From a young age Carrie Edwards always knew being a hairstylist was her passion. Living in Drayton as a child she grew up spending a fair bit of time in a hair salon owned by a friend’s mother, as well as learning some basics from her own mother who had a brief career in the hair industry. Edwards’ interest in hair and design grew from there, to getting her first “creative” clipper cut, trimming and styling friends’ and family members’ hair at the kitchen table with household scissors and arranging up “dos” for fellow Grade 8 graduates.
Edwards became a licensed stylist six years ago while living in Waterloo and gained valuable experience in all aspects of the hair industry while working in a children’s salon, barber shop, managing a franchise salon and working in a high-end salon and spa. Eventually it lead her to the decision to relocate to the small town where her dreams began, which brought her to opening HairStyles located at 54 Dales Dr. in Drayton.
The salon was built by Edwards and her boyfriend, who had come across some old barn board which they decided would be the basis for the country design of the salon.
HairStyles offers the full services that larger salons and spas in the cities provide, including permanent waving, creative coloring, barbering, professional cut and styles, but with the convenience of being in town, with more affordable pricing.
“Bringing home professional products and services without high-end salon pricing,” is Edwards’ motto. She also offers bridal packages and children’s cuts.
Being a home-based salon means that hours include evenings and weekends, accommodating everyone including commuters who don’t always have time for hair appointments. But Edwards is ready and willing to make the time for her clients.
She is always continuing to come up with new ideas and isn’t limiting herself to one specific method, although she still enjoys the more traditional barbering and cutting. There isn’t much she hasn’t tried with hair; experimenting in hair extensions, feather extensions, and chemical hair straightening, and if there is something new she has heard about she won’t hesitate to try it herself. It’s not just about keeping up to date on styles, but also about the creativity as well.
“It’s like an art and it’s fun,” she says.
Edwards is committed to her community as well, having volunteered in the Teal Streaks for Cancer and she takes donations of hair for Angel Cuts for Kids, an organization that makes wigs for children with cancer.
Her client base includes return customers and it continues to grow through advertising and meeting new residents within the community and reconnecting with childhood friends and their families. Edwards hopes to continue to build and grow and one day own a larger salon that would include more of her ideas and dreams. So the when it’s time to trim those tresses or if you’re considering a new “do” give Edwards a call at 519-638-0687.
