BUCYRUS — For nearly 45 years, the salon at 125 E. Rensselaer St., in Bucyrus has been known as Brandy’s Salon but on Jan. 1, the salon changed ownership and is now called Kaye and Company.

Brandy Robertson, who started working at the salon on May 5, 1972, at the age of 19, purchased the business in 1975 when she was just 22 years old.

“My aunt was only three years older than me, so we are always really close. She was a hairdresser which inspired me but also, one time my dad cut my hair, the day before school pictures were being taken. I had no bangs and swore I would never do that to my own children,” Robertson said with a laugh.

She worked for Kitty Windsor for the three years prior to taking the salon over.

Robertson said the store-front style building has been a beauty salon as long as she can remember.

“Kitty owned it for about nine years and before that, it was owned by Andy Reed,” Robertson said. “It has been a salon for over 60 years that we know about.”

Several employees at the shop have been there for decades.

“Elaine Whitmeyer was the first one I hired, 44 years ago. Linda Freeman has been here 37 years and Joy Britten for 39,” Robertson said. “I could not have done this for all these years without my employees. They are wonderful.”

Kaye Pifer started working for Robertson before she was even out of beauty school.

“I decided in high school I would do hair. I have always had a passion for it,” Pifer said.

Pifer graduated from Pioneer Career and Technology and her instructor also has a connection to the salon.

“Sue Main was my instructor and she had worked for Brandy for 13 years,” Pifer said.

Pifer said after 25 years at Brandy’s, it seemed to be the right time to purchase the business and the salon became Kaye and Company on Jan. 1.

Robertson, who has no plans for retirement yet, will now work at the salon for Pifer.

“Kaye is a wonderful person and hairdresser. I know she will do a great job with the salon and I have less responsibility,” Robertson said.

Pifer will keep the same employees and is looking to hire a stylist.

“I have a position open and we take applications,” she said.

Pifer said the beauty shop is a full-service salon, offering haircuts and styles, perms, highlights, color and more.

“We have a nail technician and offer ear piercing,” Pifer said.

A full range of hair and styling products are available from an array of companies. This week, drawings are taking place for free products and services in celebration of the newly purchased salon.

“Our ribbon cutting is on Friday. I am so excited for this new chapter and get to work with great employees and clients,” Pifer said.

Robertson said clients become family.

“Some women still come in for a weekly appointment like most did back in the day.” Robertson said. “We spend a lot of time with our clients and they really do become part of your family.”

The grand re-opening of the salon is Jan. 30 and 31 with a ribbon-cutting by the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce planned for Jan. 31 at 4 p.m.

To make an appointment or for more information about Kaye and Company, visit the salon’s Facebook page or call 419-562-2836.