MJ Ganci left behind her family, partner, and home in Queens, New York when she came to Houghton in February to pursue her dream. That dream would eventually become “Capones Cuts”, a barbershop located inside Buddy’s Place on Route 19.
On annual visits to see a friend in Alleghany County, multiple people approached Ganci asking her for a haircut. That’s when she decided she needed to introduce the New York City style to Western New York. “I bring style, designs, and I know what is in right now,” she said.
Along with that distinct city style, Ganci uses hair tools that “no other barbershop has within a 30 mile radius.” Another aspect Ganci wants to bring is comfort to those who come to her shop. “I want to make my shop as a second home for people and to provide a homey atmosphere,” said Ganci. To help create an inviting atmosphere, she has a sign-in book in the corner of her shop where customers can put in their information so she can send them items such as Christmas cards.
Ganci’s business has already attracted many of Houghton College’s professors and students, who get a discount when they present their student ID. “Her design skills are amazing and the passion she has for her work really shows how much she loves her job,” said senior, Enrico Sukhdeo. Sukhdeo, who wasn’t sure what to expect when he walked into Capones Cuts, was pleasantly surprised by Ganci’s skills. “I’ve gotten my hair cut from some very skilled barbers in the past and she is definitely in that category,” he said.
Douglas Gaerte, professor of communication, decided to go to Capones Cuts because he was too busy to go to Olean, where he had been getting his hair cut for more than fifteen years. He too, was satisfied with the results. Gaerte said, “She is fantastic. She was very attentive to the way I like my hair and took her time to learn my preferences.” Both Gaerte and Sukhdeo plan on seeing Ganci again the next time they need haircuts.
Attempting to start her own business, Ganci faced some difficulties along the way. “I went to at least ten different places in Fillmore, Cuba, Belfast; and no one wanted to rent me space,” said Ganci. Just when she felt like nothing was going to work out, Ganci drove down Route 19 and saw a rental space sign at Buddy’s Place. “I just ran in there hoping to get something, and I’ve never felt so welcomed,” she said referring to the other businesses that occupy the building. “I believe in God, and I believe He brought me here for a reason.”
She puts an emphasis on people pursuing their dreams. “If you have passion you can do anything,” she said. “I am forty-one, so it’s never too late to live your dream. If I can do it, then you can do it.”
Even though Ganci recognizes Houghton and Queens are on opposite ends of the spectrum, she doesn’t deem that as an excuse to not bring quality of service to the area. She said, “It’s not a million dollar place, but I will make you feel like a million bucks.”