Karen was more than a hairstylist at The Headroom; she was a presence, a confidant, a mentor, and a deeply loved part of our salon family for over 14 years.
With a career spanning 43 years, Karen impacted thousands of clients and mentored countless hairstylists throughout her life. Exceptional at her craft, she created beautiful hair with ease, but for Karen, the chair was never just about hair. It was about connection, conversation, laughter, honesty, and making people feel truly seen.
Known for her calm energy, candid advice, infectious humour, and deeply caring heart, Karen created a space where people felt safe, welcomed, and understood. Conversations in her chair often stretched far beyond styling; becoming moments of guidance, healing, and lifelong friendship. The relationships she built with her clients meant everything to her, and the impact she left on those around her continues to be deeply felt.
Karen worked at The Headroom on her own terms, continuing to care for her cherished clients in her private room while balancing a life full of travel, family, learning, and meaningful connection. Even after receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis, she chose to live fully and presently; travelling the world, spending time with her family, completing a coaching program she was incredibly proud of, and continuing to do what she loved most: connecting with people.
To know Karen was to feel her warmth, her strength, and her ability to make people feel like they belonged. She embodied kindness, community, and living life authentically and unapologetically.
Karen’s legacy lives on not only within The Headroom, but within the hearts of every client, team member, friend, and family member lucky enough to know her.
With love always,
Danielle & The Headroom Team
Memories from clients:
“The team here are all so knowledgeable about the products they offer. Excited for their growth in opening a second location, I always get amazing service provided by Top Notch stylist Karen L.”
“Karen did my hair for years when she worked in Spirit River!! A wonderful woman indeed. A life well lived, a woman well loved!” – Tina Doetzel
“I’m so grateful to have had Karen in my life, even if it was just as a hairdresser. She had a gift for making everyone feel seen and loved.” – Erin Palmateer
“Karen did my hair for years; She was a lovely human and nothing was more important to her than her family.” – Stephanie Cajolais
“Karen was the first person to cut my hair as a child. She was one of the first people to make me feel beautiful. She was wonderful.” – T Skye
“Karen was not only a talented stylist but a special lady. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.” – Koreen Sather
“Karen was such a great friend. She has been doing my hair since 1995, following her wherever she set up shop. I loved her. I will miss her.” – Sharon Imlah-Matheson
More about Karen…
You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
Vamp red! No explanation required.
If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?
Pay off house and buy 10 more in exotic locations
When you have 30 min of spare time, what do you do?
Daydream about having 10 houses in exotic locations
What is the most played song on your playlist?
What’s a playlist?