The Summit Social | Issue Four
Photos / Ayo Erinle @lordski
Salon / Dollhouse Hair @dollhouseyeg
Stylists / @rustyscissors @hair.byhali @willowemilyyeg @klarissastylist @lois.hairyeg @shelliibean
Barbershop / Barber Blonde @barberblonde
Barbers / @barber.cide @chillbarber @booboothebarber @thai_barber
Hairstyling is all about creativity, individuality and self-expression. Each of these components play a large role not only in the art of hairdressing, but in the composition of the salon itself. Walking into Dollhouse Hair Boutique in Edmonton, is both experiential and visually inspiring based on aesthetics alone. The entire interior gives off 90’s grunge and Vivienne Westwood vibes, with accents of punk, new romantic and vintage flair. As you make your way through the space, taking it all in, there is strong visual contrast towards the back of the salon; there you’ll find a graffiti filled Barber Shop with splashes of colourful artwork layering the walls. Upon first glance, Barber Blonde could be mistaken for a modern punk style tattoo parlour.
Christina having worked as a stylist for many years, opened Dollhouse in 2012 channelling her lifelong passion for hair. "I wanted things to be super warm and inviting," she shared about her eclectic style, explaining how she refers to the salon as a "girly man cave." Tim, Christina’s husband, who was bartending at the time, ended up falling in love with the industry and the salon business. After putting all of his energy into barbering and combining various courses with self-directed learning, he opened Barber Blonde by mid-2013. "Think trophy room or weird back alley… if my personality were to throw up in a room," Tim said describing his inspiration for Barber Blonde, "when it came to design, I wanted warm, busy and interesting vibes. There’s lots of different paintings and weird taxidermy pieces. I’m always hunting for new stuff."
Today there are 7 stylists and 10 working chairs on the salon side, with 5 barbers in the shop. With the addition of 2 adorable shop dogs, and 1 salon coordinator, Christina and Tim describe their team dynamic as one big happy family, "there’s a lot of banter back and forth, we joke around a lot," they shared.
With their rebellious, cool kid style and nonchalant personalities, the power couples’ easy going nature and confident vibes are magnetic.
As salon owners, we have the opportunity to create unique spaces that inspire our teams and preserve the integrity of the industry. Clients leave the salon experience feeling pampered and refreshed; putting genuine smiles on faces is such an empowering aspect to the culture of hairdressing. Read on to find out more about Christina + Tim. - X
Q & A
with CHRISTINA YUN
What products did you use to style your hair for the shoot?
My go-to product for everything is the Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield. I also used a few drops of the Oribe Hydration & Anti-Pollution Booster and finished with the AirStyle Flexible Finish Cream.
Favourite cuts/styles?
Leaving as much length as possible. I love long hair!
What do you love most about the industry?
Learning! There is so much that I still don’t know. There are so many different specialties you can learn about: chemical services, various extension and wig services, and self-development; learning more about yourself and how to lead people.
What are the best and worst beauty trends you have ever tried?
Best: Platinum Blonde!! Worst: Nothing… I love trying out new styles!
Where does your hair inspiration come from?
Definitely from taking classes from stylists around the globe! I find inspiration and learn something new from everyone I meet.
Who would be your ultimate hair model?
JLo.
Favourite shoes to stand all day in?
Adidas x Stella McCartney and anything from SoftMoc! Keepin´ it comfy!
Dead or Alive- who would you want to collaborate with?
Stella McCartney
When you’re not at work, where would we most likely run into you?
Costco.
Where is the last place you travelled to? How was the trip?
Asia (Vietnam/Hong Kong). It was amazing to see different landscapes and how people live!
Dream vacation?
Safari.
What makes you laugh the most?
My awesome staff, they are hilarious!!!
What is your star sign?
Aquarius.
Coffee order?
Starbucks Venti Caffe Latte with Almond milk.
Soft or hard taco?
Soft.
Do you have any pet peeves?
When people don’t clean up after themselves.
What is your worst habit?
Overworking.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
"You can’t change people."
Name a movie title that best describes your life.
Legally Blonde. Elle Woods is a BOSS.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Hardworking. Inquisitive. Passionate.
Where are you originally from?
Edmonton.
What are your favourite parts about the city? (Fave drink locations, restaurants, hangout spots etc).
My go-to when I want to treat myself is Continental Treat Fine Bistro. I also love going to The Bower, Bar Clementine for cocktails, or just spending time at my friend´s homes.
“On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest and 1 being the lowest, my cooking skills would be a 1…but it’s a 10 when I order through Uber Eats or Skip the Dishes.”
What are the best and worst purchases you’ve ever made?
Best: my house! Worst: none – my only regret is not buying what I love.
Tell us three facts about you?
I have two adorable huskies named Creasy and Shoshanna. I’m obsessed with Joe Fresh. Starbucks is my guilty pleasure.
What is the dumbest way you’ve been injured?
I play it safe, no injuries.
Which task or chore is least favorite?
Doing the dishes!
How many days could you last in solitary confinement?
A long time. I love alone time.
How many pairs of shoes do you currently own?
30.
How many tattoos do you have?
5.
Pick one, texting or phone call?
Texting.
Pick one, summer or winter?
Winter.
What app do you use most?
Candy Crush Soda.
What piece of technology can you not live without?
My phone, because of Candy Crush!
What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?
Pastries.
What is something that scares you that you would never ever try?
Skydiving.
What is the first thing you do when you get home?
