Jennie Keis knows how important a haircut can be. As a Stylist at the UBC branch of On The Fringe Hair Design the Blanche Macdonald Pro Hair and Makeup Graduate is helping students from around the world discover their sense of self-expression every day.

She’s also taken her artistry out of the salon; launching her own Charity Foundation, Giving It Back, providing patients at Vancouver addiction centres with free makeovers as they prepare to restart their lives.

Jennie understands how hair and makeup changes lives. She’s a prime example.

“I decided that I needed to do something with my life,” she explains. “I was running a clothing, body piercing and tattoo store with a friend in Yellowknife. I was there for a year and it was way too cold for me. I returned to Quesnel, where I’d grown up, and realized that I needed to make a change. That’s when I came to Vancouver and Blanche Macdonald.”

Jennie had loved hanging out in the local salon from an early age (“I was happy to sweep up the hair. I liked the community and the conversations.”). But her inner hairstylist would have to wait, as she’d been understandably wowed by the artistry and career opportunities of the Global Makeup Program.

“The Makeup program was so much fun. I met so many amazing people, classmates and instructors, and I’m still in contact with almost all of them. Even now, if I have questions I’ll message Ashley Forshaw, Leanne Rae Podavin or Jon Hennessey.

“We did a Hair module on the Makeup program with Tyana Nichole, focusing on updo’s and wedding do’s. So if you were put on the spot as a Makeup Artist you could whip up a hairstyle. Ty was inspirational. I aced the hair module. Which was the only thing I aced!”

Jennie stepped straight from Blanche Macdonald into life as a professional Makeup Artist, both in the independent movie world and at Shoppers Drug Mart. But the lure of Hair soon proved too strong to resist. When it came to picking a School, there was never any doubt.

“I knew what Blanche Macdonald expected of us when I started the Hair Program. I knew how high the standards were. I loved how the instructors are working in salons. Lisa Callender and Jeff Ranger are so cool! The education was great. And I liked talking to people all day!”

Talking comes naturally to Jennie. She’s an unabashed people person, regularly punctuating her conversation with booming laughter. Connecting with clients has never been a problem: even before she had the technical abilities to match her innate interpersonal skills.

“When we first started seeing clients in the School Salon it was absolutely nerve wracking, but the instructors weren’t going to give you something you couldn’t do. They wanted us to be confident. The more confident you are, the better haircuts you give. The instructors would build us up. I loved it!”

Looking for some real-life experience (and income), Jennie’s enthusiasm led her to a position assisting owner Shannon Simmonds at Vancouver salon On The Fringe Hair Design while she was still at Hair School.

“I ended up working at On The Fringe on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, assisting and going to Hair School Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I was working my butt off! In the salon I’d watch Shannon and the other stylists work. I did my Blanche Macdonald work placement here too! I knew this was the place for me.”

On The Fringe Hair Design realised that they had a special one, and put Jennie to work seeing clients the day after she graduated. After a couple of weeks on Main Street, Jennie relocated to the branch at the University of British Columbia, one of Vancouver’s liveliest salons. It’s been her creative home ever since.

“It’s really busy at UBC. We get walk-ins all day long. Our clientele are different from the clientele at the Main Street salon, but how we want to make them feel and what we want to achieve when they’re in our chair is exactly the same. We want to make them feel that they’re the only people we’re thinking about when they’re with us. We have clients that have moved to Vancouver from different countries and university life can be lonely for them. We want them to know that we care. Once every six weeks they have someone they can vent to.”

For Jennie’s global clientele, whether it’s their first or tenth time in her chair, a trip to On The Fringe Hair Design is a chance to sit, laugh and chat with a friend. For Jennie, every client is a chance for a creative adventure.

“I love big changes. When girls come to university and are away from home for the first time of course they get excited about changing their colours or cutting it short. What are their parents going to do? Men’s cuts are always fun. Girls have all these different accessories. But for men, their haircut is their accessory.”

For anyone walking into On The Fringe Hair Design looking for a bold colour change, the orchid tones of Jennie’s own hair is confirmation that they’re in gifted hands.

“When people walk into the salon and think, ‘Who here would be the best fit for me?’ they can see my hair and ask if I can do the same for them. Colour is like chemistry. It’s a legitimate science.”

Jennie’s commitment to filling people with confidence isn’t confined to her clients. Taking inspiration from her volunteer work with On The Fringe Hair Design, she’s started Giving It Back, a foundation dedicated to giving addiction sufferers finishing their treatment new looks to accompany their new lives.

