Shirley Romany, a renowned hairstylist and owner of Ebony and Ivory Salon in Edmonton, has built a reputation for her welcoming and inclusive approach to her clients. With almost six decades of experience in entrepreneurship, Romany has become a beloved figure in Edmonton’s Black communities and beyond.
In her salon, the atmosphere is vibrant with stylishly dressed women of different backgrounds engaging in light-hearted conversations while the sound of a blow-dryer hums in the background. At the heart of the salon is “Auntie Shirley,” an 82-year-old with a bold personality and a stylish pink bob, known for her witty jokes and valuable advice.
Originally from Trinidad, Romany’s passion for hairstyling began at a young age under a mango tree. She fondly recalls her early days of cutting her sister’s hair despite facing repercussions from her mother. At 16, Romany moved to New York City with just $100 in her pocket, where she caught the attention of the renowned hairstylist Vidal Sassoon. This led her to travel across Europe before eventually settling in Edmonton in the 1960s after receiving a scholarship to attend Marvel Beauty School.
Despite facing challenges, including some clients leaving upon seeing her, Romany persevered and established her salon, Ebony and Ivory, symbolizing her expertise in styling both Black and white hair. Over the years, her salon has welcomed a diverse clientele, including members of the Enoch Cree Nation, who have shown unwavering support.
Romany’s clientele has included notable figures such as CFL star Johnny Bright and singer Gladys Knight, but she treats everyone with the same level of care and respect. Her impact goes beyond hairstyling, as clients like Dawn Carter fondly remember the valuable advice and sense of style they gained from their interactions with Romany.
As Romany plans to retire soon, her legacy will endure through the stylists she has mentored and the wisdom she has shared. Her message of spreading love and avoiding judgment serves as a testament to her inclusive and empowering approach to hairstyling.
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians, explore CBC’s project “Being Black in Canada” for a deeper look at the diverse narratives within the Black community.