In Focus | Erin Moore

Meet Erin Moore! Erin started her own hair salon business at the age of 21 and hopes to

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am originally from a rural BC town called Whonnock. My family has resided in Kelowna for many years, so my summers and winters were always spent in this beautiful city. Two years ago I decided to split my time between Kelowna and Vancouver where my is Salon Group Salons are based, as well as in LA where I work as an international educator for Bellami.com

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My management team. They help me run and build my company. We spend so many hours working together, we've become family.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I don't have a favourite store (there are so many great ones!), but I do have a favourite local artist www.terrymooreartist.com. I love gifting friends and family custom paintings of their pets and family members.

Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Back to South Africa to visit the school that our charity, The Hair Cares Foundation started. (www.thehaircaresfoundation.org).

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Cliche I know, but ANYTHING on the water

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Haha, no comment. It's endless.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Building and operating a salon at 21 years old, I was able to watch so many people grow with the is. Salon Group. We grew from one location to three. We started an international charity. We trained and developed so many talented people. It's been inspiring to get to work alongside so many creative, motivated people.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Riding my bike along the lake with my grandparents, early in the morning before the sun was up. Then jumping in the lake to cool off before breakfast. I still remember the smell of the water and grass as the sun rose.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We are always trying our best to give back! We currently participate and organize several charity events a year. Everything from international events for The Hair Cares Foundation, to local events such as our annual BC SPCA Pet Photos with Santa event, where all proceeds go to our furry friends at the BC SPCA.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Free education and health care for everyone.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I can't tell or everyone will go there! Come visit me at the salon and I'll share my secret!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
More after school programs and care for kids with more community events for children! In the near future I'd love to start an animal sanctuary where children can spend time with horses. I believe spending time with animals is extremely important for children's development and gaining a sense of responsibility, and many children don't get that opportunity these days.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The sense of community! There are so many great people who are all willing to connect and share. It's an incredibly friendly, supportive place. Any time someone is down and out, there seems to be someone there to help lift them up.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Volunteer with animal aid India,
2. Volunteer with Elephants in Africa.
3. Start an animal rescue facility that focuses on connecting high-risk kids with abused animals.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I spent a huge part of my youth riding rodeo and training horses.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@erinwhitneyblonde
DM me! I'd love to make your hair dreams come true at is Salon Kelowna, Kelowna's best hair salon! ;)

What is the name of your business/organization?
is Salon Kelowna

Why did you get into/start this business?
I wanted to help people feel confident and good about themselves. I love sitting a person in my chair at is Salon Kelowna or is Salon Vancouver and hearing their life story (and occasionally offering my two cents). I started is Salon in Yaletown at 21 years old. I expanded to in Salon Vancouver 5 years later. And opened is Salon Kelowna in 2017. I now educate for several companies internationally. I am globally known for hair extension work mostly with Bellami Professional, as well as several other international brands. I love what I do.

What is the goal of your business?
To create and inspire a talented team of people that give back and genuinely care about the world and their community. Then continue to expand the company in order to grow our philanthropic efforts at the same time.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Understanding that your efforts and motivations aren't always shared by others. Sometimes they have their own agenda and that's ok too. "Just do good and you'll attract good people" is an incredibly true statement to live by.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Life's a journey. I wouldn't change a thing good or bad. It got me here.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Here we go...

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't stop. I've hit far more roadblocks than straightaways. Just keep moving. It all gets you there. You need the downs to know the ups!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My family. It's hard when you own a business to see everyone at once. I'd love a day to just spend with them. No phone, no computer.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support the local economy! The more business we have, the more we can give back to the community!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Starting The Hair Cares Foundation with Daniel Meyerowitz

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My is Salon Kelowna staff. They've grown so much. It's been amazing to build a business here with them!

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Mention this article and KelownaNow and receive 25% off your first service at www.issalon.ca

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!