Fashion Stores
Quinn West
Quinn West is a mini-antique shop and hair salon all in one, offering a nice browsing alternative to flipping through pages of LiLo's latest drug debacle while waiting for a trim.
Walking down the steps from the Parkdale entrance, the first thing I notice is the fabulous orange sectional and vintage white coffee table. While those aren't for sale, two white stools by the register are, as well as the Victorian jelly moulds, antique cups and saucers, and other kitchen odds and ends displayed on wire racks.
"It's all stuff I would have in my own home," owner Erica Quinn tells me. "Some of the décor is mine, some is bought by my pickers. I just love anything art deco or retro."
It only makes sense that Quinn's salon is an extension of her own living room. That's where she performed cuts for her clients after leaving a Toronto salon to go back to school. But she eventually got tired of living and working in the same space, and longed to get back some structure and camaraderie in her life.
So when she found this lower level space on Queen West formerly occupied by a church, she jumped on the space. As for camaraderie, it's just Quinn and her full-time colourist now that the salon is four weeks in, with two part-timers and a freelance makeup artist on the side.
"I really have no specialty whatsoever," Quinn tells me when I ask about her style of cuts. "I do a lot of everything, since my clients are all over the map. But, I guess I am focused on teaching people how do keep up their styles themselves. I want to make sure clients go home with the tools to keep their hair looking great."
In terms of what she's digging now, Quinn says she's all about the shaggy, layered cuts for women. "And for men, I'm loving the 1950's military cut; a chance for me to get out the clippers."
Women's cuts are presently $70, men's are $45, and colour ranges from $65 to $130.
Quinn hopes to make the space feel even more like home. "I want to get local art on the wall, create spaces for photoshoots, and of course, just get people in the chairs."
"Parkdale has a wonderful sense of community," she continues. "I'm hoping this place can be a hub."
Photos by Dennis Marciniak
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I'm not nearly gentrified enough to afford those prices, especially considering I need to get my hair cut every 4 weeks...
at Ikea.
Nice chill atmosphere.
And my cuts have been terrific.
Cozy and funky, this ultra creative space is worth visiting. Even if you're not in the market for a cut, the vibe and decor are a must see and the stylists are a must meet.
William, I'm glad you hate the place because you sound like a dick.
It seems that blogto has written the number down wrong.
The number is 416-588-QUIN (7846)
@Sarah,
Our mens cuts are currently $45.00, womens cuts are $70.
Eventually hoping to hire a junior stylist that will charge a lower rate, but for now, just a senior cut.
Hope to hear from you.
416-588-7846.
Thank you blogto.
That's obscene. No doubt the cheap rent appealed to you - but maybe you really belong where people can throw that kind of cash around.
Thank you for your message. Unfortunately I am not new to bringing my business to the area as I have been here for many years successfully cutting Parkdalians and other residents of Toronto, Ontario and the U.S. who are happy to pay $70. We also offer a lower rate with a junior stylist. As for this notion of where I belong and who can afford my rate, Parkdale residents and business owners have been nothing but welcoming and grateful for my opening a business here on Queen Street (current hot spot for Toronto). I have been overwhelmed by the amount of people who have said “thanks for coming here”, and “I am so happy there is a nice place to get my hair cut”. The first week I opened, I ironically gained two criminal lawyers as clients who live JUST two streets away (EEK! They live among us!!!). Presidents and VP’s of major companies come to see me, artists, students, servers, established musicians, mothers, chefs…you name it, Parkdale has it. Parkdale is a beautiful place with a wide variety of arts/culture and food with people of different socio/economic statuses. It’s what makes it amazing. Like most areas in Toronto, there are some people with money and some people less fortunate. It’s part of the reason why I love it so much. Diversity! You can go to Stavros for amazing $6.00 bacon and eggs, or for something more special, you can go right next door to Cowbell and enjoy brunch for $20.00, where food is local and cooked by a chef with years of experience and credibility. Sometimes I love a bowl of noodles from Le Tibet for $8.00 and once and awhile I LOVE a delicious $20.00 burger and $15.00 cocktail at the very sexy Parts and Labour where I can socialize with other Parkdalians. Mmm, well worth it and all on the same block! If you are not into getting your hair cut, send me your email…I’d love to invite you to Quinn West’s next art exhibit. NO CHARGE!…just free food and the love of art. Peace and good vibes.
It's hard to find a stylist that's not only damn good at what she does, but that listens to you as a customer. She always makes sure that you 100% love the colour/cut/style you're walking out the door with. It took me a long time to find a stylist like this and I'm not letting her go!
Thanks again for the recent great cut, Erica/Quinn West. I'll see you guys soon. Probably when I'm home visiting for Thanksgiving :)
It still looks amazing!! I've been hunting for a stylist that I can trust. One that isn't an air
head and can keep up a conversation while I'm getting my cut. Erica is a beautiful smart woman that totally squashes all the stereotypes about stylists being vain and dumb.
Her salon is gorgeous! Will, you need to get your head out of your ass.
And Susan, unless you were unaware, the rent for a business in Parkdale is astronomical,
and cannot be compared to the bachelor or 1 bed apt that can be had
in shitty apts on Jameson and the like.
Business owners pay THOUSANDS on rent and mortgages per month
That's THOUSANDS (like 3,000-15,000 depending on the size
of the space and proximity to other notable perks etc)
Parkdale is a hot spot! They're building condo's here now
So instead of bitching about a $70 cut, bitch about all the abandoned places
or the shady businesses, not someone who's coming into an area and providing
a service that's so appreciated by neighbours
When the property value skyrockets and Parkdale is a place you're not
concerned to walk through at night, you'll have to pop into Quinn West to thank Erica.
And you can pass by all the funky vintage jewellary shops, gourmet food places and restaurants
galleries and coffee shops too.
I really enjoyed having my hair cut last week at your fantastic hair salon.
I was a visitor to Toronto visiting my son and his girlfriend. Erica treated me as though I were a regular customer.I explained to her what style I would like and I am thrilled with the result. Erica took plenty of time and her attention to detail is amazing. It is clear she wants the customer to leave the salon satisfied with the style and feeling so well treated. I am really happy with my hair and will definitely return to the salon on my next vist. Ericas salon is a comfort zone for the client. Thank you Erica for your attention.
Best Wishes,
Marianne
What a lovely message. Thank you so much.
I hope your trip back to Ireland was safe and that your husband didn't miss you too much!
Lovely to meet you and I look forward to seeing you again in the future (now that you are a professional solo traveler ;)
Thanks again for the lovely words.
xe
Wendy xo
Thank you for coming to Quinn West! I hope your new cut helps you make new and amazing Jazz songs.
It was a pleasure getting to know you! (insert funny SNL skit here:)
Look forward to meeting you again.
Amazing store with a vintage feel and the staff are super friendly.
Norelle - you were amazing and I will be recommending you to all my friends. See you soon for a trim and some more vintage treasures!!
-K