Vera Tomaj is a veteran hair stylist with 18 years of experience under her belt. During her career, she’s worked on runway shows, music videos, and styling local celebrities. Tomaj comes from a family of hardworking Albanian immigrants and she says that their perseverance shaped everything about who she is today, “especially my work ethic and love for entrepreneurship.”
“Over the years, I’ve honed my craft, not just as a stylist but also as a business owner, understanding that a salon is more than just a place for hair; it’s an experience and a community,” says Tomaj.
Opening the doors to Vee & Elle
For Tomaj, the natural next step in her hairstyling journey – both personally and professionally – was to create something of her own. “I wanted to build a salon that felt like home, a place I’d love to go myself,” she says. “But more than that, I wanted to set an example for my kids, to show them that they can dream big, be their own boss, and carve their own path.”
The name of her salon, Vee & Elle, comes from the initials of her sons, Vincent and Luke. “Because at the heart of it all, this is for them, too,” the stylist adds.
Tomaj also knew that she wanted to be located in downtown Rye. Years ago, when first visiting the quaint Westchester town, she instantly fell in love with the small-town feel and sense of community.
“It was important for me to be in a place where relationships matter – where clients aren’t just customers, but part of something bigger,” she shares. Indeed, the details of the salon reflect the local connection, with some of the furniture and decor coming from businesses located right on Purchase Street, including Finch & Co. and American Reclaimed Wood.
From the moment Vee & Elle opened its doors, Tomaj shares that the shop has felt right at home in the Rye community. Since opening, it has been a part of amazing local events, including Rye’s Mistletoe Magic, where Vee & Elle celebrated the holiday spirit alongside the community.
Giving back is also a core value for Vee & Elle, with the store recently hosting a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “I love how supportive and engaged the Rye community is. It was incredible to see how many people came together for such an important cause,” she says. “I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor young girls of Rye interested in entrepreneurship, which is so important to me as a woman-owned business.”
Salon offerings and community engagement
At Vee & Elle, you can find a full range of hair services, from precision cuts and custom color to luxury extensions and styling. But beyond that, Tomaj says that clients can expect a full experience when they enter the salon, including great music, a welcoming space, and a team that truly cares.
“Every appointment is about more than just hair; it’s about confidence, connection, and feeling your best,” Tomaj asserts.
Currently, Tomaj’s focus is on expanding Vee & Elle’s services, welcoming more stylists to the team, and continuing to make the salon a place where people love to be. In keeping with Vee & Elle’s core value of civic engagement, Tomaj also hopes to give back to the community through fundraisers, supporting meaningful causes, and using Vee & Elle as a space to uplift others.
“Community has always been at the heart of what we do, and I want to keep finding ways to make a real impact, whether that’s through charity events, mentorship, or simply creating a space where people feel valued,” Tomaj concludes.
Visit Vee & Elle at 46 Purchase Street in Rye or online at veeandelle.com.
