Meet Ty! He just opened up a new salon on St. Paul street and is passionate about making his clients look and feel fabulous!
Photo Credit:Ty Fortin
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I’m originally from Ontario, I’ve been in Kelowna for going on 6 years now and have loved every second of it!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My Mom always has and always will be my favourite person, she’s loved me no matter what and has been supportive in all my endeavours. Without her I wouldn’t be here today. Love you Mom!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love our local boutiques! Our downtown core has some amazing shops. I frequent Bia Boro and man and woman for clothes, but I also love Funktional, Alchemy, Blonde and all the other local little store fronts downtown!
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece! I’d love to check out all the historic architecture and beautiful beaches, I’ve heard Mykonos is amazing! I love visiting places that have a proud history.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I live most of my life in the downtown core, so I enjoy biking and walking downtown. I also love getting in my truck and just getting lost on random roads winding around our beautiful Okanagan valley.
Photo Credit: Ty Fortin
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Haha… pass.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I love seeing entrepreneurs succeed, I love watching people take an idea or a passion and putting in the work and dedication to have it blossom into a thriving business. There’s nothing more satisfying in my mind.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My fondest memories are hanging out at my grandparents farm with all my siblings, cousins and aunts and uncles. Simpler times for sure and they will always be my most treasured memories.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Sustainability. Everything is so wasteful and we all have to do our part to make sure that we aren’t impacting our environment in a negative way so our kids, or grandkids can continue to enjoy it.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Anywhere by the water. Water is relaxing, sometimes I like to find a bench and do my work and just lookout at the lake.
Photo Credit: Ty Fortin
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
Id like to see more Locally Owned shops in the downtown area, it’s sad to see so many empty retail spaces. It could just be such a thriving area for local retail shops.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The community. Kelowna is very supportive to Local business and everyone likes to see everyone succeed. It’s an amazing culture and I think we should all be grateful of the community we get to live and work in every day.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
-buy a camper van and take a month off work and travel our gorgeous country
-live on a yacht for a month travelling by water to different parts of the world. (Highly unlikely lol)
-constantly get 6-8 hours of sleep….
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Thesalonstpaul on Instagram and Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
THEsalon on St. Paul.
Why did you get into this business?
I like to show appreciation to clientele that chooses to support me. I just wanted to create an environment for staff to be comfortable and passionate and for clients to enjoy visiting and build strong genuine relationships, while making you look fabulous!
What is the goal of your business?
My goal for my business is to make our clients feel great about themselves. We are focused on ongoing education for the latest styles and techniques in order to provide our guests with the best possible service in a very warm and inviting atmosphere.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I find it hard to find people who are as passionate about things as your are, but once you find those people you don’t let them go.
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
You can always say that you would do things differently. I don’t think there’s anyone that lives without making a mistake or would’ve liked to done some things differently. What I did got me here and I’m happy about that, so I wouldn’t change a thing.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Short term pain, long term gain!
Photo Credit: Ty Fortin
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Come on… my Mom obviously.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping locally is very important because your supporting people you know, your community and your neighbour. It’s a goes around comes around mentality and it makes your local economy and pride both thrive.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Opening THEsalon on St. Paul.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My amazing team at THEsalon on St. Paul. Not even being cheesy, I love each and every one of you and you all make work a breeze. I’m so happy and proud of our group and this last year has been a blast.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Frank and Ben Gwartney
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I just want to say thank you to anyone who I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing your hair, and anyone who has ever come into THEsalon on St. Paul. Thank you again to my wonderful team. I love and appreciate all of you.
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!
