Salon Safari’s CatherinE Moore brings more than three decades experience to business
For Catherine Moore, the owner of Salon Safari, there’s one thing that separates her from other hair stylists in town.
“Education, without a doubt,” she said when asked while I was getting my hair cut on the weekend. “That’s where I’m different – I’ve got the education and I continue to get the education and advanced training that’s needed.”
Moore opened up Salon Safari & Academy on Campbell Avenue on Dec. 5 after moving to Revelstoke from Port Hardy in September after her husband got a job here.
She brings 31 years experience to her business, having got her start as a shampoo girl at a salon in her hometown of Westmount, Nova Scotia, when she was 16, she said. She assisted for a few years, worked as a barber and then went to school. She said she has trained with leading stylists such as Michael O’Roarke and Oscar Bond. About 20 years ago she moved out west to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and opened up Salon Safari.
Moore sports a short hair cut with a bit of purple at the front. It’s one of dozens of hairstyles she’s tried out over the year – hair down to her bum, shoulder-length, isometric, inverted bob and even hairless, she said.
“I’ve had just about every hair style you can think of,” she said. “I just like to be different and I think it’s a way people can individualize themselves is through their hair.”
She said her specialty is colour and colour placement. “I love being able to be creative, especially with colour.”
Another thing that sets Moore apart is that she is a certified instructor and can offer cosmotology courses through the college. That’s where the academy side of the business comes in. While right now her focus is on getting the salon started up, eventually she plans on bringing in students as well.
“They learn everything,” she said. “They learn about the hair, the makeup of the hair, the anatomy of the hair and the body. They learn how to do facials, pedicures, manicures, nail extensions, colour placement, perms, how to build a business, proper etiquette, hygiene – they learn it all.”
Salon Safari’s website lists all the services Moore offers, including hair cuts, beard trimming, braids, corn rows, colouring, hair toning, perms, wraps, pedicures, waxing, nail extensions, eyebrow shaping and more.
The set up of the salon is fairly basic. There are three chairs available located along the side wall. A few chairs are set up for comfort while waiting and a large window looks out onto Campbell Avenue.
Moore designed the layout herself (she once took a course in residential building construction and design) and put the space together in a matter of weeks with help from her family.
She is joined at the salon by local stylist Helen Brum. The two of them will be doing the hair and makeup for the Sound of Music production.
Salon Safari is located at 202 Campbell Avenue. It is open daily except Sunday. Visit www.salonsafariandacademy.com for more information.