Entrepreneur opens spa that reflects First Nations culture
- Merelda Fiddler | March 13, 2017
Professional grade hair dryers line one wall, another is home to a bank of hair sinks, fresh drywall tape notes recent changes to the space, paint cans are stacked in the corner, and salon furniture is covered with plastic drop clothes in the middle of the room. It may not look like it at the moment, but in the middle of the chaos is a vision about to be born.
That vision is now a reality for owner, Jennifer Dubois.
“It’s been with me for a while,” says Dubois as she smiles the knowing of smile an entrepreneur about to reach her goal. “I’ve always wanted to be a business owner.”
Miyosiwin Salon Spa has now opened to the public. Miyosiwin is a Cree word that means beauty. It also guides the philosophy of the burgeoning business itself.
Dubois is a professionally trained stylist and has worked as a hairdresser for years. But after working in the industry, she knew she wanted more. So she went back to school to take business classes.
“I enrolled at the First Nations University of Canada,” says Dubois. “And it’s an amazing school, I love that place and that’s where I developed the concept. All of our projects in school had to revolve around First Nation communities. So, when we were doing our projects that’s what I would focus on.”
While there, Dubois realized that there was a real gap in the hair industry, one she was uniquely qualified to fill.
Throughout her studies, Dubois also continued to keep her hairdressing skills sharp. She worked out of her home, doing hair in her free time. This allowed her to maintain and build her client base while she studied.
“The majority of my clients are First Nations clients,” says Dubois. “So I wanted to bring the concept of catering the services I provide to First Nation clients and to the culture, following the protocol and tradition of our First Nation culture.”
First Nation clients seek her out, because they trust her and know she understands the sacredness of hair. For instance, some clients may only cut their hair on a full moon and want to be able to take their hair with them. This is just one of the services she offers.
Dubois also wants to create a salon where other First Nations stylists can learn.
“I wanted to offer those jobs to those First Nations stylists, where they can come in and learn their culture,” explains Dubois. “Because I didn’t know my culture until I met my husband and his family.”
Dubois says helping others make that connection to their culture is something she really wants to do in her salon. She also wants it to be a place where other non-First Nation stylists and clients can learn and feel welcome. For Dubois, everyone can benefit from these services.
“We understand the sacredness of hair, and we only want to offer good quality products for your hair and your bodies,” says Dubois.
After more than 10 years, Dubois says her vision is finally taking shape. It’s not without some sacrifice. She left a full-time job to pursue her passion.
“Taking that risk is very scary,” says Dubois. “But I just think back to my classes at FNUniv, you can only be an entrepreneur if you do what you say you’re going to do. Actions speak louder than words.”
And so, as Dubois says, she’s ready for it.
The Miyosiwin Salon Spa celebrated with a grand opening on February 28th. The spa is located in downtown Regina, at 1751 Broad Street.