I spent yesterday afternoon out in Fort Langley, visiting my buddies at i.d. Salon and getting my mane maintained by my dear friend and stylist, Gary. This particular salon is more than just where I go to get my hair done; it’s a very significant part of my past. I helped the two owners Gary and Beeuwke open i.d. years ago, and spent my early twenties co-ordinating and managing the daily operations of this art gallery style and cutting edge shop, nestled in a quaint and historic little town. It’s a company that I put my blood, sweat and tears into and I am so proud of what it has become.

The best part about i.d Salon, in my opinion, is that the atmosphere is very personalized. Whenever I walk in, I am greeted by the friendly and familiar faces of the staff, as well as the clients. The hardest part about leaving that job (and likely what kept me there for so long); besides the dynamic crew I got to work with, was the incredible clients who are so loyal and kind. When somebody comes in every four, six, or eight weeks for years and years, you get to know them pretty well. I certainly miss getting to hear about the lives of all of those people who I came to love so much. I adore coming back to the neighbourhood and the shop, bumping into old clients and having a chance to catch up. We’ve been a part of their special days such as graduations and weddings, we’ve watched their children grow up and been there at the best of times, as well as the worst of times.

Gary and I were laughing yesterday about all of the looks that I have had over the years. You could say that I took advantage of being in a position to get my hair done all the time. We had so much fun experimenting, trying different colours and styles, whipping my mane into something completely different every so often. Whether it was a fun updo for a Friday night out, getting Lisa to set the mane or Jenna’s perfect “Britney hair” look for a hot date, there was never a shortage of new things to try out and I was always a happy hair model. There was also the labour intensive first set of “mermaid hair” extensions that Beeuwke spent hours working on and then subsequent extension applications thereafter. A favourite memory was the day when some of the girls dared me to dye my locks black. I was platinum blonde at the time, and so this was quite a change. Of course I went for it, and the look on my mother’s face when I walked in the door that night was priceless. The next few weeks, I was virtually undercover as a brunette and it was so much fun! Many of these old looks are showcased on the wall in the salon’s back room, which features past ad campaigns that have run in the local papers over the years.

I look back on my years at the salon so fondly. I gained oodles of experience and confidence. I travelled to New York for the first time to attend a Business Immersion course at the industry esteemed Bb University. I learned to do colour and foils, became an expert shampoo and head massage queen; and most importantly, I made lasting friendships. It’s like a family. I think that the clients feel that way too; it’s a truly remarkable and unique environment. Plus the hair stylists seriously rock at what they do.

I wrote the salon’s mission statement on our trip to New York and they still use it today. I kind of like that there’s a little part of me still represented there by this:

ID SALON aspires to create a culture that is rich in diversity, inspiration and evolution. We will provide each guest with the highest quality service. We strive to cultivate strong relationships with our clients in a unique and personalized salon atmosphere. Our talented and passionate stylists are committed to continuous advanced education. We have chosen to work alongside a product company that shares our innovative vision. Trends change, individuality is eternal.

i.d. Salon is a Bumble and bumble Network salon, and specializes in Great Lengths human hair extensions, colour and foil highlights, styling and precision cutting. They also feature an adorable and uber talented makeup artist named Megyn. So, if you are out in the valley and want a new look, or need to pick up some fantastic products, check out i.d.

Photos by Revival Arts Studio courtesy of idsalon.ca