Shirley Romany: A Pioneer of Edmonton’s Haircare Industry and Community Builder
When Shirley Romany arrived in Edmonton from Trinidad and Tobago in 1963, she brought with her not just the skills of a trained hairstylist but also the determination and vision to carve a unique path. Born into a large single-parent family, Romany’s journey to Canada was fuelled by ambition and a desire to provide for her young son. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country, including culture shock and racism, she transformed those obstacles into opportunities, becoming a trailblazer in Edmonton’s Jasper Place area.
Romany’s foray into entrepreneurship began in 1968, when she purchased a modest two-chair salon on Stony Plain Road, west of 155th Street. Naming it Shirley’s House of Beauty, she charged $2.50 for a hairdo and quickly became a fixture in the community. The salon served as a welcoming space for women of diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous clients from the nearby Enoch Cree Nation. Shirley’s warmth and dedication earned her the affectionate title of “Auntie Shirley” within the community, where she built lasting relationships that transcended cultural boundaries.
Jasper Place in the 1960s was a developing area, dotted with small businesses and surrounded by trails leading in and out of the city. Romany’s shop became more than a business—it was a gathering place, fostering a sense of solidarity among Edmonton’s Black community and other marginalized groups. Over time, Shirley expanded her footprint, purchasing land and growing her operations to include the iconic Ebony and Ivory Hair Salon. This salon set the standard for Black haircare in Edmonton and served as a hub for mentorship, with many of today’s top stylists learning their craft under her guidance.
In her more than five decades in the industry, Romany has continually adapted and thrived, establishing businesses that catered not only to Black and ethnic hair but also to diverse cultural needs. Her current venture, Bronze and Cream Hair and Wig Centre, continues her legacy of excellence.
Shirley Romany’s impact extends beyond haircare. She has supported countless community projects, offered on-call services for specialized haircare, and embraced Edmonton’s cultural diversity. From the Indigenous families she embraced to the young stylists she trained, Romany’s legacy is one of resilience, inclusion, and empowerment—a true pioneer in every sense of the word.
For more on Ms. Shirley click here to read this recent profile on CBC
