Families that open businesses together stay together. At least that appears to be the recipe for success for two Port Moody businesses owned by the father and daughter team of Glen and Ashley Braid.
Daughter Ashley opened Shine Hair Lounge at 2520 St. Johns St. in Port Moody in May and her dad followed suit with his own custom jewelry design business, Diamonds and Design Jewelry, next door at 2522 St. Johns, in early July.
The two say they love Port Moody and decided to set up shop there, although they live in Coquitlam.
Mother, Chelsea Braid, is also in the picture, having worked behind the scenes on both businesses.
"It's really brought our family closer together," said Glen Braid, noting that opening two businesses at almost the same time, including renovating two stores, has been a lot of work for all family members.
The father and daughter say they have also learned a lot from each other in the process. Ashley is getting business tips from her dad, who has operated his own jewelry design business for 25 years, and Glen is learning about social media marketing from his daughter, who is rarely without her smartphone.
"She's doing quite well, I'm impressed," said Glen.
"I think I know more, but I don't," said Ashley, who admits to going to her dad for advice.
Glen said he was friends with the landlord and when a salon and shop next door became available for rent, he grabbed them, getting a good deal in the process.
Ashley is only 25 years old but has been a stylist for eight years and has been working on the side at her dad's jewelry business. "She has a good eye," he says.
It didn't take long for him to put two and two together and Ashley jumped at the idea of having her own salon.
She now has two other stylists on staff besides herself, and a steady clientele developing from repeat customers and Facebook promotions.
Recently, Glen moved his shop from NewPort Village to St. Johns and, as recently as last Wednesday, was putting the finishing touches on the classy decor, complete with white walls, white furniture and a chandelier.
Next door, Ashley has put her own stamp on the decor and enjoys having her own business.
The next step will be to invite customers to the "Braid" block along the heavily-trafficked corridor.
