Valerie Tiu
Hennessey Salon + Spa has been a leader in the local beauty industry for 60 years, and a staple in the community since it was one of the very first retailers to open its doors at Oakridge Centre. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kody Hennessey, the Salon + Spa’s very own Brand Development Leader.
VT: What makes Hennessey unique from other salons and spas?
KH: The uniqueness is really in the location. There really are no other salon and spa businesses in malls that are predominantly hair-based. The company culture is unique. We are all for education! We have an advanced training program, which attracts top stylists from around the world. We also have a very close-knit staff. We have about 300 employees that are team-oriented. There is a community feeling in [our] culture.
VT: The Hennessey mantra is: “Restore. Renew. Revive.” What does this mean to you?
KH: Essentially, my dad’s major passion has always been people. If people [feel like] they don’t look good, then there is a chance that they don’t feel good. So my dad thought that a solution to that would be [providing] excellent hair and aesthetics. It’s about beauty in the end; elevating the beauty of people, and helping them feel better. “Restore. Renew. Revive.” is all about restoring the beauty in people – that’s the underlying thought process of our company.
VT: Name the top essential products for men and women.
KH: Essentials for haircare…100 percent: Kerastase! The effect of this on your hair is about two times the effect of regular shampoos. It really increases the health of your hair! For skincare, Dermalogica has an incredible portfolio of products. It is so safe that any skin type can use it. Also, Jane Iredale has the best makeup line in the world! It is entirely safe, has no negative impact on your skin and is well known among makeup artists.
All this talk of primping and priming definitely sparked a craving for some personal relaxation time. Luckily, I was treated to some of the many services that Hennessey Salon + Spa at Oakridge Centre has to offer. As soon as I walked into the spa, I immediately sensed that friendly, community-oriented atmosphere that Kody spoke of. Unlike many other salons that I’ve been to, the staff was all smiles.
My lovely esthetician, Ilona, treated me to a very relaxing manicure and it was the first time that I had received some words of nail-care wisdom along with my manicure. With nearly ten years of aesthetic experience under her belt, Miss Ilona made me feel very much at ease. I will definitely be going back to her for touch-ups.
An introduction to the Hennessey facilities at Oakridge left me craving more. I returned a few days later to check out the hair services. One of my favourite parts of this experience was the amazing hair treatment – complete with a heavenly scalp massage. The product left my hair smelling great. Hoong not only proved to be an excellent hairstylist, but also a friendly companion. We spoke about family, friends, boys and the biz.
Hennessey Salon + Spa gave me some much needed relaxation time. Check out their Glamour Event this Wednesday, July 29th from 1pm to 9pm at Oakridge Centre!
July 31, 2009, 9:43 am