SMALL TOWN CHARM, BIG CITY AMBIENCE

by Colette Wright

THE KENNETH BLAIR SALON & SPA has been a long-time fixture in the city of Lloydminster, Alberta. Named after the surnames of the first two owners 30 years ago, the business has moved to its fourth location. “We simply needed more space,” says coowner Angela Fohry.

With its modern decor and trendy colours, clients say visiting the salon is like a two-hour stopover in a big city. “Our staff may have the warmth of a small town, but our salon and spa would suit any location in a metropolitan centre,” says Fohry.

The Kenneth Blair owners have been their own interior designers, making it an elegant, cozy home-like setting where comfort and relaxation are priorities. Divided into two sections, the salon features a colour scheme of chocolate browns and merlot wines blending with modern, contemporary furniture. Fohry says clients can sink into a plush leather armchair under a portable hair dryer and receive a complimentary hand massage. Walk through a set of doors into the spa and the ambience is definitely tranquil, with shades of biscotti beige and creamy tiramisus. “I think the spa is not only luxurious but also very hotel-chic,” adds Fohry.

To keep the haircutting area clean, tidy and free of clutter, Fohry says the stylists use a four-sided, free-standing portable station. “We move it to the centre of the floor, and it’s accessible to reach for products, tools and equipment.”

Fohry admits one of the best features of the salon is the privacy the reception area provides. “You can’t see the haircutting area when walking through the main entrance. Our male clients feel much more at ease, because in a small town everyone knows one another.”

The three owners also prefer to showcase retail products on two large black shelving units. “It’s designed to hold books, but we think the products stand out better, and the storage drawers are conveniently below to keep track of stock,” claims Fohry.

Hanging on the walls of the salon are actual pictures of real clients rather than headshots of models. “Showing how the right kind of hair colour, cut and makeup application can enhance someone’s appearance is much more realistic than showing a picture of a model you don’t know.” ▼

NAME Kenneth Blair Salon & Spa ADDRESS 3809 51st Avenue, Lloydminster, Alberta OWNERS Angela Fohry, Lynda Campbell and Rheanne Thackeray OPENED Originally 1976. New location since May 2005 SIZE 2,600 square feet NUMBER OF STAFF 19 BREAKDOWN 10 cutting stations; 4 colour chairs; 3 pedicure chairs; 4 manicure tables and 2 treatment rooms INTERIOR DESIGNER Kenneth Blair owners RETAIL HAIR Redken and Aveda RETAIL SPA Aveda and Spa Ritual PHONE 780.875.9669

HOURS OF OPERATION

Mondays to Thursdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. S