“On The Fringe is really involved in our community. We do Cuts for Cancer at UBC, and we give homeless people haircuts at Oppenheimer Park twice a year.

“I realised that two times a year wasn’t enough for me. I’ve had friends and family members struggle with addiction so I wanted to give back. I starting talking to Turning Point, which is a treatment centre for drug and alcohol addiction. They were floored that I wanted to help. I’ve done all this hard work to get to this point and I love doing it. I want to share these skills with people. I’m pretty excited!”

For Jennie, the art of hair is the art of understanding and appreciating people. Whether it’s a regular client or a stranger, the world’s most technically perfect haircut doesn’t mean a thing unless it’s on the right head.

“You have read people,” she smiles. “How can I make you feel better about yourself? Will this haircut suit you? I’m not going to give someone shy bright pink hair if they’re shy and don’t want to stand out. You need to know something about the person to answer those questions. I’m a Chatty Cathy so it suits me perfectly. I can’t imagine my life without this!”

In the cozy, clean and crisp white space of Glam Nail Studio, the morning sun glints on the golden array of Nail Art trophies jostling for space along countertops and shelves, intersticed with the framed sets of the winning artwork. The girls have only just settled from the bustle of their opening preparations, and the stations are already babbling with the first customers of the day; that is, with exception to our chair and the one opposite where sits the owner of this Award-Winning space, Blanche Macdonald Nail Parlour graduate Keiko Matsui.

“At first I wasn’t aware of competitions,” chirps Keiko, swiveling to look at the impressive collection of glass and gold with a humble shrug. “Some of our staff that came in from Tokyo to work with us were wanting to go to Las Vegas; the competitions there are world renowned. I decided to give it a shot and I won third place the first time – I was very, very happy. Now, since we’ve begun winning these awards, there are nail technicians that want to come to work in this salon so that they too can win awards at the competitions. They know we know what we need to do!”

They certainly do. Just over six years into business, the Glam Nail team boasts an astounding  twenty-one international awards for their highly acclaimed Japanese nail art, including Keiko’s 3D Nail Art First Place win at IBS Las Vegas. And people have been noticing.  

“Customers are actually coming in from different areas, crossing the border; sometimes they’re even flying in, coming by as they pass through the Vancouver International Airport!

“We try to get the most experienced nail technicians; they are so dedicated to the salon and we have won many competition awards. Even now, Glam Nail is still one-of-a-kind in the Lower Mainland.”

Since first tossing open the doors in the summer of 2008, Glam Nail’s client base – which began only with a small group of loyal customers from Keiko’s freelancing days – has grown exponentially, keeping the salon in constant flux and on their toes. This, in part due to the fact that Keiko and her girls are creating a new niche by educating Vancouverites about Japanese nail art technique and design.

“When I was still in Japan, about 18 years ago nobody was talking about nails. Japanese nail art really happened in the past 15 years or so; the nail technicians began to win awards in the international competitions, and the prominent ones were all of a sudden always in the magazines. Historically in Japan, the craftsman and craftsmanship is very appreciated. It was because of this that they were able to gradually establish so many nail art styles.”

Keiko brought this diversity of style to Canada when a long list of national regulations and restrictions on immigrants forced her and her Canadian husband to relocate from Kyoto to Canada, leaving her position as an English instructor behind. Excited about the prospect of a fresh start, Keiko kept her eyes peeled and ears open for the next career to call her own. The moment of clarity was released – pun intended – during a back rub.

“I was helping out a friend with her massage practicum and as I was speaking with her she told me about another of her friends that was taking a nail artistry course. I thought, ‘Oh, I might like that!’ I began looking for a nail school right away. One of my friends had gone to Blanche Macdonald for the Esthetics course and the schedule really matched mine. It was all very opportune – all from only that one conversation!

“The classes at Blanche Macdonald were very sophisticated. The teachers were not just teachers; they were nail technicians with experience. I loved how they emphasized on cleaning, on manners, ethics – it’s all very important. It was great learning about all of the extra treatments as well, like henna and aromatherapy. The materials that we used at the school were very good; they were all top notch products!”

Keiko pulls open a few drawers and points to her collection of polish and gels – most of these products are now stocking her shelves at Glam Nail. The high-standard hygenics that she learned over a decade ago are of another Blanche Macdonald legacy that she has carried through to her salon – and they’re not the only things.   

