In the ever-changing world of hair styles and salons, Maggy’s on Johnson Beauty Shop, 2827 Johnson St. NE, is a snapshot from hair care past. An era may be ending, however: Maggy’s is up for sale.
Peggy Bonney, the owner, started her journey at the age of 17 by attending beauty school. The next year she started working at a shop near Apache Plaza. In 1987 she took over the Johnson Street beauty salon from her sister-in-law. Armed with a scissors and determination, the salon has been in business ever since.
Trends in hair care have changed over the years. In the past, customers came in on a weekly basis for a set or comb-out with once-a-month haircuts and hair color. Her clients were dedicated to that grooming schedule. Today, it’s a totally different game in hair styling with rainbow-colored hair, different cut trends and less frequent appointments that are sometimes spread out over months.
Prices have also changed: One of Bonney’s first specials was a cut and perm for $9.99. Today, her haircuts start around $15. Don’t expect new trends at Maggy’s. She describes her salon as “1960s-style cuts with ’70s types of perms and colors with occasional sets with rollers and curling irons.”
Technology has not played a part in the business plan at Maggy’s. There is no website or social media presence and when you book an appointment, she will pencil you in her appointment book – which is her historical record keeping method. The only advertising done for the business was through the Northeaster newspaper and word of mouth. “I live in the old world and love it there,” she said.
Her most memorable moments are all the relationships she has made over the years. She is now cutting hair on fourth-generation customers and is thankful for the neighborhood. Bonney said, “Johnson Street has been good to us and I am grateful to the people that come here to support local businesses and make the area thrive.”
Her advice to new stylists or owners is “keep your prices within the area you serve and you’ll never run out of business.” Another factor in having a successful business was having a long-term employee like Kathy Adamich, who worked as a stylist alongside of Bonney for 34 years. Bonney acknowledged that “I couldn’t have done it without her; she was my right arm.”
After 56 years in the beauty industry, Bonney is ready for retirement. She plans to spend well-deserved time with her husband. The closing date for the beauty shop is set for June 29.
Peggy Bonney, the owner of Maggy’s on Johnson, standing over her “retro” salon chairs. (Patti Hoffmann)
The interior of the shop which has remained largely the same since 1987. (Patti Hoffmann)
the exterior of Maggy’s on Johnson at 2827 Johnson St. NE. (Patti Hoffmann)