Marti’s Salon keeps a Manchester tradition going

Marti Bondy (left) hands the keys of the shop to new owner Arianne Chartrand

by Marsha Chartrand

Back in 1982, Marti (Fielder) Bondy was a young hairstylist looking for a place to work in her hometown of Manchester. She was fortunate to find that Dorothy Moore — also a Manchester native — was getting ready to sell her business, Dorothy Mae’s Beauty Shop.

Marti worked for Dorothy for three years until Dorothy retired in 1985, and Marti bought the salon. In 1991, Marti purchased the building at 233 E Main, which had formerly been a restaurant. And that’s where Marti’s Salon has resided ever since.

She counts herself fortunate to have worked with some great long-term co-workers over the years, including Gail Bradley, Denise Davis, and Jean (Moull) Rose. One who has continued to work along side Marti is Arianne Chartrand, who started working at the salon in 2000, soon after she graduated from Manchester High School, having received her cosmetology education and certification through the South and West Washtenaw Consortium.

Arianne has had a lifelong dream of being a hairstylist and having her own shop. She would spend hours as a child watching her neighbor, Alma Arnett, cut hair and do shampoo-and-set styles for her clients. Throughout her school years, she never changed her mind.

And last week, after 23 years of working together, Marti and Arianne signed the papers making that dream come true — Marti is officially retired and Arianne is the new owner of the Salon.

Although the ownership has changed and Arianne probably has a few other changes in mind for the shop in the future, one thing will not change, and that is the name of the salon.

“I’m keeping it the same, as I believe it is Marti’s legacy after 40 years,” she says. “Besides, I’ve been answering the phone that way for 23 years and I don’t know what else I would say!”

Over the years, the two women have developed a close relationship. Call it a mentorship, perhaps, but it is more than that. Marti has certainly taught Arianne how to run a successful business and given her a firm foundation to start out with. In addition, though, they’ve been each other’s friend, support network, and family, all rolled into one.

Last spring, the salon added a new face and a new service to its repertoire. Rylie Budd, who is certified to do eyelash extensions, is already building a good clientele. (And she’s another Manchester native!)

Stop in to Marti’s Salon and congratulate Arianne, meet Rylie, and see what else is new. You may be surprised!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.