“I even still follow the finger painting order,” she laughs. “Those kinds of fundamental lessons I cannot ever forget.”

After graduation, Keiko began work as a nail artist with Holt Renfrew’s prestige spa, but a very special circumstance pushed her into a more independent pursuit.

“I found out soon after that I was pregnant. I wanted to be more flexible in my hours, and I was adamant that I wanted to pursue nail art specifically, so I began doing friends’ nails. They loved it! That’s when I established K’s Mobile Nail Bar. My client list began growing bigger, and bigger – once you have 60 customers you cannot increase more than that. You’re fully booked all of the time. And so, I opened Glam Nail!”

Even now with her larger space and ever-growing team, Keiko can barely keep the appointment books from overflowing. Glam Nail’s unparalleled passion for creativity, quality, and the attention they devote to their clients keeps their salon buzzing.

“A lot of our customers have been here for a long time, but some will move back to Asia, and some may have children and stop doing their nails for some time. Even when they don’t come for awhile, I still see them as very long term customers when they do. I always try to remember each customer and the stories we shared.

“I keep this salon very small. The reason is that I can still oversee and make sure that the quality of service is at the level I want. We guarantee our work for up to one week even if it’s their fault. We’ll fix it without any questions asked. I don’t want to argue about who’s fault it is; they paid, and so they should enjoy.”

The Glam Nail aesthetic ranges from toothsome pastel florals to exorbitant, no holds barred bling. Though many travel miles for one of their signature 3D looks, some come for a more classic look made brilliant through the unparalleled quality and service on offer at the studio. Ensuring that her team are never short of ideas for her diverse client base means that Keiko is constantly on the lookout, pulling inspiration from some unlikely sources.

“When I see her clothes,” says Keiko, gesturing towards a customer’s heathered shawl cardigan, “I think of how there’s a really great combination of black and white there, and wonder how to utilize it. Materials are everywhere and make for great inspiration. I try to pay attention. Even with my kids’ stuff – I’ve gone to the toy store just to look and think about 3D things to make. It’s crazy!

“My crafty, artistic side has been really fulfilled with this job.”

Glam Nail’s spectacular, inventive designs have even won over the adoration of superstar ‘Gothic Lolita’ blogger, journalist, and TV host La Carmina, who pops by Glam Nail to treat herself when she’s in town. Yet the passion that Keiko enthuses for her career has less to do with star visitors, and more to do with the everyday enjoyments that come with owning your own business.

“It’s so difficult to refine it to just one thing! One of the greatest parts about this job is that you see the results, the feedback right away, which is difficult to find in some other careers. Then, as I have two kids I am too busy to go downtown all the time, but my staff and customers will bring me back lots of ideas and information. I love my conversations with my team and my customers.

“I’m supported by so many people. I feel incredibly grateful. I have to play all sorts of roles in my daily life but it’s a good thing, as a mother, to have your own business; you can be more flexible.”

Keiko has now added an extra role to her list that she is endlessly thrilled about, coming back to Blanche Macdonald as an instructor to the next generation of potential nail technicians, award-winning artists and studio owners.

“The classrooms at Blanche Macdonald are full of curiosity – I love it! At the time that I was in the program, there wasn’t much information about Japanese nail art, but a lot of these students today are very interested in it. I want to answer all of their questions! I really want to inspire these young artists, but I am inspired by them also; by their energy and their passion.”

Having won the hearts of the Lower Mainland over to the wondrous world of Japanese nail art, she hopes that the next generation will keep the tradition going. For now, her advice to the her students is to keep eyes open and on the horizon for their own calling in the bright and booming industry of Nail Art. 

“Be curious! I’m full of curiosity! And be patient. Keep going. Your time will come, but to be patient is the most important thing to know.”

Blanche Macdonald is thrilled to announce an exciting new addition to our International Makeup Studio program! We have condensed our popular six-month course into an amazing three-month program. In a full-time Monday to Friday schedule, this new course delves into every aspect of the Fashion, Bridal, and Special Events Makeup industries.

International students will also have the option to add on a three-month Co-op Canadian working Visa after completing the International Makeup Studio Program. Blanche Macdonald's exceptional International Team and fantastic Makeup Career Directors are highly acclaimed and respected professionals in the industry. They work around the clock to place our current students and graduates with extraordinary work opportunities while studying in Canada.

