by Vanessa Brazeau
As if Commercial Drive couldn’t be any more laid back, an afternoon at Kokopelli Salon brings the pace down another notch. You get the care free attitude of the drive with the appearance of the trendy socialites in the fast paced downtown core.

Kokopelli came to my attention via a barista on the drive. She pointed south in response to my inquiry about her gorgeous cut and colour. The discovery demanded an investigation. I advanced to 4th Ave where the salon resides (2052 Commerical Drive) and peaked through the window. A contrast of eccentric, colourful stylists busied themselves in an inviting rustic, organic interior.

Owner Lorri Dar welcomed my entry with a glass of water and great conversation about hair, art, fires and beating the odds as a small business in Vancouver. She takes nothing for granted – and uses the success of her own dream to realize those of clients, staff and the community. Our visit was cut short by Sage Man offering an intrigued Lorri his newest prints and freshest sage. I had just gotten a hair cut, so I was hesitant to suggest trying out the salon. A blowdry perhaps? My choices- I thought – would be limited.

Alas, I was mistaken! Lorri’s excitement for me to return transformed into a language of aesthetics- “Pedicure? Manicure? Facial? Wax?” Kokopelli is also a Body Lounge! The world was my oyster, and my oyster needed a massage.

I returned for a massage and facial. I passed trendy heads in barber chairs enroute to a room which would host an hour of relaxation. My music on the ipod dock and the subtle hustle of the drive creeping in from the open window were the only things keeping me conscious.

Kokopelli is a place that inspires innovative design and style without all the fast paced, superficial stresses that are usually attached. ‘Tis creative expression for chillers, which could be said for Commercial Drive itself. Check them out if you need a trim – whether it be for your hair or for your worries.