Changes Hair Studio is the only Aveda salon in Kamloops.
That's key because Aveda is the sought-after, 100% vegan, plant-and-flower-derived lineup of haircare, skincare, body care and makeup.
"I've been using Aveda products since I was 16," says Changes Hair Studio owner and stylist Alana Stewart.
"I don't like chemicals in my haircare, skincare, body care and makeup and neither do Changes' clients."
Plus, the Aveda manufacturing facility in Minneapolis has the cachet of being 100% wind-powered.
Aveda is just the start of Changes' commitment to quality and exceptional customer service.
"We are more than just a hair service," says Alana.
"Changes offers a unique experience with a customized personal consultation to determine your needs and wants so the client and the stylist are always on the same page."
Changes first opened in 2001, Alana joined in 2002 and she bought the salon from John and Leianne Anderson in 2011, so this year marks her 20th anniversary with Changes.
"I was young when I started here 20 years ago and I still feel youthful," says Alana with a laugh.
"I'm blessed to work with a great, strong team and to collaborate styles with clients. Changes is a high-energy and welcoming place that offers amazing service and products."
Alana is forever giving gratitude.
"I'm grateful we've been in business this long, especially with the most recent challenges with COVID," she says.
"We have strict COVID protocols and we're not a quick in-and-out salon, so we can really personalize the service. I'm also grateful to have such talented stylists and wonderful clients."
In fact, Alana calls the 10 stylists and three front-end staff at Changes her "family" and clients are part of the extended family.
"Manager Jennifer Akins has been here since Changes opened in 2001," points out Alana.
"We don't have a lot of turnover because we are like family."
A very functional family, by the way.
All stylists are trained and licensed and do constant educational upgrading and love working with clients to achieve the style they want.
Alana herself trained at Interior Academy in Kamloops and has attended numerous Aveda training sessions in Vancouver and Toronto.