If you are a creative individual seeking a unique Canadian educational experience, this program is for you. Blanche Macdonald's world famous Makeup college is located in one of the most spectacular cities - Vancouver, British Columbia. We offer a dynamic and distinct approach to education in applied makeup arts. Our International Makeup Studio Program is taught by some of the leading Makeup Artists and successful industry professionals. We embrace diversity and encourage relationship building on a global scale.

Connect your passion for travel and education with imagination and possibility. We welcome you to join our Blanche Macdonald international family!

About Blanche Macdonald Centre

Established since 1960, Blanche Macdonald Centre is a world class educational institution in Vancouver, BC, focusing on the creative and applied arts. We are a fully government accredited college and a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI # O19257719332) enrolling over 1300 students per year. We currently have three Vancouver campuses, CurliQue Beauty (our pro beauty store) and Q&A Hair Salon (a student-run Pro Hair salon).

Five-time Emmy Award-winning Makeup Artist Eve Pearl recently called Blanche Macdonald "the Harvard of Makeup". We teach our students to the very highest industry standards. Our curriculum is authored by two-time Emmy Award-winning Blanche Macdonald Makeup Director, Mr. Todd McIntosh. Throughout the year, some of the top talent in the Beauty industry takes time out of their busy schedules to visit our campuses, speak and demonstrate their talent and knowledge to our Makeup students. International VIP Guest instructors and artists include Oscar Award-winners Ve Neill (Makeup Designer/Makeup Department Head for The Hunger Games, The Amazing Spiderman, Pirates of the Caribbean) and Howard Berger (Makeup Department Head for The Chronicles of Narnia), Celebrity Makeup Artists for Madonna, Lady Gaga, Florence + The Machine - Sharon Gault and James Vincent, and top international Fashion Makeup Artists like Janeen Witherspoon and Ayami Nishimura (Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, AnOther Mag, Dazed and Confused, ID Mag etc.)

Please contact our International Marketing Team for more information regarding our admission process or start dates:

Atelier Campus

Jaye Wong Klippenstein, International Marketing Director 
jaye@blanchemacdonald.com

Lina Lee, Associate Director International Department
lina.l@blanchemacdonald.com
Lina is also fluent in Korean

By phone: 604.685.5560

City Square Campus

Josephine Lee, Associate Director
josephine@blanchemacdonald.com
Josephine is also fluent in Mandarin and Spanish. 
604.685.0347

A runway framed by candlelight. Stained glass and gothic arches. Shimmering, gold-kissed hair and makeup. A gathering of Vancouver’s fashion and media elite. And, of course, the debut collections from more than 30 Fashion Designers with bold futures ahead of them. A myriad of talent and creativity combined to ensure that Wandering Stars, the 2014 Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design Graduate Show, was the most memorable and best Blanche Macdonald Fashion Show yet.

The venue: Vancouver’s spectacular St Andrew’s-Wesley Church.

The concept: a yearlong collaboration between Blanche Macdonald’s industry-leading instructors across the School’s Fashion, Makeup and Hair departments.

The clothes: the work of a remarkable class of Fashion Design students.

“This was an amazing experience for everyone,” smiled Executive Program Director Peggy Morrison, taking a well-deserved rest in a still-buzzing dressing room minutes after the Show’s conclusion. “We had exceptional collections. I’ll look back on this year’s Fashion Design grads with great love. They were exceptional groups and it was a wonderful experience for me to teach them. They were diligent, dedicated, focused and talented. And nice! A great bunch to be with! So many of the collections were very innovative. We loved the use of plastic and neoprene, which was everywhere. There was beautiful colour and lots of hand-rendered work.

“The hair and makeup looked beautiful and so did the venue. I loved doing the show here. I hope we’re going to be back.”

Great designers deserve a great show. Thanks to the hard work of Peggy, Fashion Department Career Director Mel Watts, Creative Director Kelly Schmidt, Fashion Director Tyler Udall and countless others, that’s what they received.

“With any show as diverse as this, there’s never an official ‘concept,’” explained Tyler. “We were working with more than 30 designers and the whole point was to elevate them and their work to the highest levels possible. Fortunately, this year's show included a large number of students exploring quite grandiose designs. The space and the aesthetics we chose complimented that. Our President, Lily Lim and her husband Perry Jung were married at St Andrew’s-Wesley, so it holds extra special meaning for them and the Blanche Macdonald family. It’s an exceptionally beautiful and very grand venue. Transforming it into a space used for a fashion show presented us with some exciting challenges. I worked very closely with Kelly and Mel on so many details your eyes might cross; casting models, developing hair and makeup treatments with the other departments’ Directors, working on audio direction with our amazing DJ. The list went on and on.”

