26 years in business, still flourishing, still making a difference – one coffee and haircut at a time.

In the month of September, I had the opportunity to visit Studio Charm, a hair salon and café spot located on 621 The Queensway, celebrating 26 years in business.

Considering I’m 26 years old myself, you could say Studio Charm and myself are fraternal twins.

Go figure.

But beyond the funny coincidence, spending time with Natalija the owner of Studio Charm, gave me a chance to understand what 26 years of building a business actually looks like. The relationships, the challenges, the changes, and the beautiful moments that come with it.

Natalija sat down with me and shared some of the story behind the business, including one of the things that make being a hairdresser so much more meaningful than simply cutting or styling someone’s hair.

Whether it’s a haircut, a styling appointment, or simply sitting in a chair for an hour, there is something special about having a conversation with someone who knows you, listens to you, and cares about how you’re doing.

Sometimes you come in looking for a haircut, and leave feeling a little different than when you walked through the door.

That’s part of what makes a place like Studio Charm feel personal. The work isn’t only about the hair, it’s about the experience happening around it.

And after 26 years, there is clearly something keeping people coming back.

Originally, Studio Charm started as just a hair salon.

The café came later.

After a difficult period with COVID-19, Natalija found a way to evolve the business and introduce another part of her vision: a space where people can relax, connect, and feel comfortable.

The café officially opened in March 2023.

And the evolution doesn’t stop there.

Downstairs, the space is also home to a licensed makeup artist and medical esthetician titled Skindeep Canada, adding in another layer of what Studio Charm has grown into over the years.

And that evolution says a lot about what it takes to keep a business going for 26 years.

Sometimes you have to change the plan, sometimes you have to create something new, and sometimes you have to see what you have built and figure out how it can continue to serve people in a different way.

Today, you can come in for your hair, grab a coffee, enjoy a pastry, catch up with a friend, or sit down with your laptop and get some work done.

With free wi-fi and a space to settle in, the café becomes more than somewhere to grab a drink. It can be a study spot, a place to unwind, or simply somewhere to spend part of your day.

And of course, I had to experience it all for myself. I was treated to a London Fog and a couple of croissants made by Natalija’s daughter, and let’s just say I will be indulging in this combination for the near future at Studio Charm. You’ll understand when you visit (you’re welcome in advance).

After my quick food break, my conversation with Natalija finished off with what it feels like to celebrate 26 years in business.

Natalija described the 26 years simply:

“Challenges, changes, and beautiful moments along the way.”

We know business is never linear.

There are accommodations, changes, cancellations, and moments where you have to pivot, all while wondering what comes next.

But 26 years means you’ve continued through all of them.

And that’s what makes something like this even more special. You’ve adapted, learned, and continue to pour into something you believe in.

At 26 years old myself, there’s something humbling about sitting across from someone who has spent 26 years building something of her own. We are technically the same age but at completely different parts in our stories.

Studio Charm is looking back at 26 years of memories, relationships, growth, and change. I’m still figuring out what the next 26 years of my own story will look like.

And maybe that’s why this visit stayed with me so heavily.

One of the reasons I love hearing and going into these businesses is because you get to feel the love behind the work.

Not just from the owner, but the people around them too. I met Natalija’s daughter and son during my visit who welcomed and chatted with me like we’d known each other for years.

So yes, this was a celebration of 26 years in business. But it also reminded me about all of the challenges, changes, and unexpected turns part of the bigger story of what you are building.

You never really know what you’re building while you’re in the middle of it.

Thank you to Natalija and her family for opening their doors to me, and letting me experience a small part of their story.

P.S – I will be back for that London Fog, a croissant, and maybe a couple sandwiches to go.