Hairworks Relocates to Depot District

Big Buzz Breaking News

A historic Bay St. Louis barbershop has a new life ahead as home to a popular salon.
- story by Lisa Monti, photo by Michael Rosato

​The popular Hairworks salon in Bay St. Louis is opening in a new location next week, in a building across from the historic depot which once housed Al Kingston’s storied small-town barber shop.
 
Hairworks’ owner Jan Peterman Mitchell is quick to point out a family connection to the Blaize Avenue building and business. The late Mr. Kingston is great grandfather to her children. “So we have some history,” she said. “Isn’t that sweet?”

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The move will be made this weekend with the opening set for Tuesday, when the staff will welcome customers who now span four generations of local families and loads of newcomers.

​Jan opened Hairworks on Beach Boulevard in 1983, across from Trapani’s, a few months before her daughter Natalie was born. The salon operated at side-by-side locations on Dunbar Avenue from 1989 to 2014 before moving to the U.S. 90 service road about three years ago.
 
There’s another connection to the new Blaize Avenue location, which is near several schools. St. Stanislaus boarders were among early Hairworks customers and Jan said students from OLA, Holy Trinity and Bay High have been regulars for years. “We are delighted to return to a location that is a convenient walk for all of the students,” she said.
 
As word has spread among customers about the new spot, Jan said, “Everybody is excited. They can ride their bikes and golf carts without having to cross the highway.”
 
Hairworks’ experienced stylists, all master colorists, include Connie Bourgeois who was there with Jan when the original salon opened 35 years ago. “Connie has been my rock from the start and is so pivotal to the success of Hairworks,” she said.

​Also on board are Shannon Kelley, Diane Decuk, Margo Dillon, Donnie McCollister and salon assistant Miriam Mitchell, Jan’s daughter. “We work together to create such an amazing experience for our customers,” Jan said.

Her salon is known for welcoming everyone in, like a family gathering. “It’s a happy place with a light atmosphere. People walk in and we’re laughing and talking about kids and where we’re going to eat. We’ve got a really good thing here. It’s going to be great.”
 
Hairworks offers “artistic” hairstyles for the whole family and also color, extensions, smoothing treatments and makeup and microderm abrasion.
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“Bridal party hair and makeup is a special wedding day ritual we have been excited to offer for generations now,” Jan said.
 
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with early and late appointments available Tuesday through Saturday.

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Hairworks
102 Blaize Ave.
Bay St. Louis
(228) 467-0104
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