Making the venue fashion-functional was only one of Tyler’s many vital roles. Equally important was ensuring every student was able to harness their skills and creativity to their maximum ability.

“My Fashion Director responsibilities start right at the beginning of each student's year,” he continued. “We have many one-on-one meetings, looking at and discussing inspiration, sketches, fabrics, construction. I’ll help them translate their vision in a concise fashion voice that’s both runway ready and visually appealing to a discerning media. It’s 100% about the students. This night is the launch pad to their future careers and seeing the pride and success on their faces is utterly priceless. This year we had a particularly strong group of young women who were such delights to work with. All the award-winners deserved their accolades. They were mature and talented beyond their years.  Their overall work ethic, creativity, adaptability and professional aplomb were more than noteworthy. Hire them! People as well-rounded as these women do not come into the industry often!”

This year’s Award for Overall Achievement was shared between Daria Volokhova and Liis Sober. For Daria, hearing her name announced at St Andrew’s-Wesley was a fitting end to a magical year.

“I had a phrase in my mind since I started,” recalled Daria, taking a break backstage from an avalanche of well-deserved congratulations. “Robyne Nessel-Smoot enrolled me. When we met I showed her my work and she told me I was going to be a star. I never told anyone this, but I held onto her words and they helped move me forward. Tonight I’m the Wandering Star!”

Our Admissions Directors’ prophecies are often on the button. Robyne’s prediction came true as Daria’s collection charmed the house with its elegant balance of Russian lavishness and youthful romance. A crimson silk satin blouse smocked and gathered delicately at the bust, as petals, and paired with a lushly woven velvet skirt was as easily conceived as opulence for the office or enchanting evening finery.    

“The inspiration for my collection was peonies. I love these flowers! They’re part of my memory of childhood in Russia, from my Grandma’s back yard.

“My year at Fashion School was great. I met so many amazing people who were so supportive. It was the perfect place and the perfect time for me to show my skills and to grow. I grew professionally at Blanche Macdonald. I learned a lot about the fashion industry and how to work with creative people as a team. I always worked hard to have the best results I could.

“The night was so exciting! Everything went well and I’m so happy. This was my first big show and the location was amazing.”

Co-winner Liis Sober had years of fashion industry experience under her belt before arriving at Blanche Macdonald. Even so, seeing her debut collection on this spectacular runway was an unforgettable experience.

“I have a degree in Merchandising from the University of Kentucky, where I played tennis collegiately. I’ve been working at lululemon for two years as a Merchandise Information Associate, which is basically an assistant buyer. But I wanted to be creative. I did my research and knew designers who’d been to Blanche Macdonald and had been successful.”

Liis combined her real-world experience and passion for tennis to deliver an ace debut collection, ready for the racks of Vancouver’s thriving boutique scene. Set in creamy silks and crisp linens, Liis’ looks riffed on vintage tennis-wear of the 1920s and 30s, seeing the playful proportions of a pleated high-waist linen short pant with entredeux hem detailing, and silk lattice cutwork on a varsity jacket and tunic that echoed racket strings. The collection on a whole felt refreshing, and the impeccable tailoring only added to its allure. 

“Tennis was my first love. Vintage tennis looks were so beautiful with their long skirts, pleats and sweaters. That was my inspiration. I took tennis equipment, like the strings on the racket, and interpreted that with the clothes. I wanted to play with the textures, which I knew would show up because it’s all white, in true Wimbledon style.

“It was an intense course but I knew that going in. I knew what I got out of the program would depend on what I put in. The teachers are amazing at Blanche Macdonald. If you work hard they’ll help you hard. The show was breathtaking. Watching my and everyone else’s clothes was magical. Seeing the sketches come alive on a model was so rewarding.”

The perfectly prepared venue and the pristine collections were only two dimensions of what made Wandering Stars so spectacular. Completing the event’s commitment to the very highest professional standards was the beauty team, headed by Blanche Macdonald Makeup Director Jon Hennessey.

