The Interview: Alexa Fahel

Alexa Fahel is the owner of Lashious Envy. An entrepreneur at heart, she is our youngest Interviewee ever! 

What do you love most about the Heart of Orléans BIA?

Before opening a business, I had no clue that this amazing group of people in the Heart of Orléans even existed. They have brought nothing but joy, reassurance and support to local business and the community itself. It amazes me that their purpose is to help grow and evolve this community. 

What makes the Heart of Orléans the perfect spot to locate a business?

When deciding a location for your business there are many factors to consider and I knew the Heart of Orléans was the prime spot to locate my business. From the community, the development of this area, the easy commute from wherever you are, etc… This really is the perfect location as I have clients driving 30-40 min with no problem! 

Name a new type of business you would like to see in the Heart of Orléans.

Authentic new places for food or even dessert are lacking and would be an amazing addition. 

What do you think the Heart of Orléans will look like in 25 years?

In 2046, hopefully the whole world will look different! As far as the Heart of Orléans I would hope that the evolution of technology would be an important contributing factor as it is developing into something extremely beneficial to all.

Which two BIA businesses, outside your own, do you love and why?

My two favourite businesses outside of my own have to be : Mexi’s and Lokmas! Mexi’s is really the place to go for all types of amazing flavours and friendly and great staff with food that you can tell is so fresh! Lokmas, on the other hand, has been feeding my sweet tooth! This new addition to the Heart of Orléans was the perfect new dessert spot we needed. 

What Inspires you?

This is the number one question so far during my journey and the answer is: happiness. I aim to work as hard as I can and build what I can in life to stay happy and always be happy. I only do things that I absolutely love or else it will feel like work. To leave a presence and impact in life: it all starts within.  

What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from this interview alone?

The fact that I’ve been working since I was 12 years old! With my whole family & extended family all owning businesses there was always a place to jump in and learn something new. Of course, many would either stay in the family business area or branch out and explore! I was a workaholic! If I didn’t have three jobs while in university then it felt wrong! Now owning my own business it is for sure more comfortable but the same number of hours, of course! 

If someone narrated your life, who would you want to be the narrator?

It would have to be a complete stranger!  That may sound odd as many would choose someone they are close to. I could easily say my mother, Susan Fahel –  who is also a businesswoman but then we all know she would add in her own comments extremely frequently! 

What else would you like us to know?

I pride myself on being a happy person, a caring individual to my clients (in both my beauty salon and in the espresso bar that is part of it) and to anyone in my life. 

I truly love what I do. The day you decide to do something with your life that you don’t love (or at least like) then it will feel like work for the rest of your life! 

I’m only 22 and have learned much already through work, from helping run my parents’ café, Café Latte Cino, as a teen, to starting a small business two years before I opened my current location, they have all been extremely valuable experiences.