Tribe: Kelli Chan — Hair Poetic

Kelli is a warmhearted and kind lady with loads of talent. You know that the moment you see her smile that you are going to love her. She is a very dynamic speaker and a very smart individual who decided to use her brains for the fashion industry. Kelli's salon, SweetStyling Space is nestled in the heart of Vancouver and always busy. You can find a sporty yellow motorcycle sitting out in front of her salon and if you see that, chances are you will find Kelli nearby! Living in Vancouver, there are bigger expectations than just good hair. Her guests love them for being a sustainable, cruelty-free salon that makes them feel and look amazing.

I caught up with Kelli to ask her a few questions. Tribe is about inspiration from other stylists and to see that other talented stylists have a lot in common with you. We all have to balance life and work. It can be done... to see and hear that other people can do it too, helps to keep us on track. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Ladies and Gentlemen the wonderful Kelli Chan.

HP: How long have you been doing hair for?

Kelli: I've been a professional hair stylist for 13 years. Before that, I was a makeup artist with M.A.C supporting my way through Pharmacy school. I never did finish that University program as I was always too distracted by the fashion industry. Truthfully, I was more keen on fixing Mrs. Jones’ hair cut and colour than on counselling her about how to take her medication when working at Shoppers Drug Mart! I’ve always known that I was passionate about making people feel great through their personal image, so I decided to start hair training at the age of 30 to broaden my skill set. Entering the hair world was the best career decision I have ever made.

HP: What made you want to open up a salon?

Kelli: I was excited to open my own salon because I have always wanted to offer my clients a warm, friendly styling space, and I wanted to create my own ideal work environment. Since most of my clients are friends, and friends become clients, I wanted to invite them to be guests as if at my own home. SweetStyling Space is a cozy boutique salon with 3 chairs, one wash basin, and a whole lot of positive energy! We welcome the whole family including babies and dogs, and we are proud to be wheelchair accessible. In fact, Melissa and I provide mobile hair and makeup styling if our clients cannot make it to us. I only carry KEVIN.MURPHY hair products, use COLOR.ME, and have partnered with Green Circle Recycling to provide our guests with the most eco-friendly and health-conscious services possible.

HP: What are some of the pros and cons of owning your own salon?

Kelli: The greatest advantage to owning a salon is the ability to create my own work schedule and environment. This includes the ability to attend more advanced hair training, as well as the work flexibility to become an educator with KEVIN.MURPHY, an inspiring hair company that shares the same values as I do. I feel eternally grateful for what I have, and I believe in supporting the community, local charities, and the hair industry by continually being involved in local events and fundraisers whenever possible. Since the salon opened in July 2013, we have been involved in annual hair/makeup fundraisers for the Cinderella Project, Vancouver AIDS Walk, British Columbia Children’s Hospital and for WAVAW, a domestic abuse crisis centre. Owning a salon is an amazing way for me to contribute to charities that I would otherwise not have the resources to help out.

The disadvantage to owning a salon is the extra physical and mental work load that is required, and sometimes, challenging moments happen at the most inopportune times! I like to think that stress and tough moments build resilience, and that nothing great was ever achieved without effort. So yes, I’ve sucked it up, Buttercup! I am eternally grateful for my amazing family, friends and colleagues who relentlessly support and love me through the toughest of times. As a salon owner, I truly believe that my life and career become more enmeshed and I am always striving for the ideal balance.

HP: How do you find your balance between work life and family life?

Kelli: Thank heavens for my amazing network of friends and family who help me with my 7 year old son’s care. Sebastien is my greatest priority in life, and he has learned to be extremely adaptable with my nutty work schedule (bless him!). It truly takes a village to raise a child, so I also enjoy creating beautiful hair for those sweet people when they help me out. Child care in exchange for beautiful hair is the BOMB. I don’t know if it’s possible to truly be balanced and not feel the scale tip one way or another, but the ability to live a dynamic, ever-changing life and career is strangely rewarding for both Sebastien and me. I feel that I thrive in the struggle as much as in the rewards when attempting to balance my personal and professional life. Life is truly never boring for an independent Mom/stylist/salon owner!

Thank you so much Kelli for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to HairPoetic!