Clients who step into Rose’s Beauty Salon might come for a trim, but they’re often treated to a show — courtesy of two grey-feathered performers.
Inside the warmly lit salon tucked along Carman’s 1st Ave. SW, it’s not unusual to hear the familiar beat of pop music mingling with the words “Hi there!” or “What’s going on!” as Ricco and Luna, a pair of African Grey parrots, make their presence known.
The birds belong to salon owner Loan Phan, who’s been running the hairstyling business for over a decade. For Phan, the parrots are more than pets — they’re part of the family, and in many ways, part of the salon’s unique charm.
Phan, has been a fixture in the community since 2011. She and her husband, Carlos, moved to Carman from Winnipeg in search of a quieter life and a welcoming place to raise their daughter, Rosie.
“We like to live in the small, cozy town,” Phan wrote in an email interview. “It’s a convenient place for me to raise my little girl, and the people in Carman are friendly and kind.”
Originally from Vietnam, Phan immigrated to Canada in 2005. She has proudly built Rose’s Beauty Salon into a space that welcomes walk-ins and celebrates diversity.
“Our salon is more special than others because of our foreign roots,” she said. “People of all races, ages and sexualities come to our salon. You do not need an appointment — quick, fast, then go.”
What truly sets her business apart, however, is the presence of two unlikely stars: Ricco and Luna, a pair of African grey parrots known for their intelligence, vocabulary and entertaining personalities.
Phan said the family brought Ricco home in August 2022, after Carlos flew to Toronto to pick him up. Now seven years old, Ricco is outgoing, affectionate, and has developed a particular fondness for female clients.
“Ricco likes to come to the salon to see the clients — ladies only, not men,” said Phan. “He dances for them or steps onto their arms or gives a kiss, if he likes.”
Luna, who is two years old, joined the family as a baby and was adopted from a seller in Winnipeg Beach. While she’s more talkative than Ricco, she’s less social — preferring to stay in her cage and play with toys for hours on end.
“Luna often copies Ricco, but she talks more,” Phan said. “She likes to count — one, two, three, four, five — and she’ll call out to Ricco in the morning: ‘Ricco, Ricco, what are you doing?’”
According to Phan, African greys are loyal, intelligent pets who bond deeply with their owners. Her birds have a bedtime routine, going to sleep under blankets around 8 p.m. every night. They also know when Carlos is heading out for work — even when they’re still covered.
“They say ‘bye-bye’ when they hear the door, even if they can’t see it,” she said. “At night, they make snoring sounds when they want to go to sleep.”
Their vocabulary includes phrases such as “What’s going on?”, “No bite, Daddy,” and “You are a beautiful princess.” Ricco even has his own YouTube channel, Talking African Grey, where fans can hear more of his repertoire.
The parrots are a hit with clients — many of whom are surprised to meet them.
“Customers usually act surprised when they see Ricco or greet him,” said Phan. “They ask if he’s real or how someone can afford a parrot like that.”
One particularly memorable moment stood out to her: a young boy getting a haircut started a full conversation with Ricco. The boy asked if they could be friends — and Ricco laughed and said, “No.”
Ricco is known for joining conversations or reacting to the mood in the salon.
“Once I was doing a haircut for a lady who wanted her hair shorter and shorter. We were laughing, and when I finished, Ricco laughed too and said, ‘Uh oh, no hair!’” Phan said.
Phan says the birds are more than a novelty — they’re a source of joy and companionship in both her business and personal life.
“I am happy with my small business, and I feel great,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who supports us.”
For those who stop by Rose’s Beauty Salon, a haircut might be what brings them in — but it’s the dancing, talking parrots that often leave the lasting impression.
If you would like to make an appointment or just walk in, you can find Rosie at 18-1st Ave. SW in Carman or call at 204-745-8320.
