Hard work has paid off for Katie Matheson.
A full-time hair stylist for five years, the 27-year-old, also worked at a restaurant in the evenings, squirrelling away her money with one goal in mind: to open her own business.
Her determination has driven her to the place she wants to be in life and she is now the proud owner of Spruce Salon and Spa, an Aveda Concept Salon, on 30th Avenue.
Raised on a farm in Manitoba, Matheson took classes in small business management and had her hair training paid for by Aveda in Manitoba. She then received a scholarship for the advance academy course at the Aveda Institute in Vancouver.
“My mom and dad, a teacher and a farmer, never really had true separation between work and play. They do what they love and work hard to live the life they want. Their work is not just a 9 to 5 job, they carry aspects of it into their lives 24/7 because they are truly passionate about it,” said Matheson
With a contented smile on her face, she stands in her salon that she painstakingly planned and created.
With the help of local designer Leigh Eccles, her own sweat equity, as well as that of fiancé Dustin O’Ferrall’s, and the expertise of carpenter Danny Stein, her vision has been realized.
The modern, classy look blends with natural country elements to make the space feel both cozy and trendy.
“We (Eccles) clicked right away and had the same concept in mind from the beginning and I let her roll with it,” said Matheson.
A resident of Vernon for seven years, she decided to purchase Pure-An Organic Salon last summer, around the corner from her new place, but she was not content for long to keep business as usual.
Seven months later she has closed the old location, opened up a larger space reflecting her own style, re-branded the business, hired another stylist and added full esthetics services to the salon.
“I like to have the ability to change or steer the direction of the business as well as the challenge of owning my own business and the high intensity,” said Matheson.
In her spare time, she is also an Aveda-certified colour educator and travels around B.C. training new stylists on how to use Aveda colour.
Joining her team is hair stylist Alicia Reid, esthetician Adeleen Mill, manager/receptionist Anita and receptionist Lorraine Albert.
“We are excited for more growth and more possibility,” said Matheson.
