Coming up Reid Street to the quaint little house where Anna’s Salon is located, you don’t at first expect the modern, bright and stylish space found in its basement.
Cheerfully welcoming you down the stairs is salon owner Anna Willson, proudly showing off her new space. Former clients will remember Anna’s Poplar Salon, which she operated for three years in the Redbluff area.
Willson moved to her current spot Dec. 1 and offers cuts, colours, and perms for men, women and children.
Willson and fiancé Bob Marsh chose the downtown location as part of a decision to downsize, and to “be greener, we don’t drive as much.”
Willson also likes the closeness she feels to other businesses.
“People pop in, I walk around and see other people,” she said.
“It makes me feel closer to the community.”
Clients will find the same excellent service, as well as an expanding line of products. Willson is planning to increase her inventory to include organic, natural products. Willson is also planning on getting more into makeup applications.
“I have very flexible hours by appointment” she said, adding she often works weekends and evenings to suit her clients’ needs.
Willson first opened her salon because of her own challenging schedule.
With raising a family and trying to accommodate hectic sports and academic commitments, she found it easiest to open her own business.
“I wanted to work around family time” she said.
And with a deep passion for styling, she didn’t want to give it up.
“I really like making people feel good about themselves,” she said.
“I enjoy giving people new looks, or updating their look.”
Another asset to working for herself is the individualized appointments she can make with each client.
“I never feel rushed,” Willson said.
“I really believe in a good consultation is the difference in a happy client and an unhappy one.”
Coming from the metropolitan lower Mainland, Willson grew up following the latest trends and styles and brings this knowledge and skill into her salon. She also continues to take classes, in Prince George and Vancouver’s cosmetology industry to stay on top of the latest fashions.
What’s in right now?
“Short hair is really trendy, especially looks that have evolved from the faux-hawk,” Willson said.
“Justin Bieber bangs are big, [which] have inspired women’s heavy bang.”
For colour, Willson said dark warm browns and richer shades are in, but spring is all about lightening up,
which she finds exciting.
Willson loves trying out the latest styles on clients, but is quick to say she is very versatile, welcoming clients of all ages and sorts – be it perms and roller sets for seniors or funky coloured ‘dos for teens.
“I have hair ADD and she rocks it
every time,” longtime client Jackie Maxwell said.
Anna’s Salon is located at 654 Reid. Call 250-991-2881 for an appointment.