Hidden Gem

See how this Alberta-based salon combines minimalistic and neutral design elements with soft features to create an accessible and comfortable space for all.

BY LAUREN FARRUGIA

For long-time friends and colleagues Aubrey Boehr and Madison Webber-Begovic, opening a salon together was something they could only dream of. “We had spoken about it for many years,” says Webber-Begovic. “During the pandemic, the opportunity to take a [business development] program came up and it was really helpful for us because it was a catalyst for the business to materialize. When we completed the program, we had the business plan done and started to build Salon Olivine.”

Accessibility in Mind

Based in Lethbridge, Alta., both Boehr and WebberBegovic wanted to create a salon that was inclusive and fostered a community for their stylists and clients. With this in mind, Boehr and WebberBegovic opted for design elements during their salon’s buildout that would make the space feel friendly, comfortable and welcoming.

“In order for a space to be inviting to all, we felt accessibility was paramount to the design,” says WebberBegovic. “When we first met with our designer, Chandra

Laine, we emphasized the importance of inclusion in all aspects of design. We have a movable product shelf so guests with mobility issues can easily access the sinks. Both of our washrooms are barrier-free, and our waiting chairs and salon chairs are size inclusive and comfortable for everyone.”

“Inclusivity isn’t just an attitude thing,” she adds. “It’s also a functionality thing, which is why making the space as accessible and welcoming as possible was so important to us. We really combined making the space functional for everybody with an aesthetic that was true to us to create a salon that hairstylists would want to work in, a space that our guests could feel comfortable in and a space that would reflect our personal vision.”

Naturally Designed

When coming up with the salon’s design, the pair wanted to incorporate neutral elements. “We always joke that we were going for ‘friendly luxury,’ so we wanted something that wasn’t too stark because that’s not us.

We wanted something softer and more comfortable,” says Webber-Begovic. “We have green elements in the salon to represent olivine, which is the raw mineral form of the gemstone peridot, which is the stone of compassion and renewal and is what we named the salon after. Green is also a very relaxing colour, and because we didn’t want colours that were too bold, we thought it worked perfectly.”

In addition to the salon’s neutral and welcoming design elements, Webber-Begovic and Boehr wanted to respect clients who prefer more privacy with semiprivate stations. “We wanted stations where guests can enjoy the energy of a busy salon but also enjoy the privacy of a private studio setting,” says Webber-Begovic. “Stylists require bright enough lighting to ensure they can see the tone and products used on guests’ hair, so the lighting we chose to put above the sinks provides a bright yet gentle light with minimal glare.”

All in all, Boehr and WebberBegovic couldn’t be happier with the final result. From the positive feedback from their stylists and clients to being named a finalist for Salon Interior Design at the 2023 Contessa Awards, Salon Olivine continues to exceed the pair’s expectations.

“From the wallpaper to the tiles on the reception desk to the different materials and textures throughout the salon, I think we created a space that’s warm and inviting yet sophisticated,” says WebberBegovic. “The more I work in the space, the more little things I start to notice that are now my favourite details. I’m overjoyed with the results of the design because it’s more beautiful than I could’ve ever envisioned.”

DETAILS

Opened in 2021

SIZE

1,300 square feet

TEAM 10

BRANDS

La Biosthétique Redken

Evo

TO112

WEBSITE salonolivine.com

SOCIAL @salonolivine

Among the attendees were John Fortunato, head of Henkel Beauty Care—Hair Professional Canada, and Amanda Belasco, vice-president of Joico, Zotos Professional and specialty brands at Henkel Canada, along with the brand’s director of sales, Brian Ahrens, and marketing manager, Sara Saloojee, as well as brand managers, key account managers and members of Joico’s education team.