CAPITAL AFFAIRS

NAME Elee Salon & Spa ADDRESS 1125 Bank Street, Ottawa OWNER Elee Hitti OPENED April 2004 SIZE 3,500 square feet NUMBER OF STAFF 16 BREAKDOWN 12 cutting stations, 8 colour chairs, 3 pedicure chairs, 2 manicure tables, 3 treatment rooms, a VIP room, stand-up tanning room, a Vichy shower, a fashion and accessories boutique INTERIOR DESIGNER Elee Hitti, Sylvain Emond RETAIL HAIR Aveda RETAIL SPA Aveda and OPI Nails COLOUR Schwarzkopf Professional

BOUTIQUE DESIGNS

Imported clothing, accessories, evening wear from Paris, Milan, Brussels and Lebanon PHONE 613.733.8010

HOURS OF OPERATION

Tuesdays/Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays/Fridays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays bridal parties only WEBSITE www.eleesalonspa.com

Ottawa’s Elee Salon and Spa

When 3 hen 35-year-old Elee Hitti, owner Elee Salon & Spa, owner Elee Salon & Spa, decided it was time to fly decided it was time to fly solo, he consulted with designer Sylvain Emond to turn his dream into reality. Located in the posh neighbourhood of Old Ottawa South, Elee Salon & Spa is on Bank Street, the city’s premier shopping area, with many small boutiques and restaurants. Hitti has already attracted a number of Canada’s most prominent women, whom he prefers remain anonymous.

Originally from Lebanon, Hitti credits his success to hard work. “I spent 12-to-16-hour days working in salons, because from a young age there was no doubt I’d own my business.”

While some owners may think their salon’s design is the biggest hurdle, Hitti laughs, admitting his first challenge was figuring out what furniture to buy. Elee Salon & Spa’s chairs have seats filled with gel rather than foam. “It provides more than just comfort—every curve of the body relaxes.” And don’t be surprised to find clients asleep at the shampoo station as they forget the day’s stress in a bed-like recliner with feet propped up.

Other features include full-length mirrors with built-in shelves on the side to store equipment and products. “It allows for a clean and clutterfree salon, because when clients deserve our full attention.” But attached to each mirror are five shelves that jut out. “We can display products that are either new or on promotion and it’s a great way to suggestion sell,” adds Hitti.

One of the unique features of Elee Salon & Spa is Hitti’s boutique of original European designs and fashions. “Everything from purses to evening wear to jewellery is available for clients to browse and try on.” Sales from the boutique generate about 25 per cent of his total profit.

Complementing the large amount of natural light in the building are soft colours such as blue-greys, yellows and beiges. The furniture’s earthy tones add to the soothing ambience. “It’s like walking into New York and Milan at the same time,” says Hitti.

Hitti is known for his popularity with brides, so the “updo king” has a special 10by10 glass-walled VIP room separate from the cutting area. He says it’s perfect for consulting with brides or other clients who request a oneon-one appointment. “Competition is fierce, so anything we do or decide at Elee Salon & Spa is solely for our clients”. S

by Colette Wright