Studio H

Master hairstylist Heather Wenman is both creative and industrious. Her solid, 20-plus-year career as a hairstylist, entrepreneur and session and platform artist is a testament to her energy and ingenuity.
By Morella Aguirre

But as is usually the case with ambitious people, Wenman is never happy with the status quo. She’s always in search of the next big idea, always working towards a bigger and better project.

Wenman’s latest endeavour, London Ontario’s Studio H, is the stylist’s most ambitious project to date. The recently renovated three-level, 12,000-square-foot studio is the product of three years of planning and a true amalgamation of Wenman’s many passions.

“Studio H is a destination centre,” explains Wenman. “It’s an idea that came as a result of building my own portfolio and having my own salon. It encompasses hairdressing, wellness, training, photography and promotion.” In other words, the Studio H concept caters to both the beauty client and the beauty professional. For the client, it offers a top-of-the-line hair and body spa to care for all aspects of hair, scalp and beauty in a natural, holistic way. From a business standpoint, this is the backbone of the operation and the area in which Wenman is most experienced. “My skills are in hairdressing first and foremost,” says Wenman, “so the hair and body spa are really my foundation.” But after many years of fellow stylists approaching her for advice and career counselling, Wenman wanted her new space to also serve as a centre where stylists can hone both their hairstyling and media and branding skills. To this end, she’s equipped Studio H with a photo studio and modelling agency where stylists can learn the ins and outs of portfolio building and session work.

Finding a building large enough to house this multi-concept business wasn’t easy, so when Wenman encountered the three-level location in downtown London, she jumped on the opportunity. “The upper level is the body spa—an open-concept, spacious and light-filled oasis. The ground level is the hair spa, academy and photo studio,” explains Wenman. The basement level is reserved for offices and the Studio H’s affiliate modelling agency, Model Studio Co. Anita Norris.

After moving in early last summer, Wenman felt the ground level of her new home needed a little nip/tuck. Her biggest investment was in movable cutting stations, an important element in creating a versatile space designed to serve as a salon, classroom and photo studio. Triple LCD screens for marketing, promotions and general client entertainment were also added in. And for a real touch of luxry, Wenman included a three-room VIP suite complete with a seperate entrance.

The unveiling and grand opening of the Studio H took place on August 26. Amidst the schmoozing and a stunning red-carpet fashion show, Wenman once again reaffirmed her ability to see vision into reality.

Photos: Jason Brown Photography & Desi

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