Fourth Street Founder Spotlight: Frilly Lilly’s Debra Van Dyke

Frilly Lilly may have first introduced itself to the world via Mission, but the ‘sanctuary of all things beauty’ - including waxing, facials, manicures, pedicures, lash services, and brow services - has blossomed to have locations in Calgary’s McKenzie Towne, Victoria (BC), Aspen, Crowfoot Corner, and a boutique in Vancouver’s Yaletown. 

While Frilly Lilly is the brainchild of former esthetician Debra Van Dyke - who to this day functions as founder, president  and brand visionary - she is quick to credit the support of her friends and family along the way. 

“I was always immersed in this industry before I dreamt of Frilly Lilly,” Debra recalled.

“I began envisioning something bigger, a space that offered a full range of pampering services, not just one or two treatments.

“That vision eventually became our very first boutique right here in Mission, back in 2005; twenty years later it's still hard to believe how far we've come. 

With a little help from her children and friends (Lisa, Jeremy, Claudia, and Carly), and a lot of inspiration from vision boards and design books alongside extensive work with chemists, Debra took the leap and opened her first Frilly Lilly more than two decades ago - a move which she looks back on as a ‘leap of faith’, not only as a female-owned business, but as a business which gives other women real opportunities for leadership and entrepreneurship.

On the topic, Debra explained: “What I find most gratifying now is mentoring and empowering the women who lead our boutiques, and our amazing teams. 

“Frilly Lilly has become a place where people can build genuine careers, not just jobs,” she continued.

Nonetheless, with a string of locations across Alberta and British Columbia, Debra holds a special place for the community which first welcomes Frilly Lilly.

Speaking of Fourth Street and its impact on Frilly Lilly’s growth, Debra elaborated: “There is something so meaningful about still being part of this neighbourhood after all these years. It has watched us grow just as much as we have watched it grow. 

“Even as we grow, our roots are still very much here in Mission. This community has supported us since day one, and that means more to me than I think people realize,” Debra concluded.

Stop by Frilly Lilly for your next treat-yourself-day, or have a look at their incredible jewellery pieces, accessories, home goods, and lifestyle items.