She to Shic: Saving the World Without Breaking a Nail

The first of its kind in Vancouver, the new She to Shic Beauty Lounge promotes total eco-friendly aesthetic services. Located in the trendy Kerrisdale neighbourhood, this new beauty boutique cuts no corners when it comes to comfort, cleanliness and concept. We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the owner and innovator behind She to Shic, Erin Shum and were surprised to find just how unique this business is.

The concept of a completely organic beauty lounge was born out memorable experiences familiar to many of us – accompanying our mothers (or daughters) to the salon. Over time, both Erin and her mom noticed that many of the salons they frequented weren’t particularly clean or comfortable, and those that were, certainly came at a price. Wanting to preserve the familial bonding they cherished so much but not wanting to sacrifice standards, Erin and her mother created She to Shic.

Previous to She to Shic, Erin spent much of her time working with special needs children during the year. She noticed how little time parents had to relax and treat themselves to some much deserved pampering. Offering hair, nail, eyelash and make-up services all in one place, Erin sees She to Shic as an ideal space for social connections. In fact, the boutique was designed with this in mind, mobile chairs allow guests to easily partake in “Everything I used to do growing up: prom pampering, birthday parties, and sorority functions.”

Moreover, her work with Autism also prompted Erin to question what it is that “gets into our system. With so many chemicals out there, it must be something in our environment.” Hoping to minimize our intake of synthetic chemicals, Erin began the research process for eco-friendly products. After a lot of hard work and the help of close friends, Erin created what is now She to Shic. Based on the salon’s impeccable cleanliness, modern aesthetic and pristine, mosaic walls, one would never have guessed this all happened in just three short weeks.

Erin tells me that although the response has been positive, many people still find it difficult to change or are not convinced by natural ingredients. “I want people to understand that they don’t have to spend more money or sacrifice quality or convenience to lead a cleaner more natural lifestyle. People think just because something is organic it won’t last as long.”
Indeed, She to Shic does not skimp on quality or variety you would find in any other high-end salon. Her nail polishes, for example, are long-lasting, vegan and phemaldehyde-free and come in every shade imaginable. “If you’re going to get a manicure or a pedicure, you might as well get something that’s good for you or else what is the point?” Those are inspiring words to ponder spoken by a true green-beauty thinker!