Masi cuts hair the old

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St. Boniface

Masi Hair Design at 11 St. Mary’s Road is one such place. Owner Ralph Masi has been clipping hair for 53 years and has built a faithful and steady stream of customers who depend on the salon for their hairstyling needs.

His Canadian journey began in 1967 when his family landed in Winnipeg from Italy. The 15-year-old learned English quickly in school and then pivoted to Molar Barber College.

He began his career with the Dominion Centre Barbers in the new Dominion Centre mall, and eventually bought out the owners and established the Masi storefront in the same space in 1985.

Photo by Adriano Magnifico

Ralph Masi has been cutting hair in St. Boniface for 53 years, and running Masi Hair Design since 1985.

In 1996, he and his wife Carmela purchased Norbridge Pharmacy at 11 St. Mary’s Rd. (established in 1931), refurbished the building and moving Masi to its new space in 1998.

“We had to decide between tearing the building down or fixing up a very old building and bringing it up to code — we’re glad we saved it,” he said.

Ralph recalls that the new space was designed by prominent Winnipeg architect Leslie Stechesen and that the drugstore’s iconic, soda-shop bar stools were donated to the Manitoba Museum.

The Masi website shares a mantra – “a family focused salon that strives for the highest level of quality and consistency” – that truly reflects the shop’s raison d’etre. The place oozes with old-fashioned customer service and hospitality.

At different times in the year, the shop offers coffee or espresso to drink and goodies at Christmas, birthdays, weddings, or special occasions. Customers often bring in treats to share.

Ralph goes the extra mile to connect with his customers. He recalls times when he visited regular customers who were ill in the hospital.

“They become like family to me,” he said.

Every conversation on the chair begins with the family – “How are the kids?”; What are they taking in school?”

He delights in hearing about the children’s achievements as if they were his own.

Regular customer and longtime Norwood resident Audy Reckseidler is a fan.

“Ralph is friendly and easy to talk to. He became a friend as we talked about family, sports, and current events. He dropped off a bottle of wine when I retired,” Reckseidler said.

Many folks have been with Ralph from the start.

“There are four generations of some families that have been coming to see me – (it)makes me feel old but also very proud,” he said.

Ralph has worked side-by-side with wife Carmela for 38 years and said: “Masi would not be successful without her – she converted the barbershop into a hair salon.”

Ralph and Carmela are not retiring anytime soon, but they are starting to offer a reduced schedule.

Drop-ins are welcome, but it’s wise to book an appointment at 204-233-8585. You can also visit masihair.com

Adriano MagnificoSt. Boniface community correspondent

Adriano Magnifico is a community correspondent for St. Boniface.

Read full biography

Adriano MagnificoSt. Boniface community correspondent

Adriano Magnifico is a community correspondent for St. Boniface.

Read full biography

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