The Bright Side of Business bimonthly column is presented by Star Motors.
The Connoisseur Art and Hair Studio has cut and styled the locks of athletes, ambassadors and politicians – including former prime minister Pierre Trudeau – for more than 50 years near the corner of Elgin and Cooper streets.
For nearly half its history, the business has belonged to Gamal Rahman: a third-generation hair stylist, artist, photographer, architect and interior designer who combined his passion for art with his entrepreneurial drive by adding an art gallery to the location, displaying his work and hosting events with local artists.
In his early days of owning the business, which Rahman purchased in 1999, selling art provided a valuable alternative revenue stream. More recently, art has been a way for Rahman to stay connected with the wider community and give back.