Longtime business on the move: DJ’s Hair Designs will reopen at new location in Redmond

By Mary Stevens Decker • March 4, 2010 6:59 pm
DJ’s Hair Designs owner Deborah Janus-Wagner
DJ’s Hair Designs owner Deborah Janus-Wagner

It seemed just like old times, March 3 at DJ’s Hair Designs in the Redmond Shopping Square, at 161st Avenue Northeast and Redmond Way.

The radio played ‘60s hits as salon owner Deborah Janus-Wagner laughed and chatted with loyal customers, some of whom have been regulars for several decades. They know each other like family, swapping news about birthdays, spouses and illnesses.

On March 8, DJ’s doors at the Redmond Shopping Square will close and Janus-Wagner will re-open at a new location, 16720 Redmond Way, Suite B, next to Sleep Country.

“I’ve spent 35 years in this shop,” said Janus-Wagner. “I’m the last original owner,” in the old shopping center that will soon be demolished as the City of Redmond prepares to extend 161st Avenue Northeast from Bear Creek Parkway to Redmond Way.

Janus-Wagner said her specialty is that she “loves color,” but also does perms, cuts and styles for women, children and men of all ages. She’ll have six stations and more storage space at the new hair salon and is looking to hire a couple more stylists to rent chairs there.

The new shop “will be real pretty,” she stated, although leaving her longtime location will be somewhat bittersweet.

Janus-Wagner, who was crowned Miss Redmond of 1969 — her mom Diantha Janus held the same title in 1949 — said she’s not thrilled about the new, mixed-use buildings in downtown Redmond or the plan for the downtown park. She thinks parking will be a substantial problem and that only downtown residents will benefit from the park. She fondly remembered when former Redmond mayor Bud Young was a close family friend and came over every Sunday to talk about local politics. She said she doesn’t think current city officials have a handle on managing urban growth.

Still, Janus-Wanger said the city made good on its promise to offer relocation assistance. And she is confident that those longtime clients will follow her to her new shop. An open house will likely take place in April, to give other neighbors a chance to check out DJ’s Hair Designs.

For information, call (425) 883-0633.