“For this show the challenge is to find a central theme or look that works effectively across the board with all the designers,” explained Jon, relaxing with his team of Blanche Macdonald Makeup grads after the show. “Tyler and I bounced ideas back and forth. In this case, the venue was a huge part of where the look came from, as the church has such a majestic quality. You’re surrounded by incredible stained glass and the runway is lined with candles. How can you honour that environment?

“I wanted something that was texture heavy in terms in reflection. When the models blinked I wanted to show the reflection in their eyelids. We created a craft glitter and an eye with a bird of prey quality to it, with a crisp black frame for the reflective glitter. But the main focus for me was the skin. I wanted to create the most luminous, reflective, ethereal quality to the skin. Highlights were painted in as strokes of light. There was nothing formulaic about it. Every girl was different. You might not have caught it. If it’s obvious it’s too much. The subtlety should creep up on you.

“Tim Hung designed the look for the Wandering Stars photo shoot. He and Tyler discussed using Gold Foil on the hair, giving it a gold flake texture. We kept that clean centre part and used a gold leaf to define the part and diffused the leaf by breaking it up with a spatula and fork. I was working very closely with Renata Trebacz who was keying the hair. She adhered the gold leaves and we diffused it in our room like we were blending a makeup.”

For a Makeup Artist of Jon’s calibre, used to the backstage facilities of New York and Europe’s finest fashion venues, working in an 80-year old church still brought some novel challenges. 

“It’s a unique environment!” he laughed. “Hair is another floor away and so was the dressing room. I had no concerns about capabilities with my team of grads. They were confident and competent. We had two hours to process 19 models. It was a pushed pace, and it was a challenge, but we got it done!”

The success of Wandering Stars was a tribute to the hard work of the students and staff at Blanche Macdonald, with special mention due to the inspirational leadership of President Lily Lim, the endless efforts of Executive Program Director/Show Coordinator Peggy Morrison, Executive Program Director Donna Baldock, Fashion Director Tyler Udall, Career Director, Fashion Department Mel Watts, the expertise and support in the Sewing and Pattern Labs of Instructors Brenda Swinglehurst and Jenny Hedberg, and creative catalyst Lisa Gellert. Special thanks must also go to Instructors Carlie Wong, Mariana Prins, Maneli Nourbakhsh, Rose Aiello, Emmanuel St. Juste and Wanda Sustersich, Lab Assistants Kari Applequist, Hana Chiang and Jill Kacic, Creative Director Kelly Schmidt, Social Media and Marketing Manager Natasha Eng, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator Laila Fox, Graphic Design Assistant Esther Chaye, Instructor and Backstage Coordinator Lyndi Barrett and the team at Heth PR.

Infinite gratitude too, must be given to the backstage team, led by Peggy Morrison, along with Leila Bani and a team of volunteers from the Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising programs. While instructors Jon Hennessey, Renata Trebacz and Barb Baker and their volunteer graduates and students from the Blanche Macdonald Makeup, Hair and Esthetics Schools ensured the models looked as spectacular as the collections. Thanks also to our fabulous emcee Jaylene McRae and DJ Hana Pesut (Sincerely Hana) for providing an amazing soundtrack to the night.

The entire team at Blanche Macdonald would also like to extend its sincerest gratitude to our corporate sponsors, Make Up For Ever, Oribe, Dermalogica, Aldo & Aldo Accessories, Town Shoes, Embryolisse, and Linacare, along with huge thanks to our colleagues at CurliQue Beauty for putting our guests’ goody-bags together.

Full List of Award Winners

Overall Achievement: Liis Sober and Daria Volokhova (tied)

Overall Achievement (Honourable Mention): Elya Postma

Achievement in Pattern Making: Shin-Yi Chi and Joanna Pang (tied)

Achievement in Garment Construction: Joanna Pang

Achievement in Illustration: Marissa Campbell

Award for Portfolio Presentation: Kathryn Brown

Award for Design Innovation: Tia Zhen

Fragmented fairy tales peppered with nostalgia. Susie Bubble meets Dr Seuss. Throw in a little teenage rebellion for good measure, and you have Fashion sensation Alex Yu. If the name doesn’t ring bells yet, commit it to memory. At the rate the Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design graduate’s accolades are piling up, he’s sure to be a household name in no time. In the most fashion-conscious households, of course.

Alex gradated from Canada’s Top Fashion School three years ago. Since then he’s continued his studies at the renowned London College of Fashion, won rave reviews from his debut collection at Vancouver Fashion Week, earned features by the likes of British Vogue and Elle Italia and opened a pop up shop that sold out completely. It’s crystal clear that Alex is one to watch.

