Throwback Thursday: Wanda’s Beauty Salon
This is our Mother hanging outside her salon with one of her Stylist.
She is sitting on a mustang - my Mother and Father both had one in the 70′s.
Yes our parents were very Hollywood. xo
The Rock
Good morning ladies.
Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway through the work week.
Dwayne Douglas Johnson aka “The Rock” – former football player, WWE star and now actor.
Canadian connection: He played for the Calgary Stampeders.
Wanted: Experienced Stylist
Guess who is hiring?
This is perfect timing – we gotta show the West End some love too.
The sister salon of Texture Hair Salon – Texture Hair Boutique is looking for an experienced Stylist to join their team.
Check out their Facebook page and the bios on the website to learn a little more about the boutique and their staff.
A few months ago we featured one of their Stylist – Luigi Cava – you can read his interview here: Man of the West: Luigi Cava.
Road to Trend Vision: Picture Perfect
I’ve always loved looking at pictures of hairstyles. Growing up, I remember flipping through the pages of Modern Salon magazine. The pictures featured were perfect – not one hair out of place.
With the Trend Visions Awards – each year I am amazed by the beautiful creations of haute couture hair art. The Stylists who enter this competition have immense talent and are incredibly creative.
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I have some of my favorite hair pictures hanging up on the walls of my powder room. To me they are just as beautiful as any painting hanging in a gallery.
So when I got the opportunity to watch the making of a Trend Vision entry from beginning to end with the Texture team – I jumped at the chance.
What a great experience to be behind the scenes with some amazing Stylists – it’s great to see people with passion.
I got to talk to some of the hair models – some were veterans others were first timers. They came from all backgrounds – student, lawyer, waitress to name a few – and all different ages. But, they did have one thing in common – they gave carte blanche to their Stylists.
“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”
― Mattie J.T. Stepanek
What made the biggest impression on me was the teamwork and the encouragement this team gave each other. It was nice to see. Everyone from the salon was helping out – it was really a team effort.
So much work goes into these entries – I really had no idea of all the steps involved.
Day 1: Bleach the hair out and the cut.
Some may have found this boring but I loved it. This was the base for the look. This made what I saw the next day even more amazing.
I watched the Stylists cut their models hair – I just love the sound of scissors cutting hair – it reminds me of my Mother.
I got to talk to some of the models and get to know them a little bit. So many interesting stories. Lindsay Gordon is a gem!
Day 2: Color, make up, wardrobe and photo shoot.
When I got to the salon it was a little crazy – there was so much going on. But, it was well organized chaos – all thanks to Courtney, Salon Manager. She was doing 100 things but kept everything flowing.
The music was going, the photographer was set up, then there was all the sounds and smells of the salon you could imagine.
It was amazing to see how the skeletons of each look were transformed with the application of color and texture.
Once the makeup was on you could see the looks come to life even more.
The wardrobe selections and fittings were fascinating to watch. FYI – what I learned that day is that there is more then one way to wear a trench coat. This was the final piece of the puzzle in helping each Stylist interpret their vision of the trend they had chosen.
The last step was the photo shoot. There are so many things to think of – angels of the body and the head, the expression of the models face, lightening, background – the list goes on. Then there was the big task of choosing a picture.
Now I have trouble deciding what to eat at a restaurant. I cannot imagine having to choose a picture that has so much riding on it. But it was great to see how the team supported each other – as they huddled around the laptop giving their feedback. It’s easier to make big decisions when you are not alone.
A special thanks to Texture Hair Salon for letting me be a part of some hair magic – I loved every minute of it!
Hair art there is nothing else like it.
Stylist: Suzanne Pack
Stylist: Chelsea Mann
Stylist: Josee Jacques
Stylist: Natalie Thompson
Stylist: Ramsey Sayah
Stylist: Karla Fredeen
Stylist: Marie-Line Rangel Perez
In all, five Stylist from Texture Hair Salon were named as Finalist in the North American Trend Vision Awards competition and will compete live in LA on July 20, 2014. Good luck ladies!
Music loves fashion: J-Lo Goin’ In feat. Flo Rida
Love J-Lo’s music videos – hair, music, fashion, makeup, shoes, dancing and a shirtless Flo Rida doesn’t hurt either.
The video was directed by Ace Norton and styled by Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn.
Look One: Norma Kamali hot pink hooded cape and lycra bodysuit.
Look Two: Norma Kamali top and leggings from Blumarine Autumn/Winter 2012 collection.
Look Three: Ashton Michael neon hoodie, Versace top and custom blinged out harem pants. Blinged out sneakers by none other than Giuseppe Zanotti.
It’s time to App it up
If you Google the word “app” it’s defined as a self-contained program or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose; an application, especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile device.
I like apps because they are a one stop shop for a business – you have everything right at your finger tips. It’s quick, easy and convenient. If they are done right – they can enhance existing customers relationships and help gain new ones.
Website: www. meerkatmarketing.ca
Facebook: MeerkatMG
Twitter: @meerkatmrktng
Instagram: meerkatmrktng
#theKat
People spend more time on their mobile devices than ever. You literally can do anything from your phone – it is becoming the most popular form of digital interaction. What are some conveniences that apps offer?
A mobile app means business. As a business it can help you increase revenues by allowing convenience to the user to purchase products directly on an app, order services or offer coupons and exclusive promotions. Apps can also allow you to reach new customers and be discovered on the various marketplaces. It allows customers to click to call, map your location, or share your business with one touch. It allows businesses to engage users anytime, anywhere with real time content such as photos, social feeds, videos and more. It can allow businesses to collect feedback and information about their customers. Mobile apps can have the convenience of mobilizing loyalty cards etc.
What are some key things that should be considered when developing a mobile app?
When developing an app you should consider who your customers are and how they engage with you. This will allow you to build an app that will effectively reach your customers and deliver an app that they will actually use.
Typically how long does it take to develop and launch a mobile app?
It depends what the client is looking for and how complex it needs to be.
I downloaded the app you developed for Texture Hair Salon and it has all the social media sites on one spot: Website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Everything is right there at your fingertips. I love the live album feature. I tested it out and it was so easy to use. It literally took seconds for me to upload a picture. The live album is a great way to display the Stylist’s work and it also allows clients to get some hair inspiration if they are looking for a new cut, style or color. How can apps increase visibility and improve customer service for businesses?
The Texture Hair Salon app has been a huge success. There have been over 500 downloads in the first month of launching it. The app allows clients access to engage with the salon. Either by mobile appointment bookings, uploading your own photos, or staying connected socially – Texture has the ability to access clients at their fingertips and vice versa. It allows for easier communication between the business and clients which enhances the customer experience.
Beauty at your finger tips!
Here are some screen shots of the Texture Hair Salon app ‘LiveAlbum’ feature. It’s so cool and super easy to use – it literally took less than a minute to upload a picture. This is a great way to show off your hair style, see other Stylist work and spread some hair love.
I also like that all the social media sites are all in one place Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – I can see all the news feeds with a swipe of my finger.
Black and White: Michael Kors
If I could afford it, my entire wardrobe would be Michael Kors.
For now posting pictures of my favourite 2014 ‘Michael’ pieces will have to do…
Striped Front-Zip A-Line Dress
Strapless Jersey Jumpsuit
Grommet-Trim Fitted Dress
Striped Solid-Band Dress
