The Hairstream experience

By Tara Nelson

Glacier resident Joelle Adams wanted a space to run her hairstyling business that offered more flexibility and fun than the basement of her home and without the overhead at a rented studio.

And then she found her answer in an old Airstream trailer.
The 28-foot classic was owned by her father-in-law Duane Adams, a long-time resident of Lopez Island where he ran a bicycle shop.
At first, Adams and her husband John, who owns Glacier Ski Shop, tried hiring contractors to revamp it but soon realized the project would require a complete overhaul. That’s when they called Al’s RV in Bellingham and commissioned Andy Lott, shop foreman and expert RV technician, who completely gutted the trailer, installed white and black checkered flooring, red vinyl chairs, a sink and new wiring.

“It’s a work of art,” she said, modeling red vintage theater seats she found for $90 at a local retailer of used building materials.

The idea is to make hair and beauty services available to Foothills residents and also to those in other parts of the county. She said she also plans to install full-spectrum track lighting to help combat the blues during dark Glacier winters.

Wearing a bold black, white and red dress and combat boots with knee-high buckles, Adams embodies a sort of mountain “do-it-yourself-or-die” spirit with the same wonderful sass and style so indicative of the Foothills community.

“If you do it wrong, you’re doing hair in a trailer. But if you do it right, then it’s an experience.”

Adams said the Hairstream should be fully-functional and on the road by mid-July. She’s also planning a grand opening party at their home near Glacier Ski Shop (check www.hairstreamstudio.us).

Hairstream is located at 9970 Mt. Baker Highway in Glacier and can be reached by calling 599-2043.