Cloverdale hairdresser opens new salon in Willoughby
Published 10:00 pm Wednesday, April 8, 2026
After 28 years in the industry, a local hairstylist has opened a flagship salon.
Cloverdale resident James Abu-Ulba—named “Canadian Hairstylist of the Year” for 2025 by Salon Magazine—recently opened Linea Atelier with Sarah Saniger in the Willoughby area on the Surrey-Langley border.
He said he opened Linea to elevate the salon experience. Inside the studio, the space is visually striking with elements of stone, concrete, and reclaimed wood throughout. Ample light and art abound.
“I wanted to bring value, experience, and education back to the heart of salon culture,” Abu-Ulba told the Cloverdale Reporter. “Linea is a new chapter for me and I hope a positive experience for those in the community.”
Linea Atelier opened in February. Abu-Ulba said he’s had nothing but positive feedback so far. Half the battle, he added, is getting the word out that they are open and ready to serve the public.
“We focus on treatment, relaxation, but we really focus on hair and scalp health,” he explained. “When our customers come in, we want them to feel like they’re in an elevated environment. The space is very chill and it’s got a great vibe.”
Linea also has a special events make-up artist that works out of the space. There is also a “beauty room” where customers can get their eyebrows worked on amongst other things.
Apart from the Salon and serving customers, Abu-Ulba thinks education is just as important—educating both the customers and his staff.
“It’s part of our culture,” he said. “Our staff trains for eight hours every Monday. And it’s not just me dictating, everyone is here at training and it’s a very collaborative approach.”
He said everyone in his salon knows the difference between service and hospitality. He packages that with education to offer customers all three.
“We want to offer service, hospitality—the real human connection part, and education.”
Abu-Ulba said opening Linea is the culmination of years of working in the industry. He’s taken the experience he’s gained and put it into the salon.
“Linea is geared toward guest experience,” he noted. “We wanted to create a space where the customer is at the centre and there is meaning behind everything we do.”
Abu-Ulba also runs Method Education, a teaching platform. Method Education “provides a unique learning experience through the study of classic and innovative hair techniques.” He also plans to bring that teaching experience to the public as Linea will start offering free workshops at a later date.
“We’re going to call them the Linea Sessions,” he said.
Abu-Ulba encouraged anyone who may be curious about what Linea Atelier has to offer to swing by and check out their space—which is just south of Highway 1 and west of 200th.
“Come in and have a coffee or a tea. Say hi. Come and hang out.”
Linea Atelier is located at #130 – 19933 88th Avenue.
For more info visit lineaatelier.ca, or find them on Instagram: the.linea.experience.