Ruby’s Beauty Salon on the square is a community landmark as unchanging and distinctive to Troy as the Courthouse or the Hayner Cultural Center. The salon’s rich history tells the story of the American Dream in small town Ohio and represents the steadfast entrepreneurship of hardworking women.

Ruby Kuckherman was one of the first female business owners in Troy back in the 1950s. She took over Lilly’s Beauty Salon on the second floor of 1 North Market Street and renamed it Ruby’s. After 22 years on the second floor, Ruby expanded to what is now the present-day salon, buying the first floor shop front that used to be Smitty’s Pool Room. According to long-time friend of Ruby’s and current salon associate, Marie Welbaum, “Ruby’s story is a great one.” “She had polio when she was 13 years old and her family didn’t think she would ever be normal,” Welbaum said. Despite difficulties in her youth, Ruby was a determined woman. For many years, she owned three other salons in Vandalia, Tipp City, and Piqua all under the name “Ruby’s.” Now 97 years old, Ruby Kuckherman’s legacy lives on.

On New Year’s Eve 2013, Ruby’s Beauty Salon began renovations that were completed on April 7th. Not only has the salon been remodeled on the inside but a new vision has been cast that honors the dream begun by its founder. Beautician Tara Saettel approached Ruby’s daughter, Diana Wright, about a partnership that Saettel called “a total God thing.” Having had more than a decade of experience in the salon industry and a background in community service through Troy non-profit, Partners in Hope, Saettel had a vision for blending non-profit community outreach and cosmetology.  Today, Saettel has started what she calls “The Beauty Revolution,” operating out of Ruby’s beauty salon.

“People feel more human when they receive a haircut. It has the potential to bring out their confidence and their kindness,” Saettel said. Offering everything from facials and scalp treatments to manicures, the full-service salon has a relaxing, buoyant atmosphere alive with the effervescent optimism of its clients and beauticians. Honoring the former owner’s love for Troy, Ruby’s now hosts free, walk-in haircuts to the community on the 5^th Saturdays of every month. Upcoming 2014 dates are May 31, August 30, and November 29 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Haircuts for men, women, and children will be donated by beauty professionals like Payton Thokey who started working at Ruby’s around the same time as Tara Saettel.

“These events inspire others to contribute an act of beauty through a smile, a kind word or a helping hand,” Saettel said, “Together, we can make the world a more beautiful place.” With an extension of its vision and hopes for the future, this Troy landmark continues to be a bold trendsetter in the community. Styles may change but the beauty at Ruby’s begins with its heart.