A look inside Fred Connors’ world

Meet Fred

Everyone in Halifax knows Fred Connors. He’s a former mayoral candidate (who came in a close third). He is one of the most sought-after hairstylists and makeup artists in the city. He is a small-business owner, a media personality (who has appeared as a makeover and self-esteem expert on The Marilyn Denis Show as well as Slice network’s X-Weighted) and a strong supporter of various youth and LGBT charities. Oh, and he has also led a tireless fight for the right to own backyard chickens as pets

Partner in crime

Fred's multidimensional life is no solo project. His life partner, Joel Flewelling, has been instrumental in every accomplishment. "For the 24 years we've been together, Joel has supported every single idea that I've had, even when he thought it was bad," says Fred. "I'm the driving force, but nothing would happen without Joel." Fred Connors (left) and partner, Joel Flewelling, walk their dog, Ollie.

Renovating his home

When the couple bought their current home a few blocks from their restaurant, friends were concerned. "The house was abandoned and had been trashed, and had ‘murder' spray painted across the front," says Fred. One magnificent and eco-conscious makeover later, the geothermally heated house is spectacular throughout. The heart of the home is the huge eat-in kitchen, an ideal spot for socializing.

Expanding his business

Fred describes his salon/spa/café/gallery as "an affordable luxury lifestyle destination for people, not just a hair salon." Run by Joel, the space is a friendly, much-loved community meeting place where you can grab a latte, enjoy delicious food (including some of the best cupcakes in Halifax) or hold a wedding, charity event or other social gathering. Having just secured space for a second salon, FRED. beauty, in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Fred will soon split his time between the two businesses.

Expanding his business

“Life is complicated and looking good should not have to be,” says Fred of his cosmetics line. Fred’s second salon, FRED. beauty, opens in NYC this September.

The garden

“I have the green thumb,” says Fred. “Joel doesn’t like to get dirty.” Everything they harvest is used in the café’s menu.

The garden

“My advice is to eat and sleep well and have joy in your life,” says Fred.

The chickens

Fred says the backyard was a junkyard when they moved in, but you'd never know it now. A large coop that houses chickens and ducks comprises much of the yard, while the rest is divided into raised beds of herbs, salad leaves and vegetables. Fred and Joel bring baskets of produce from their garden into work in the morning—so that side salad on your plate couldn't be any fresher. "The chickens are our pets who just happen to lay eggs and produce compost that goes back into our vegetable gardens. It's a very biodiverse system," says Fred.

Giving back to his Halifax community

Fred's desire to pioneer positive change is evident in the number of charities he lends his time and skills to. One of those is the Hope Blooms project, founded in 2008 by Jessie Jollymore, community dietitian at the North End Community Health Centre. She established a community garden for youth to grow herbs and vegetables, later made into salad dressings to be sold at the local farmers' market and the café. Juggling multiple responsiblities can be hectic. Here are 10 simple ways to get organized at work.