For Cheryle Sutherland, heading into retirement after 20 years as a salon owner and stylist is exciting, especially as she has handed over her salon keys to a new owner with the same passion.
“I’ve made a lot of good friends in the industry and leaving them behind will be a little sad, but it's really time for a younger generation,” said Sutherland.
Sutherland first opened Purely Pleasure Salon Boutique & Day Spa in 1999, with a big vision for the building she chose on 1st Ave NW.
She first got into the hairdressing business at the age of 18, and although she did take some time off to raise her family, she said she enjoyed every minute she spent behind her salon chair.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my business, I think it was the perfect career for me,” said Sutherland. “I had a lot of good people working with me and helping me along the way, and I felt this was an excellent location.”
Throughout two decades, Sutherland said she saw many beauty trends come and go through her doors, but her business philosophy remained the same.
“What’s important is finding a good location and sticking there, so people know where you are, and it’s important to be available to your clients, to be committed,” said Sutherland.
Part of her success, she said, was largely due to a long line of loyal customers, some of whom stopped in weekly and trusted her with their beauty routine.
The other part, she recalls, was the period of time when she had a boutique on the main floor of the building, in addition to the salon and spa services.
“I tried a few different things at the shop, and people will remember when I had a clothing boutique here as well, and that was very unique (at the time) when I introduced it to my salon,” said Sutherland.
Now, Sutherland is preparing to retire as of the end of May and relocate to be closer to family. The decision wasn’t influenced largely by the pandemic, but more because Sutherland just felt it was time.
She said she’ll miss Moose Jaw, but she feels as though the decision is the right one to make, especially as she was able to pass the reins over to a fresh face.
“It pleases me very much that the younger generation shares the same passion for the building that I once did, back in 1999,” said Sutherland. “I wish them the best and I feel that they can’t help but be successful. It’s a unique building and people always liked coming here because it was a little different.”
New owner Carley Manz will be taking over Sutherland’s salon and setting up her own business, set to open in June.
Although this is the end for Purely Pleasures, Sutherland felt she had great support from the community throughout her time as a business owner in the city and expressed her thanks to her many customers.
