A year ago, Franz David and Tyler Moore were both working at hip Queen West hair salon
Coupe Bizarre, where they'd been for some time. Both were looking to grow as businesspeople, but Moore says that when they found a location on booming Ossington Avenue, they knew the time had come to launch their own business and
Parlour Salon was born.
They opened amidst a recession many feared would be fierce and long-lasting, but Moore says he'd done research suggesting that "booze and beauty" were relatively immune to the ups and downs of the business cycle. "We were prepared for the worst, but we expected a bit better," he says.
One year later, it appears his optimism was well-founded. Parlour has quadrupled its revenue since its opening month, Moore reports, and has grown from a starting staff of five to employ 11. "No wait, we just hired someone today," he says on the phone on May 21, "we have 12 staff now."
The salon counts celebrities such as Adam Lambert and Keisha Chante as clients, but Moore says that in addition to having glamour as an attraction, value pricing (about $60 for men or women for a basic cut with washing and styling), good customer service and a commitment to their community have built their business. Moore points out that they use environmentally friendly products and refill product package, and that they are active members of the local business community.
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Tyler Moore, co-founder, Parlour Salon
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