Planet Hair has been a staple in the community for over 26 years, providing salon and retail services much beloved by their customers. However, the downtown location at 2040 Granite Avenue will be completing its final orbit around the sun later this month, as the building has been sold to Interior Community Services.
Owner Kathy Castro and her team have stayed busy during the pandemic, experiencing higher traffic than ever.
“It was challenging at first, but we were busier than we ever were. Everybody was so scared that we would shut down again that they kept up with their hairstyles,” joked Castro.
Although restrictions in BC have begun to lift, Castro maintains a high level of sanitization, ensuring clients can enjoy Planet Hair’s comprehensive list of services and products with peace of mind. From tanning, haircuts, and other beauty services, to shampoos and designer clothing, the team at Planet Hair’s passion for service is clear by the common appearance of wide smiles and satisfied customers.
“My favourite thing about the Planet Hair team is their positivity and their passion about what they do. It is evident that everyone is passionate about what they do and their love for people.”
Castro first opened her Merritt location in 1996, after settling in the Valley from Kamloops. Castro had planned to open there, but moved her home and business to Merritt, finding that a large portion of her client base resided in the Nicola Valley.
“The spirit of the Nicola Valley is very special,” said Castro. “The people are warm and generous, and it’s beautiful here.”
Castro knew she would pursue a career in fashion and beauty from a young age, a lifelong dream that began at age five.
“It’s always been something I’ve loved. Fashion and beauty are kind of my thing.”
Throughout her career, which began in 1990, Castro has cut hair, designed and sold cowboy hats, clothing, and operated a hair and beauty school. After owning three salons in Williams Lake, Salmon Arm, and Merritt, she has always considered the latter home.
While the building that Castro and her team currently operate in downtown has recently sold, the sun is not setting for the final time on Planet Hair. Castro intends to maintain a relationship with her clients.
Castro is undoubtedly grateful for the support of her family, friends, team, and all those who supported her business. She will always be thankful for the support of her husband, and her mother, whom she lost in 2019. Castro credits her mother as being her biggest role model, and teaching her the value of sincerity, integrity, and hard work in business.
Castro praised WorkBC, Community Futures, RBC, the Merritt Herald, and other local small business stakeholders for their resources and expertise. Most of all, she is grateful for the support of her clientele.
“My clients from Merritt and the surrounding area, what can I say? I love you, you made this journey amazing. I have enjoyed every minute with all of you, you have enriched my life and made me look forward to enjoying every day at work. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for a wonderful 26 years. It’s all because of you.”
