Scarcella Opens New Hair Salon on Harvard St.

Jopino Scarcella is a model and a New England amateur boxing champion who nearly landed a spot on the Sugar Ray Leonard/Sylvester Stallone-created television show, “The Contender.”

But Scarcella has also been a professional stylist for 18 years and that’s what he’s been focusing on the last few years. Scarcella has brought his craft to Winthrop with the opening of his brand new hair salon for men and women, Salon Jopino Style, at 51A Harvard St.

Scarcella, who is familiar with Winthrop having grown up next door in East Boston, had been working as a hair stylist in Newburyport following stints at hair salons on Newbury Street (Boston) and in Beverly Hills, California. On the West Coast he worked for Giuseppe Franco and was a stylist to the stars.

The building at the corner of Revere and Harvard Streets caught his eye during a couple of recent trips to Winthrop.

“I just drove by and said, “That place should be me doing hair in there,” related Scarcella. “It pulled me in.”

Scarcella opened his new studio this month and the response has been positive.

“I’m ready to share my knowledge and expertise with the people of Winthrop and surrounding areas,” said Scarcella. “People can save time, money, and have the greatest hair they could ever imagine. I’m bring a touch of Newbury Street to Winthrop. I create styles for the individual and I’m a hair color specialist.”

Scarcella is offering introductory $25 specials (wash, cut, blow dry and head massage) for first-time clients. A first-time haircut and color is $55. Foils start at $30.

Scarcella, whose parents are from Calabria, Italy,  graduated from East Boston High School where he lettered in football, hockey, and baseball. He attended UMass/Dartmouth and UMass/Boston. He had a successful amateur boxing career and made it to the final audition of “The Contender” before later becoming a sparring partner for former champion Vinnie Pazienza.

“I used to socialize with friends from Winthrop while I was in high school,” said Scarcella. “It’s great to be back here working at my own business.”