Dream Duo

Behind the bright pink door on South Ivy between 99E and 2nd Street, two leading ladies have been merrily building a community. Ellie Simnitt and Andrea Merrifield collectively daydreamed for years about sharing a business space, and in 2018, their vision became a reality. The collaboration is a match made in heaven — and Canby! — with Ellie May’s Beauty Bar providing luxury salon services, and Park & Lu Boutique with trendy women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories and gifts.

Ellie’s been working in esthetics for 11 years, and Andrea is among her longest-standing clients — that’s how it all began, as they hashed out business plans over lash treatments. Eventually, Ellie leased a space in their current building, and when the other occupants left, she invited Andrea to join her! Andrea was on a quest for self-employment when the opportunity arose. “I’d been in the stock market for 18 years, but it didn’t provide the flexibility I needed,” the busy mom of two boys explains. She was selling clothes online and holding pop-ups in her home before opening Park & Lu. “Now, I can always adjust my schedule and be there for my kids.”

Voted “Best Salon in Canby” in the Canby Chamber of Commerce awards for four years running, the talented team at Ellie May’s Beauty Bar brings a wide spectrum of specialties with a seemingly endless list of salon services, all delivered with warm professionalism and detailed expertise. Six of the staff are hair stylists, who do everything from cuts and colors to extensions and special event styling. The other five are lash artists, estheticians offering waxing, custom facials (including lots of fun anti-aging treatments), eyebrow services, and an advanced esthetician who specializes in laser hair removal. Three of the stylists are skilled barbers, and the salon sees clients of all ages, so feel free to bring the whole family! “We love kids — they’re always welcome here. Many times, they’ll sit and get their hair cut while the parents shop at the boutique,” says Ellie, who’s also a mother of two.

When you enter the floor at Ellie May’s, it’s impossible to miss the giant pink blooms straight ahead that adorn the entrance to Park & Lu Boutique. Andrea curates a rotating collection of beautifully arranged seasonal women’s clothing with fun and stylish pieces suited for all occasions. “It’s a boutique vibe versus mass-produced, “ she says. “I want people to come in and know they’re buying a unique piece.”

As Park & Lu has become more popular, Andrea added a delightful selection of accessories and gift items, such as handmade jewelry from small Pacific Northwest lines, candles, and hats with snarky sayings, complete with complimentary gift-wrapping! Also a party-planning pro, she holds special events in the space, including Botox & Bubbles, where clients can sip complimentary champagne while they shop the boutique with an exclusive discount in addition to specially priced Botox with Dr. Kyle Valentine from The Valentine Clinic in West Linn.

Whether you’re visiting the salon, the boutique, or both, one thing’s for sure — it feels good to be part of the space’s close-knit community that really embodies the spirit of the city of Canby as a whole. “There are so many special relationships that develop here,” Ellie says. “People who start as customers and clients become like friends and family.”

Ellie May’s Beauty Bar and Park & Lu Boutique are both located at 181 S. Ivy Street in Canby. Give Ellie’s a call at 503-348-9134 or visit their website at www.elliemaysbeautybar.com.