A Walk Down Willow Lane

A Walk Down Willow Lane

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

The Koroluk homestead has been in the family for 125 years. The Andrew area farm is where Don Evans grew up and where he and Tammy Evans have resided for the past 28 years. It is where the couple raised their daughter Medow.

For the past decade Tammy has operated her hair salon 171 Willow Lane Studio. On Oct. 30 she hosted an open house to celebrate 10 years in business and thank her clients. Evans said it’s “shocking” to think it has been that long since she began operating her hair salon at the farm. “It’s 10 years ago today that I opened the salon.”

Her career began 25 years ago, and she credits her decision to get into this line of work to her Aunti Kathy, (Fedyniak). “She practically raised me and lived with us. She was a hairdresser and I always watched her and she did my hair.”

They became good friends and after Tammy earned her journeyman ticket and finished her apprenticing she began working with Kathy who owned Shaggie’s Hair Salon in Waskatenau where she grew up. Several years later Tammy wanted to work closer to home, and decided to take a position at the Lamont Hair Boutique. She said it was a very “hard decision” but Kathy has and continues to be a strong supporter.

After nine years at the Lamont Hair Boutique, Tammy decided to break out on her own, and open her own homebased hair salon. Admittedly, Tammy said she had a hard time saying no during her first five years of business. “I just wanted to please people.” But she eventually realized she had to slow down a bit to have a better work life balance.

Don, Tammy and Medow Evans with their dog Mowgli.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Tammy said she’d like to finish her career at home. She has no immediate plans to retire and will continue to share her artistic abilities, time, energy, talents and extensive knowledge and experience with her clients.

“Our industry is always changing and you have to keep motivating yourself.” She loves learning and taking courses to improve her craft. She also wants to give each and every client a relaxing spa like experience when they come to the studio. Tammy believes it’s important to take time for yourself to feel your best inside and out. Her personalized service is what sets her apart and her down to earth positive approach makes visits memorable.

One of her loyal and long-time clients is Mavin Kokotailo. They are good friends who met in 2008. Tammy decided to join the Andrew Agricultural Society of which Mavin is a long-time member. Tammy said it’s important to “pay it forward” and has loved her time volunteering with the organization.

All in all, Tammy said it’s been a “humble life, a good life” and she is very grateful for all the blessings she’s received over the years.