How and When We Began

Hairizona opened for business on Jan. 17, 2000, in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Tom and Ruth Schickler wanted to start a full service Salon and Spa with a spacious comfortable atmosphere.

The name came from associating one of their most memorable experiences with the shop, which was a trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The little dancing flute player is "Kokapelli", a well know symbol of Good Luck in the American Southwest, so it seemed appropriate to have him become a part of the logo. Then to add further to the atmosphere, the entire shop is decorated with a unique selection of Southwest and Mexican Pottery, all of which is for sale. So the decor constantly changes as the inventory gets restocked with new and unique items.

Ruth began in the hair industry back in 1989, and started her career as a stylist in a fast paced franchise called Fantastic Sams, after that she went to teach at the Bluewater School of Hair Design in Sarnia till she opened her own small three station salon in a little community called Sombra, just outside of Sarnia. She had a good clientelle in the little town for seven years, but her potential was cut short by the small population.

Kokopelli, a southwestern good luck icon attributed to the Hopi Indians and dating back to about 200 A.D. According to the folk legend, the Hopis believed that the humpback flute playing Indian would roam from pueblo to pueblo, bringing good luck, good health, fertility or rain.
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After telling her clients the plan to relocate she was thrilled to find that almost all of them had no problem visiting her in Sarnia for all of their hair needs.
Ruth and Tom purchased a 3000 sq ft. building just around the corner from their home and totally renovated it to start the business. It was well worth the effort and we welcome you to stop by anytime. Our talented and fun loving staff make your visit one to remember.

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