How Laurie O’Neill turned a neglected church building into a luxurious salon with an unwavering vision and standards.
The Big Decision: A Leap of Faith
There are two types of big decisions: some you spend months researching, carefully weighing every possibility. And then there are the ones you make in a heartbeat when your gut tells you it’s time, even before your brain catches up. For Laurie, the decision to create Salon@Church was the second kind.
The church had always been on her radar, it was literally behind her house. But the moment Laurie decided it was time to build something of her own, her dream transitioned from a “someday” idea to a “right now” action.
One day, Laurie saw the church for sale sign and knew it was time. She immediately called James and told him to act quickly. He photographed the sign, emailed the realtor, and instructed them not to entertain any other offers. They booked a showing right away.
The moment they walked into the building and saw the tin ceiling, they knew it was perfect. It wasn’t just a building, it was the foundation of something bigger, a new standard for luxury.
The Moment She Knew: Trusting Her Intuition
Laurie’s decision wasn’t based on a polished business plan. It was born out of a season of change and clarity. Laurie had been working in a salon that had recently gone through a change of ownership. The chance to build something for herself, and for the next generation of stylists, was too perfect to ignore.
At the same time, Laurie and James were renovating their home, living in an 800-square-foot house surrounded by dust and disorder. The church for sale seemed like a sign that it was time to make a leap. Sometimes, the biggest opportunities arrive when life feels the most unsettled.
Laurie trusted her gut. It was time to move forward.
The Church Before It Was a Salon
Before it became a luxury salon, the building was a three-bedroom apartment. The main floor housed two bedrooms, the barbershop and bridal lounge were once the primary suite, and the shampoo area was once a kitchen.
Despite the building’s neglected condition, the space had incredible potential. It wasn’t finished or styled, but Laurie and James saw the beauty in it. This idea of potential, that something neglected could be restored to a new standard, became the central theme of Salon@Church.
It wasn’t just about renovating a building; it was about creating a space that would stand for something bigger than a salon. It was about setting a new standard for luxury.
Why It Made Sense: A Personal and Practical Decision
Some projects feel romantic but unrealistic. This one felt both emotional and practical. The church was behind Laurie’s house, had parking, and was located on one of the busiest intersections in Welland. The ceilings were stunning, and the building had a rich history.
Laurie and James had always said that if the church ever went up for sale, they would buy it, not for the sake of owning a trophy, but to restore it and make it meaningful again. The goal wasn’t to create something trendy; it was to create a space where people could feel cared for and valued.
The church was more than just a building, it was a responsibility to restore it to what it was meant to be. They were committed to preserving the community spirit of the space.
Keeping It Quiet: The Early Stages
At first, Laurie and James kept the news of their new project quiet. They had no solid timeline, and Laurie was still employed elsewhere, so discretion was key. The first people they told were their insurance agent and close friends. The reactions weren’t excitement; they were concern.
Most people didn’t see how a 7,000-square-foot church could ever be transformed into a luxury salon. But Laurie and James believed in the power of vision. What others saw as unrealistic, they knew they could make real.
The Biggest Fear: What If It Doesn’t Work?
Before making the leap, Laurie faced the same fear every founder has: What if it doesn’t work? What if they can’t afford it? What if they fail?
The fear didn’t disappear, but Laurie pushed through it. She knew the only way to move forward was to trust the process and face the challenges head-on. She understood that success isn’t about eliminating fear, it’s about not letting fear control you.
When It Became Real: From Dream to Reality
The journey from dream to reality wasn’t marked by one big moment but a series of small ones. The first “real” moment came when Laurie and James took possession of the church. However, the keys they were given didn’t work, and they had to change the locks.
The building needed a complete overhaul. They cleaned, painted, and stripped away what didn’t belong. Slowly but surely, the space shifted from neglected to respected. When the mirrors went up, the chairs arrived, and Laurie did her first haircut, they knew it was no longer just a dream, it was real.
Preserving the Church’s Soul
While Salon@Church was never meant to feel overtly religious, Laurie and James made sure to preserve the church’s history. The stained-glass windows, railings at the entrance, and the iconic tin ceiling were all kept intact.
They wanted the space to still feel like a church, but without making people feel like they needed to belong to a specific group to enter. Visitors still joke about the building, asking, “It’s a church? Am I going to burn if I walk through the doors?” Laurie’s answer is always the same: “All are welcome here.”
The Hardest Part: 2020 and the Pandemic
Laurie and James took possession of the church in January 2020, with plans to open in May. But the pandemic changed everything. Supply chains were disrupted, timelines were pushed back, and most salons were forced to close.
Laurie had to make the decision to push forward despite the uncertainty. In September 2020, Salon@Church opened its doors, only to face another shutdown in December. The challenges of that year shaped the brand in ways that marketing never could. Laurie and James became determined to set a standard that would be non-negotiable, even in uncertain times.
The Luxury Experience: Details Matter
While most clients notice the stunning ceiling first, true luxury lies in the details. The stained-glass windows were preserved, and the light that shines through them creates beautiful colours on the floor, sometimes even on clients’ hair.
The warmth of the space, thanks to in-floor heating, adds to the comfort. Small touches like hot towels in winter, cool towels and eye gels in summer, a beverage menu, and a liquor license all contribute to the luxury experience.
Luxury isn’t just about price points, it’s about how every detail is designed to make clients feel taken care of.
The Transformation Laurie Is Really Selling
What Laurie is really offering isn’t just hair colour or a skin treatment. She’s offering confidence, consistency, and peace of mind. She’s selling the feeling that you are being taken care of, a feeling that is built on high standards and attention to detail.
A Community Hub: Still Honouring the Church’s Purpose
Despite the transformation, Salon@Church continues to honour the building’s original purpose: creating community. Laurie and James host select concerts throughout the year, maintaining the space’s respectful, welcoming atmosphere.
For Laurie and James, it’s more than just a business, it’s a responsibility to ensure the building still serves the community.
Ready for a Consultation-First, Luxurious Salon Experience?
If you’re ready to experience a luxury salon experience that’s built on a foundation of consistency, consultation, and impeccable standards, Salon@Church is the place for you. Whether you’re looking for expert color, dimensional blonding, or skin treatments, Salon@Church provides a luxury experience where you feel taken care of.
Book your consultation today and experience what true luxury feels like.
Book Now: Salon@Church Book Now
Call: +1 365-364-4260
Email: [email protected]
Visit: 65 W Main Street, Welland, ON L3C 4Z8
