Ella Healy is a Master Stylist and co-founder of the instantly memorable Blondie Salon. With an uncompromising vision, she created a beautiful boutique salon that has blossomed into a brand and lifestyle like no other.We visited Ella at her salon and chatted about Blondie, style, and her favourite designer bags.
Blondie is a boutique salon in West Ritchie, Edmonton, and I own it with my best friend, Elena. We’re known for colour and extensions. We just celebrated our fourth year!
At first, Elena and I had some trouble finding a salon that truly represents us. We worked at our first salon and then the very last salon before starting Blondie together. We felt like we needed to create a space that represented us and the services we provide, as well as the type of clientele we had.
My favourite part of owning the salon is how I've curated the perfect atmosphere, and a lot of that is our incredible staff. I feel we truly have the most top-level stylists in the city, and it’s so important that they have a safe space to work in. I love that we can provide our senior stylists so much business flexibility and our apprentices mentorship training. It’s so rewarding to see everyone here grow, evolve, and operate at whatever capacity they need.
I think we just have a strong brand in general. That was really important to us when we opened. Elena and I had the same vision for the space and the people that work here. We stick to that vision and stay authentic always. It’s not a coincidence that everyone just meshes well together and contributes to the Blondie brand. We’re like a little family. This also shows in the type of hair that we do.
Hair and fashion definitely go hand in hand. If you have good hair, that is your best accessory. They're also so similar because, just like fashion, there are a million different things you could do to your hair to make you look and feel your best. You wear your hair just like you wear your clothes.
Typically, that's the last thing I would choose for my outfit, and that's going to complete and polish the look. Sometimes I find I need to pick a bag that's going to add to my outfit if I'm feeling like I need to dress it up or add to it. Other times, my outfit is already so good I don't want to do too much, so I just try to find a bag to complement it. That's my thought process. Do I need to add or do I need to complement?
It would be the Chanel 22. I just love it. I think it's so beautiful. You could dress it up for going out, or you could wear it more casually. Another love is vintage Gucci; I have quite a few of those, too.
I love a pop of colour or design on a bag. I think it’s so cute when there’s a little bit of floral over top as well. Red is probably my favourite accent colour.
I love it. I shop consignment a lot, and I will go thrifting for sure. I don't always have the best luck or the most patience, but I do have some good thrifting days. You have to go on a weekday when it's less busy. Vintage markets are fun, too, because it's all curated. I can find pieces with so much more personality that not everyone else has. Plus, why not get it pre-loved for a better price?
Ella styled in garments from Céline, Dry Clean Only, Etro; Footwear from Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Gucci; Handbags and accessories from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Balenciaga, Burberry, Mont Blanc.
Shop the collection below:
