An Okotoks salon and spa has been honoured by its customers.
Going into its 32nd year, the Cactus Club Salon and Spa has won gold for Best Esthetics/Skin Care, silver for Best Hair/Barber Salon, and silver Best Spa/Massage in the Western Wheel's 2023 Readers' Choice Awards.
“The only reason we win these awards is because of my staff,” said Cactus Club owner Mandy Best.
“Without them we wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t be able to provide outstanding services each and every day, so it gives me an opportunity to them for doing such a great job over the year.”
Best purchased the business in 2010, at the time already employing around 20 employees.
“Over the next six or seven years, we actually grew our staff to 45, it was a big, big change in staffing and what the services we could offer, and it was just incredible to be able to employ that many people,” she said.
While COVID put a squeeze on the hands-on service sector, Cactus Club has proven resilient, and came out on an even keel.
“It’s everything. Back when Tamara (Nadeau) decided to open a high-end salon and spa in Okotoks, she was working in Calgary and wanted to raise her family here, but she saw a gap,” Best said.
“When she sold the salon to me, I was tasked with maintaining this really high standard of quality service, always performed by certified staff.”
That meant not only seeking out the best new members for her team, but also valuing the deep bench that’s helped carry the spa through three decades.
“I don’t ever want them to feel that they’re undervalued,” Best said, pointing out her most senior stylist. “Lenore (McDowell) has been here for 27 years. She started here as an apprentice and has stood by me for a very long time.
“So we have some long-standing employees that make up the bones of this.”
With those bones comes deep roots, Best said, explaining the business has always endeavored to support the community that supports it.
“Cactus Club has always been a huge contributor in terms of community events and charities,” she said.
“We always try to be connected and do good things for our community – and our industry is connection; that’s what we do.
“To perform the service, but more so it's really about the experience the client has and the connection they have with the service provider.”
