Chop Shop Gets its Own Series

I recently interviewed the Owner of the Chop Shop on Granville for my weekly E!Online post. The following is an abbreviated version of the post:

Paperny Films

A new docu-soap featuring Vancouver’s Chop Shop will share the rock and roll “anti hair salon” lifestyle this February on Slice Network.

Owner and Chop Shop star, Daniel Hudon probably couldn’t fathom being a part of a television series when he started up his own salon 4 years ago but it was always a part of his plan to bring people together. “We’ve been packed since day one — it’s just a great place for the average person to go and feel comfortable.”

Hudon had been working in the salon industry in Vancouver for years, from the city’s trendy Yaletown to the shopping district on Robson Street although he wanted to create a space that was different. “I was tired of working in other shops.. …There was high end, low end, and nothing in the middle.”

The Chop Shop hosts 13 stylists (Daniel, Proctor, Amber, Mishelle, Paymon, Hannah B., John, Nikki, Jeff, Carly Tre, Tobi, Harmonie, and Ramona) who share their work days, personal lives, and professional aspirations, while doing something they’re all extremely passionate about.

The docu-soap (a more specific genre of reality series) filmed for several months at their shop on Granville Street, in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district. While the shop itself employs those who love the rock and roll lifestyle, it’s situated in a part of town that is slowly being taken over by trendy clubs and chandeliered lounges, while the piercing studios, record stores, and tattoo parlours are being pushed out. However, Hudon isn’t too concerned about any of that cramping their style, “it takes the individual to break out of the mold — there’s a lot of cool stuff going on and you just have to keep in touch with it.”

Going forward, the Chop Shop is looking to expand operations, having recently opened up another location in Langley, while Hudon is looking at various other cities across Canada; “This can work anywhere, from Toronto to Montreal and Calgary.”

You can stop by the now-famous shop if you’re looking for a hair cut or style in a welcoming atmosphere or as Hudon recommends, if you simply need “a great place to just come chill out.”

Chop Shop airs February 4th at 8:00pm ET, 9:00pm PT on Slice with its first episode, “Help Wanted.” Read more on E!Online.