A place where friendship blurs the lines between clients, stylists and coworkers – Outer Limits is thankful to the community of Quesnel for the 10 years it has been in business.
Owner and stylist Toni Knopp spoke about being here in Quesnel.
“It feels awesome,” Knopp said of the studio’s success.
“It’s very rewarding doing business in Quesnel.”
The studio is the oldest salon in Quesnel under the same name, opening in 1983.
Knopp started styling in 1985 and made the move to purchase Outer Limits Hair Studio a decade ago this month.
Since then, Knopp has moved it into it’s current big and bright facility. For five years, clients have been enjoying the more modern studio, known for its open space and natural light.
Outer Limits is a full service hair salon and also offers tanning, waxing, makeup, eyelash tinting and ear piercing.
Knopp says she feels grateful for having the opportunity to do what she loves for a living.
“I’m passionate about hair,” she said.
“It’s not a job... it’s effortless and satisfying.”
Part of what keeps Knopp so engaged is the nature of the trade and how it’s constantly changing.
“I go to educational workshops with Eufora every four months,” she said.
Eufora is the product brand Outer Limits carries and it happens to be all natural. Knopp feels good about using and endorsing Eufora products.
“They use a certified organic aloe vera gel base and are safe and healthy for people and the planet,” she said.
By attending Eufora training sessions, Knopp is continually learning and improving her skills. The furthest training session she’s attended so far is in California.
Outer Limits also goes through Eufora for their support of the non-profit Child Help organization for battered and abused children. They participate in various fundraisers throughout the year to contribute.
These have included hope candle sales, toonie tans, selling little paper hands and wearing denim to work day. In their best year, Outer Limits raised $900.
When asked why she continues to stay in business, Knopp states it’s for the people.
“I’ve gained great friendships with clients and staff over the years,” she said.
“I’ve been doing hair for 16 years and this salon has the best team spirit,” stylist Brandy Blum added.
“It makes a great atmosphere to come to work everyday and be a team.”
All the staff members echoed this sentiment.
“You make people happy and feel good,” longtime employee and stylist Herb Kelly said.
“You share a lot of stuff with clients.”
Receptionist, Kathy Canuel agreed saying emotional bonds are a big thing for her, but that it goes both ways.
“There are benefits of watching kids growing up, [doing hair for] grad and weddings, but there is heartbreak also – funerals and services,” she said.
Knopp wanted to emphasize how grateful she is to the community.
“I would like to thank the people that gave me the opportunity to be successful, Janice Duggan and my family.”
And advice for the younger generation who are thinking of getting in to the industry? Knopp encourages them to go for it.
“We need more young people,” she said.
“You can be anything from a dynamic platform owner to a salon owner. It’s condusive to lifestyles – if you have small children, you can do it.”
Outer Limits is located at 378 Vaughan Street, 250-992-9405.