Green Story

Unlike most hair stylists, who often spend years honing their craft, Tammy Pierce's arrival in the beauty industry came about much more organically -- literally and figuratively. After working for years as a nanny, where she was first introduced to the homeopathic and alternative medicines field, Tammy decided to try her hands at hair styling, already knowing she wanted to set herself apart and offer cutting edge green and sustainable prodcuts that very few vendors were offering. She did extensive research online, along the way finding products that no one else seemed to be offering, at least not in the salon she was working in.

Pierce started by renting a booth in an existing salon in Newmarket, where she knew there was a better and more eco-friendly way of providing salon and spa services. These products -- chemical free, biodegradable, and never tested on animals -- were such a hit, that Pierce decided to strike out on her own and open up a salon where she could work towards expanding what was already a growing demand for green, sustainable hair products. Some of the products -- a line which includes Organic Colour Systems and Shear Miracles -- are so devoid of chemicals and additives, you can actually eat them! Not that Pierce would recommend snacking on hair conditioners, but the point is clear: Organic Bonita uses only the safest, most natural products available.

Pierce is also heavily involved in both the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce and the Newmarket Business Association. She is an avid recycler and composter, is working towards retroftting the entirety of her home's lighting system, and prides herself on both living and working close to downtown Newmarket. Indeed, Pierce's enthusiasm for everything local is one she hopes to hone. "My thing is that when we know better, we can do better," says Pierce. "I'm just a small business -- it's just me here in the salon. But joining these organizations and getting involved proves that running a succesful business isn't just about money, but about how we can change things for the better, together, as small businesses."