Relocating her salon has expanded clientele.

Thyda Lim proves that experience, drive, and dedication are central to success. So, it seems, is the need to reinvent oneself.

The stylist and entrepreneur used to own Suburbia Hair Spa, a high-end salon based in the Shops of Boudreau. She’s since had to reconfigure her marketing at her current shop, Paralela Beauty, which continues to service her regulars as well as seniors at the Careadon Village retirement community at 2 Inglewood Drive.

What hasn’t changed in the range of options offered by Paralela which Lim deftly rattles off:

Hair colouring, cuts, blow-dry sets, perms, extensions and maintenance, manicures, pedicures, waxing, makeup applications, and retail shopping, with the occasional two-step lessons from our beloved apprentices. We take great pride in keeping our seniors youthful and happy.
says Thyda Lim

The new location has its advantages, including easily accessible parking and a restaurant in the building. “We offer hot coffee and tea or water,” add Lim. “There is also a TV in our salon so you never have to miss a hockey game for a haircut!”

Rebranding as Paralela Beauty represents a new start for Lim and her three staff members. She recalled the move out of the Shops at Boudreau was an “emotional parting,” although she was excited for what the future had in store for her new direction. “We are grateful for the patience and understanding from all our loyal clients that have shifted seamlessly with us,” she adds. “I will continue to innovate and offer the same quality of service that has always been offered.”

Lim’s road to becoming a stylist and salon owner was driven by a desire to find the right work-life balance. Lim was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, her parents having fled Cambodia during the genocide of the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot in the mid ’70s. “I came to Canada at the young age of four and started life here discovering snow and the public school system for the first time. We started our life as new immigrants in Edmonton,” she recalls.

Starting her own family at 20 meant that Lim did not have the chance to attend university, and chose the beauty industry as the best career option for her. She was hired by The Rock Salon and Spa in St. Albert in 2002 as a receptionist, which became pivotal in Lim’s professional path.

“I remained dedicated to them for 10 years as they had supported me through the challenges that life had presented me. Being a part of a progressive team environment and seeing the diversity and fun that came with salon life had me convinced this was my calling. I took as many certification programs as I could to complete my new journey.”
says Thyda Lim

Today, Lim is a Red Seal Hairstylist, and is certified in hair extensions, barbering (including straight razor shaves), makeup applications, waxing, gel nails, and eyelash extensions. She earned her journeyman certificate from Marvel College (now MC College) and received advanced training from the Aveda Academy salon.

Paralela Beauty’s move and rebrand was economically driven. COVID had impacted the beauty industry with more people working from home, and people choosing not to go out for beauty services due to health fears. On top of that was the rising costs of supplies and high rent in the previous location. “With a large space to operate with hefty financial obligations, there was no room for error,” Lim says.

When the time came to renew the lease, Lim opted to make the move and open in the Careadon Village building.

Over the years Lim has learned that in order to be a successful salon owner, she’s had to assess her relationship with her staff, especially in finding the sweet spot between being a friend and being the boss. “Beauticians are very special people; we are dynamic and personable. Allowing for work-life balance is very important to understand for your employees. I will always allow my staff to leave early for a family event, or take personal days off. Most importantly, I have learned that it is not as easy as you think. This applies to any business. Meditation and grounding myself have been proven methods to overcome mental hardships.”

Lim is also trying to build a team of stylists with the intention of potentially expanding to more locations. “I want to teach our young apprentices to be skillful, classy, and professional,” she notes. “My plan is to extend my reach further than I was able to in the past. I have a lot of knowledge to share with the right team, and with that I will create more salon owners that can bring their visions to life under my guidance.”

While she’s had to relocate her business out of necessity, Lim aspires to make a similar change in her personal life. A former St. Albert resident who currently lives in north Edmonton, she hopes to move back to St. Albert in the future.

“St. Albert has the best clients, of course,” she says. “I am biased since I’ve been here for 22 years as a stylist. I have met some of the most outstanding professionals. I get to hear about the coolest trips, best strategies for life, and the best recipes in town. People are classy here and understand the value of a great stylist-client relationship.”

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Thyda Lim