Staff Q&A Series: Senior Stylist Sara

February 25, 2018 By design house

We think the world of our staff and we want you to think the same, too. Hence, the beginning of our new blog series, Staff Q&A. Trust is an essential component to any successful hair stylist-client relationship and we believe that by getting to know our stylists a little better, you’ll feel comfortable coming to them with all your hair care needs. Whether you’re a regular client or new and curious about who we are, get ready to discover our favourite people.

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Besides earning more and more money to grow and still be profitable (like any business that wants to thrive), what do you think the goals of designHouse Salon are?

Provide quality services that not only meet but exceed client expectations.
Make everyone feel welcome and taken care of.
Operate as sustainable as possible to minimize our carbon footprint

What do you contribute to the team that makes you stand out? What do/should clients come specifically to you for?

My willingness to teach clients and coworkers about proper styling tools and the importance of creating rituals to improve quality of not only hair but life as well.

What does sustainable beauty mean to you and why is it an important focus?

Sustainable beauty is important because I care about planet earth, mother nature and all earth’s plants and inhabitants. When you not only care about yourself but also your environment that is shared with others, this caring is contagious in the sense that people will, in turn, make sustainable choices for themselves as well as encourage others too.

Why should people come to designHouse Salon over the TONS of other available options?

It is nice to see and hear about other salons becoming more aware of our environment, however, dH (designHouse) has set the standard for sustainability way higher than any other salon as well as supports a team environment. By supporting dH, clients can feel good about minimizing their carbon footprint as well as support an active business of the local community.

What about the beauty industry excites you and why?

Being able to make people feel good about themselves. Sometimes without even noticing, we can make a big difference in people’s day/mood/life/confidence.

When you aren’t working, what are you doing? (ie. Hobbies, interests, etc.)

Lately, I have been into low to no cost activities like hiking, cooking, and am currently one world away from beating Super Mario Bros.

Do you prefer cinnamon or vanilla?

Easiest question yet! CINNAMON! So much that 2% makes me a special “Sara Latte” with cinnamon steamed into the milk.

If you could grant a co-worker a superpower, who and what would it be?

EMERALD: I would grant her super wings to fly anywhere in the world at any time so she could come back quicker.

What’s your go-to midnight snack?

Salty: stove-top popcorn with butter, salt, and yeast flakes

Sweet: Toast with peanut butter and honey

Name two things you want everyone to know about you.

I beat cancer
I love nature

Name one thing on your bucket list.

Walk the Great Wall of China.

Why We LOVE Elate Cosmetics at designHouse Salon!

March 29, 2017 By design house

There is a reason we love Elate Cosmetics at designHouse Salon! They embody the same goals and inner passions that we ourselves have. By placing a large emphasis on sustainability, green initiatives, and putting an end to animal testing, Elate is a leader in the green beauty industry. “Through healthy ingredients, sustainable practices, and wellness minded goals, we strive to build confidence through kindness, and allow you to create your own standard of beauty, (source).” This motto is apparent in all of Elate’s products and campaigns, and a strong sense of self is witnessed in the models themselves. The makeup has the ability to showcase each individual’s unique look and also provide a creative space.

Elate strongly encourages women to take that extra bit of time to turn putting makeup on into a ritual, rather than just another step in a busy routine. “We believe everyday routine becomes ritual when the action is more meaningful than the outcome. We believe true beauty is in the ritual itself, (source).” This approach to makeup application means making the healthiest choices for your skin and also feeling good about what you’re putting on your face. As stated by Joli Naturellement “If I had to use one green beauty make-up brand for the rest of my life this one is it, (source).” Women are busier than ever trying to balance their lives and also feel good about themselves. By making a morning routine that is usually interrupted by children or the chimes of a cellphone into a ritual it makes it an expression of self love instead. Elate truly offers products that are cruelty and toxin free, vegan, organic, affordable and sustainable. As mentioned in the popular blog by Laura Jane Atelier she loves that “all of the products are not only clean but reasonably priced which makes them accessible to everyone, (source).”

Elate’s philosophy and products themselves led the company to be the best option for a partnership with designHouse. By having a knowledgeable and talented in house Elate team, designHouse is able to offer not only the best salon services but makeup application as well. Whether it is a quick touch up or a full face makeover, Elate has the products that will stand up, while also being non-toxic and vegan. Here at designHouse we offer complimentary colour matching designed to help you find the perfect hues. This also provides a great starting point to slowly start switching out older toxic cosmetics for new non-toxic alternatives. We also offer Elate makeup applications, the “mini” includes lips, cheeks and a smoky eye. The “full” application includes a foundation match, contour, brows, lips, cheeks and eyes. Our in house Elate artists are available for a variety of events whether it be for bridal, a graduation or a big date night. Call us at (778) 433-4393 or visit us online at designhousesalon.com to book an appointment, OR if you are so excited that you just want to order some Elate products right away, visit our online store Well Fed Beauty!

Make Self-Care A Part of Your Weekend

March 13, 2017 By design house

We all know that we should look after ourselves but most of us get caught up in the daily frenzy of life and forget to check in. How are we supposed to look after others when we aren’t looking after our own selves? This is such an important question to ask and serves as a reminder to take that extra time to do something just for YOU. Taking some time for a little TLC enables you to be a better mother, friend, wife and overall person…and maybe just more tolerable to be around. We’re here to provide some tips for sinking deeper into relaxation and developing those self-care weekend rituals.

10 Tips For a Better You In Just 2 Days

We love the use of essential oils as a form of relaxation. Blends of lavender, peppermint, or lemon are not only soothing but make your home smell amazing!
Envision the laziest day in your pj’s and then do just that! Get comfy and kick around the house all day while wearing a hairmask and order food in. We especially love the Nounou mask by Davines, its perfect for dry and damaged strands.
The ultimate luxury is to take a long hot bath. Fill up your tub with some muscle relaxing Epsom salts or even coconut oil to reveal glowy hydrated skin.
Part of self care can also be productive! By doing some of those pesky weekday tasks on the weekend can free up some time during the week. Try to do some cooking so you can have prepped meals for the busy week ahead. This leads to less stress, saving money and eating healthier.
Treat yourself to that salon service you’ve been putting off! The weekend is the perfect time for some pampering like a new cut, colour or blowout. Getting your makeup done is a great way to distress as well. Here at DesignHouse we offer a full range of salon and makeup services even on a lazy Sunday!
Turn off your phone. According to PopSugar “disconnect from technology and turn off all work-related business. If that’s also impossible, try deleting all your social media apps just for a day — see how you feel when there’s no pressure from the outside world, (source). ”
If you have the full day to yourself Vega suggests “Pre-planning your perfect solo adventure. Maybe it’s packing up the car and going on a day trip. Maybe it’s committing to seeing 5 (or 2 or 10) new places in your city, (source).”
Crack open that book that’s been sitting by your bedside for the last couple months. Unplugging from technology and choosing a book instead Superheroyou outlines how “reading for just 6 minutes helps you relax, (source).” We’ll gladly take that relaxation over some screen time!
Having a journal can be a great way to get your ideas down, brainstorm and also keep you on track with your goals. A great way to optimize this time can be making lists to help organize you for the busy week ahead.
Get outside for a walk! Getting the blood pumping and your body moving can help clear your head and make you feel really good! Going with a friend or family member makes it a great time for a chat as well.