For over 60 years, PB Cosmetology School has been more than a place to learn — it’s been a home for dreamers, creators, and beauty professionals in the making.

Our story begins in 1918 with Mary Kelly, a bold entrepreneur who opened the first beauty salon in Gloucester City, New Jersey. An orphan trained in a Philadelphia convent, Mary overcame deafness and adversity with fierce determination — even reading lips backward in the mirror to connect with her clients while styling their hair. Her salon, Mary’s Beauty Parlor, quickly became a neighborhood staple and laid the foundation for four generations of beauty education. Her innovation and resilience became the cornerstone of our family tradition.

Mary’s daughter, Peg, later opened PB Beauty Salon with her husband in 1947. Her artistry and innovative techniques quickly drew the attention of beauty professionals and national brands, who regularly sought her insight and instruction. As demand for her expertise grew, Peg was invited to speak at major venues like the Javits Center and went on to develop a nationally recognized training program for advanced instructors. The overwhelming interest in her methods and passion for education inspired her to open a school of her own. In 1961, PB Cosmetology School welcomed its first class — and a new chapter began.

Peg brought her son, Bob, into the school, where his steady leadership and shared commitment to her vision helped guide the business forward alongside her. In time, Bob trained his daughter Colleen, who went on to lead PB into a new era. As Director for over 20 years, Colleen became a beloved mentor and steward of the school. During her tenure, she oversaw extensive renovations to the property and gardens, and expanded the school’s curriculum to open new doors for students pursuing careers in beauty.

Colleen’s legacy is lovingly carried forward by her father and her two children, who represent the fourth generation of the Hogan family to shape PB’s future. Together, they are honoring her mission while building upon it — ensuring the school continues to grow, evolve, and serve as a beacon of opportunity and artistry for years to come.

Through decades of change — recessions, global events, and reinvented definitions of beauty — our family has remained steadfast in its dedication to the cosmetology arts. Today, PB Cosmetology School carries forward this rich heritage of perseverance, innovation, and educational excellence, preparing the next generation of beauty professionals with the same passion and pioneering spirit that began over 60 years ago.