Spotlight on Local Business

Story by Caitlin Kelly – Photos by Chantelle Jeanine and Matt Weingarden

For lifelong Belle River resident Kristen Lebrun, it was an easy choice when deciding where to open her new hair salon, along with fellow stylist Anita Malenfant. 

Top Knot Hair Co., opened in Aug. 2021 and is located at 573 Notre Dame St., in the heart of Belle River. 

Lebrun, a mother of two young daughters, was born and raised in Belle River and expressed a love for the “small-town feeling,” sharing, “I look forward to raising my own daughters here as well.”

Kristen cites her experience growing up in a small town as allowing her the opportunity to feel “a part of something”. 

She described a feeling of safety in the small community, pointing out “It is rare to leave your house and not encounter someone you know – everyone is always willing to help out.”

Kristen carries this spirit into her life and work, often participating in fundraising events and supporting local families. Currently, Top Knot Hair Co. is selling sweatshirts, car decals and bracelets to support another life-long Belle River resident, Avery Parent, who recently lost her child in a tragic event that rocked the small town. 

Hairdressing wasn’t always the long-term plan for Kristen. Kristen described applying for a few programs, including hairdressing, but was unsure of the path she would take. Kristen reported feeling some pressure to attend alternate programs, though she ended up confirming acceptance into the hairdressing program, thinking “If I hate it, it’s only one year.” 

 

Kristen describes this decision to be among the most beneficial of her life, as she soon felt as though she had truly found her calling. 

Kristen described completing her education, licensing exam and apprenticeship and recognizing immediately she was where she was meant to be. 

Regarding what she gets out of this career, Kristen described the feeling of revealing the final look to a client and seeing their face light up, saying “That’s why I do it.” 

Kristen described her role as “so much more than just styling hair,” adding she prides herself on creating a safe space for her clients to let go of everyday stress and focus on self-care. 

Lebrun reminisced about going through happy times with clients, such as weddings, babies and career changes, as well as the hard times, where clients are able to feel safe enough to vent, cry and seek support.

Kristen described the most rewarding part of her job is the connection to the clients, fueled by her compassion and desire to help, “Even if it’s only for an hour while someone’s colour is setting.” 

Lebrun was faced with the challenge of opening her own salon at the time of a global pandemic, but she did not let this slow her down. Additionally, when deciding on a location for Top Knot Hair & Co., Lebrun and her business partner knew Belle River was the preferred location.

She highlighted the pressure of being self-employed while starting a family, stating she returned to work seven weeks after the birth of her daughter and quickly realized the benefit to having a short commute to work. 

She adds that many of her long-term clients reside in Lakeshore, which made the transition to her own salon that much easier. 

Today, if you stop into the salon for a purchase or a service, you are sure to see multiple smiling faces in the salon chairs within the bright, modernly decorated walls of the salon. 

The salon offers a variety of services and can be reached via email at TopKnotHairCo@outlook.com.