by Karina Hunter

Challenge instigator Elaine Vaillancourt steps on the scale for her bi-weekly weigh-in, by her side to announce the outcome, stylist and friend Kim Desaulniers gives a big thumbs up at the sight of numbers which have dropped once again.

Elaine Vaillancourt, owner of Shear Talent Hair Salon in Manitouwadge is thrilled with the progression of her 2lb per month challenge put forward to staff in September. Vaillancourt had been looking through summer vacation photos when she realized that herself and a co-worker weren’t looking as fit as they had in past years and decided it was time for a change. She announced to staff at her salon that they were to make an effort towards healthier eating and added exercise as she was beginning a bi-weekly weigh-in at her salon and expected that each participant would loose at least 2lb per month until April, just in time for warmer weather, they chuckled asking “Why do we have to do this just because you feel that you need to loose weight?” 

Since beginning the challenge nine salons clients have come on board as well, getting support from the group as they participate in the weigh-ins every 2^nd Thursday.  “It’s all about being healthy and disease prevention”
said Vaillancourt when questioned regarding the motivating factors behind the project she added “we’re keeping it fun and light and making lifestyle changes that will last – it’s not a race and our priority is not be skinny, we’re aiming to be healthy”.  Vaillancourt is certainly an inspiration to those participating; this project is just one of many that she is involved in, during October her salon participated in Styling for Life a breast health awareness campaign launched by TBDHU, NWHU and Regional Cancer Care; she is also wrapping up major renovations at the salon with a Grand Re-Opening scheduled for November. Vaillancourt is hoping other local businesses will step up to her challenge of healthier living and implement similar projects in their own workplaces. The original challenge of losing 14lbs by April is within reach much sooner than expected as many of the participants have been loosing 1-2lbs/week, well in excess of the 2lbs/month that was set as a goal. If you would like to join Shear Talent’s Healthy Living Challenge, visit the salon or call Elaine for more information.

Submitted to The Echo and Chronicle Journal 11.05.09