Michael’ s offers multitude of services under one umbrella.

Having experienced professional highs and personal lows over his four decades in the business, the namesake of Michael’s Hair Design & Day Spa has a simple philosophy.

“Build it, have good people working along side of you, and then they will come,” Michael Muia says.

The road to success began in his teenage years. In 1983, at the age of 21, he opened his first salon. Today, Michael’s has been at its iconic Arthur Street location for 20 years, offering the latest in hair and skin care services.

“Our business is very unique because we offer a multitude of services under one umbrella,” says Muia, who is co-owner with wife Rose.

Senior stylists — some of whom have been with him for decades — are master colourists and experts in updos and hair extensions. Michael’s also offers eyelash extensions and is the sole supplier in Thunder Bay of Lashique eyelash extensions. There is a full-service spa, offering manicures, facials and waxing. The Laser Plus Clinic is located in Michael’s, where they do treatments for wrinkles, age spots, acne, hair removal and Botox. Medical aesthetician Neda Mehrvarz is available for specialty skin care services, such as Microblading, micro needling and tattoo removal, among other services.

“We are we constantly re-inventing ourselves, looking for products and services that are credible and highly sought after,” Michael says.

Now 44 years in the business, Muia has trained with top educators the world over. He’s been in competitions and won numerous awards, including a prestigious first-place in New York City. Muia has also judged hair competitions. Michael’s has also received quality service awards locally and internationally, such as the Global excellence award within the Lux magazine in London, England in 2017.

Michael’s is a Wella concept salon. With this relationship, top educators from across the country go into the salon and train staff on the latest hairstyling, colouring and skin care techniques.

Business success has been tempered by health issues, though. In 2013 Michael was diagnosed with tongue cancer.

“I face many ongoing medical challenges,” he admits. “Because of that I truly live in the moment and appreciate the gift of life that much more. I think this resonates with my family, friends and within my business.”