Take off my bra.
What is the one item you can’t leave home without?
Wallet.
What is your strongest sense
Smell.
If you had to give up one of your senses, which would it be?
Taste. Then I wouldn’t eat so much!
Which came first the chicken or the egg?
The chicken.
Would you rather always be overdressed or always be underdressed?
Overdressed.
Would you rather be a genius or be wealthy?
Genius.
Would you rather have a live-in-massage therapist or a live-in chef?
Chef.
Would you rather have to change your clothes five times a day or wear the same outfit five times in a row?
Change!
Would you rather have an American accent or a British accent?
British.
Would you rather live in a place where it’s always raining or a place where the sun never goes down?
Raining.
Would you rather walk funny or talk funny?
Walk funny. - CY
Q & A
with Tim
Getting your day started can be a big feat. What track gets you going?
Up & Down by Riton & Kah-lo (Art Supplies Edit).
Favourite shoes to stand all day in?
Y-3 or any Adidas boost sole.
Where is the last place you travelled to? How was the trip?
Hong Kong. Loved it - had the sickest restaurants - you could eat Korean, Italian, traditional Chinese, or hipster Japanese. So multicultural and not crazy expensive.
What was your inspiration for your salon name and aesthetic?
Christina thought of the name, I loved it and thought it was perfect. When it came to design, I wanted warm, busy and interesting vibes. I’m not a fan of cold, minimalist paces. They make me feel like I’m in a museum. I like mixing dark traditional heavy wood, or steel with bright colour. I like lots of different paintings or pictures and weird taxidermy pieces. I’m always hunting for new stuff.
“I like mixing dark traditional heavy wood, or steel with bright colour. I like lots of different paintings or pictures and weird taxidermy pieces. I’m always hunting for new stuff.”
What do you love most about the industry?
I like to work with my hands, I love to work with sharp tools, I love fashion, wearing nice clothes, and listening to music all day. I don’t like working outside and I like to bullshit all day, so cutting hair is perfect for me. Plus, nothing is better than giving someone the sickest haircut they have ever had. I like seeing how happy they are when their face lights up, because they never knew their hair could look so good.
Tell us something about yourself that you’d like people to know, once they meet you?
If you want to have a conversation with me, talk to me about Game of Thrones, Tarantino movies, or hockey; then you won’t shut me up. If I overhear you talking about it, I’ll probably jump into your conversation.
What are the best and worst beauty trends you have ever tried?
I had a rat tail and steps in elementary school.
What makes you laugh the most?
Seinfeld.
Dead or alive- who would you want to collaborate with?
If we are talking about hair: Andrew Does Hair, Julius Caesar, Josh Lamonaca, Vidal Sassoon, Jonathan Corby, or Johnny Othona from Allilon. If we are generally speaking: I’d travel with Anthony Bourdain, eat with David Chang or paint with David Choe.
What are some of your signature cuts/styles?
Anything that will make whoever is sitting in my chair happy.
What product/styling tools did you use to style your hair for the shoot?
I used V76 and R+Co.
When you’re not at work, where would we most likely run into you?
I’m either at work or the gym.
What is your worst habit?
One thing I’m trying hard to do is complain less.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
"Do what makes you happy".
Let’s talk about Edmonton!!! What are your favourite parts about the city?
Food! Vietnamese food at Pagolac, fondue wraps, Pho at Pho Anh Vietnamese Cuisine, or Pho Hoan Pasteur. Burgers from Continental Treat Fine Bistro, The Burger’s Priest, steak from The Keg, or The Bower if going out. - Tim
LORALIE
MALM
LOCAL INSIDER
@loralie3867
What is your star sign
Virgo
Favourite food and beverage choice?
Beef jerky and coffee, can’t imagine life without either!
If you were a rapper, what would your stage name be?
Had to reach out to my loved ones on this one... apparently I would be "Lil’ Roar".
What did you do prior to becoming a sales consultant with Summit?
Prior to coming to Summit, I spent 16 years behind the chair. This included a barbershop, full-service salon and chair rental. The majority of my years in-salon were spent in management roles as a service and retail manager. I also worked as a multi unit district manager. 2019 marks my 20th year in the industry... wow, does that make me feel old!
Favourite part about coming to work each day?
I love when I get to see the excitement in stylists and salon owners as they set goals for their future. I love being a part of helping them to achieve greatness and reach their full potential.
Tell us about your daily beauty routine.
I am in love with Quannessence and Mirabella for my skincare. I can’t begin to list all of the products I use because the list is way too long haha. As for haircare...What don’t i have?! Right now my go-to products are Living Proof Dry Shampoo and Instant De-Frizzer. Oh and anything Redken Extreme!
What is your spirit animal?
Eagle. - LM
AYO
ERINLE
PHOTOGRAPHER
@lordski
How did you get into photography?
My passion for making people feel good about themselves, I’ve noticed this is a major thing that lot of people struggle with. It makes me really happy when people see themselves in my photographs & genuinely feel good... It’s more about how they feel about the pictures than how they look in them!
As a creative, where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere! I could be listening to a song and then visualize a person portraying the mood of the song in a photograph.
What piece of advice would you give to a hair stylist looking to take great client photos and enhance their aesthetic on the gram?
I would advise them to stand out – I see a lot of Instagram pages that look the same. Lots of people want to fit in with the norm, but a little change won’t hurt nobody, and who doesn’t love standing out?! I would also recommend investing in a great camera body and lens. - AE
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