Sarah Le Masson nominated this project because she is passionate about creating a more sustainable future for the beauty industry, which faces significant environmental challenges. The sector has far-reaching environmental and social impacts, from excessive waste and single-use plastics to harmful chemical discharges and a lack of transparency in supply chains. Recognizing Salon Freyja’s commitment to sustainability, Sarah was inspired to support the salon’s vision of pushing the industry toward more responsible practices. As Montréal’s first carbon-neutral hair salon, Salon Freyja exemplifies leadership in adopting eco-conscious initiatives, making it a deserving candidate for recognition.

Over the past year, Sarah has worked closely with Salon Freyja’s founders, Michael Chacko and Ewelina Wnek, to develop and implement a comprehensive sustainable development strategy. This strategy includes measuring and reducing GHG emissions, creating an impact report, strengthening partnerships with organizations like Green Circle Salons, and pursuing B Corp certification. Beyond its operations, Salon Freyja aims to inspire other hair salons in Canada to adopt similar practices, building a network of businesses committed to reducing their environmental footprint. This project aligns with Canada’s Net-Zero objectives and represents a long-term vision for transforming the beauty industry into a more sustainable and socially responsible sector.