Downtown shop recognized with Texas Treasure Business Award

Faced with the necessity to name an institution in Celina, one would be hard pressed to find a more deserving person than Shirley O’Neal or an enterprise more worthy than her eponymous Shirley’s Hair Shop.
Shirley’s Hair Shop was recently recognized by the Texas Historical Commission with the Texas Treasure Business Award. Local and area dignitaries, community leaders, state officials, family and friends gathered on Friday, Nov. 1 to celebrate the award. The Treasure Business Award honors businesses that have been in operation for more than 50 years, contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of Texas. She was also given a Key to the City from Celina Mayor Sean Terry.
Established in 1966, Shirley’s Hair Shop has been in continuous service in Celina, providing residents, and customers from neighboring cities and towns, expertly-crafted coiffures from the basic to the elaborate. An astute business-owner, O’Neal has not only operated a thriving business for over five decades, but has also, over the years, provided gainful employment opportunities.
Originally called Shirley’s Beauty Shop, the business was located at 311 W. Pecan St. for the first ten years of operation. Then, in 1976, O’Neal moved the shop to its current location, 110 N. Ohio St. Shirley’s Hair Shop has been a mainstay of the storied Celina Downtown Square ever since.
“Shirley is a true trailblazer,” says Rebecca Barton, Celina’s Downtown Development Manager. “She’s a real-life example of what hard work, determination, personal resolve, and above all, excellent customer service, can mean for the success of a business. We’re proud to have Shirley as a community staple.”
O’Neal was born in Celina in 1945 to a family of farmers, and as an 18-year-old, began her lifelong career by attending Fields Cosmetology school in downtown Dallas. She completed the course in only one year, successfully passing the final exam by expertly creating a finger wave hairstyle, popular in the 1920s and 1930s. She then landed her first job in her hometown. Then, O’Neal purchased the salon, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
“Shirley O’Neal is a true community asset,” said Barton. “It was obvious by all the neighbors, friends, customers, and elected officials who showed up to celebrate Shirley and her accomplishments. We warmly congratulate her on the recognition.”

From Press Release