Saturday, May 14, 2011

TEN




So here we are, a decade later.
When I opened the doors to my very own little beauty shop I was a mere 25 years old and had two babies under the age of three.

The year was 2001, and as most newly minted entrepreneurs, I had a vision, a truck load of creativity, and enough enthusiasm to take on the world…
…plus absolutely no idea what I was in for, which looking back was an unexpected benefit.

Now here I am. 2011. Ten years later, having weathered many storms and triumphed over the trials and tribulations of ten long winters in business.

This business has taught me more about people, leadership, and what success truly means than I could have ever hoped for. From the naivety that carried me through the initial years to the continual learning process and the wisdom that experience creates; it is truly more than I had ever bargained for. I have grown to have a deep sense of respect for the entrepreneurial spirit, and all those who follow its path

The “Good Ship” Hive has sailed through its fair share of rough seas, with many fantastic adventures along the way, and has arrived on the glorious, sunny horizon of today.

Within 10 years the journey has come full circle, and I can say whole heartedly that the salon I envisioned, the salon we have worked hard to make a cornerstone of Victoria life is today, the one I had always seen in my mind.
I suppose, like life itself, if you are willing to learn and open to growing, despite each curve ball thrown your way, you will become wiser, stronger and all together better as a result.
It us with great pride and honor that I invite you to celebrate this milestone with us. Hive is presently home to the best team of stylists I have ever worked with....I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Whatever changes may come our way in the future, this team has set itself miles ahead of ordinary, and you will go down in history as leaders in the industry.
It is with great esteem that I collect my memories and build our reputation as a salon.
It is an absolute joy and pleasure to arrive at work each day. The individual personalities and beauty that you all bring to the table make Hive not only a business concerned with making people beautiful, but you create a living, breathing, beautiful entity within itself. Thank you to all of the staff members who have contributed over the years, and to our current Hive family, with whom I share the excitement of this milestone.

The Hive Team:
Cristina
Leah
Shannon
Rachel
Don
Teneel
Bev
Lise
Petrina

And a huge thank you as well to all of the folks who have supported us over the years. Our sister from another mister… our brother from another mother… Our extended family:
Stephanie Hull- Centric photography
Brooke Semple-Seesaw design
Amber Larsen - design/photography
Claudia and Erin (Rebel Rebel/Bernstein & Gold)
Kylee Weber of Hemingway/Suasion
Cosmo and Leah Meens (entrepreneurs extraordinaire)
Josh Miller-Mole
Donna Dryer-Fish Salon
Marcy Ross-Morena Clothing
Karen Abbott-Bumble

Having an arsenal of fellow entrepreneurs to lend an ear and share support makes a world of difference. Thank you all for your wise words and inspiration over the years.

And lastly, but most importantly, a word to our clients:

Thank you for sharing your stories and your lives with us over these past ten years. I doubt that there is any other profession in the world that allows for such deep and personal bonds.
It is in this connection with all of you, and the satisfaction we get when we help you feel even more beautiful that makes this, our chosen career, such a success.

Yes, Ten years has given us a lot.
We have had the opportunity to work closely with Bumble and bumble which has opened the door to travel and further education, and a window into the greater world of style and beauty.
We have introduced the world of wig design to the Victoria salon community and have opened the door to the opportunity to showcase that in plays, fashion shows, exhibits and the Opera no less.
We have been featured both in digital media along with newspapers and magazines, and have most recently undertaken the appointment of editorial stylists for Y.A.M magazine (thanks guys!).
We have produced and been part of countless fashion shows. Ever, we are climbing towards the summit, and forging our name indelibly in the theatrical and editorial worlds.

And now, as this new chapter in our story is about to begin, Hive is perched on the edge of launch of our latest (and possibly greatest) conquest of the fashion and beauty world, stay tuned and be prepared to be amazed!


As a special commemoration of our 10th year birthday we are having two(2) exhibitions of our fashion photography, the first at Mole for the month of June and the second at Bean around the World starting July 11th.

AND IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH… JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE 10 FANTASTIC YEARS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 1st @ 7pm

SMITH’S PUBLIC HOUSE

Drink, Dining & DJs
Including;

Marcy Ross & Katie Pearl

Emily & Robyn from Tapa bar

Claudia & Erin from Bernstein and Rebel

Shannon Lake

Tommy LaCroix

VICTORIA: IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING TEN YEARS (THANK YOU) - WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE NEXT DECADE WILL BRING!