or feather blade, she creates art that can transform one’s confidence, she said.

Just like Cuts for Peanuts transforms many of her client’s hair, it has also transformed Larsen’s life, she said.

“I get to wake up every day, turn that key and know it’s mine. I grew that and I love my life. I love my tiny shop. I love Cuts for Peanuts,” she said.