“I actually started out studying computer science, believe it or not,” reveals Alex, with a cheeky grin. “I’d always loved fashion, but my family thought it best for me to be a doctor or lawyer or a computer programmer. While I was studying at university I began to sew and draw and even dabbled in marketing. I thought perhaps I could work the business side of fashion.”

Those computer science and technical studies weren’t entirely in vain. Their influence in his contemporary womenswear rings loud and clear.

“I like to make wearable clothing out of unconventional fabrics and love to experiment,” he continues. “Like paper with laminate or materials typically used for life vests. The fabric I want to work with is generally used for non-fashion purposes. Lawn chair fabric for example, is absolutely amazing. I’ll mix those with pictures I take in my daily travels and then distort them on my computer.”

Computer generated art, misappropriated technical fabrics and twisted narratives from children's stories are reoccurring themes in the ingénue Designer’s growing body of work as Alex examines technology and creates boundary-pushing silhouettes.

Some designers exploring these areas can produce cold, detached end results. The fact that Alex’s clothing translates into something sweet and playful is remarkable. Viewing life through rose-tinted glasses, his effortlessly cool clothing has been interpreted as fresh and new by even seasoned fashion veterans. This is a testament to Alex’s discerning eye and ability to gauge what speaks to the millennial.  

“My clothing is really geared towards a younger generation, people who aren’t afraid to dress up and have fun. Susie Bubble would be probably the best archetype for my customer. I love her! How she supports emerging designers is incredible. A lot of people only care about the huge names in fashion, but Susie is genuinely interested in young designers and their entire process.”

Alex’s most recent collection, shown at Vancouver Fashion Week earlier this autumn, highlights the creative wheels turning. As this year’s recipient of Niche Magazine’s prestigious Emerging Designer Sponsorship, Alex debuted a 16-look collection of contemporary womenswear, reinventing his personal definition of femininity. The emerging designer is building an impressive following for someone so young, confident that his clothes are destined for life beyond the runway.

“I felt it was really important to follow my Fashion Week debut with a pop up shop in Vancouver’s Chinatown. It’s one thing to see clothing on the runway, but if a potential customer wants to see things up close or feel the garments, they really need to have intimate access to them. That pop up shop ended up being quite successful!”

Alex’s modesty is charming, but to describe selling out your first public collection as “successful”, would be a grave understatement! It’s a phenomenal accomplishment and we tip our hats to our dear Alex.

Not that his success has come as a surprise. He’s been impressing fashion insiders since he first walked into Blanche Macdonald. Viewing his Fashion Education with the same enthusiasm he now brings to his professional life, Alex credits the sagely wisdom of Illustration Teacher Lisa Gellert and Program Director Peggy Morrison for his academic fervour. 

“The foundation at Blanche Macdonald is amazing. Before I started Fashion School I didn't know how to do anything. It was my mission to take in as much as possible. I was so inspired by Lisa. The designers she talked about always got me excited. I remember thinking ‘Finally! Someone who knows all about Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto!’ I had never met someone as fascinated with avant-garde designers as I was. 

“Peggy’s Fashion Awareness classes were incredible! Hearing all her stories satiated me in a way that was like feeding an addiction. Her and Lisa have piles and piles of reference images from so many incredible designers. I remember the first time I saw Lisa’s portfolio of vintage Comme des Garcons images. I was taking pictures of everything!”

With seeds of wisdom that were planted, watered and grown at Canada’s top Fashion School, Alex decided to take his educational journey to one of Europe’s style capitals. Not many have what it takes to be accepted to the eminent London College of Fashion’s post-graduate program. They’re looking for the best of the best. Designers like Alex, essentially.

“At London College of Fashion they expect you to be prepared and know what you’re doing,” explains Alex. “Blanche Macdonald really got me ready for that. London College of Fashion also puts a huge amount of focus on the research phase of design. Lisa and Peggy definitely put me on the right path.”

“Our first month in London was purely independent research and we would present images to the tutor once a week. He would give us feedback; new directions to explore and then we would be off on the hunt again! I really learned how to be self-motivated in that environment. But the biggest thing I took away from my time at both Fashion Schools was discovering who I am as a designer and what I want to say with my clothes. Essentially I found the voice and vision for my career.”

Primed with a second invitation to Vancouver Fashion Week, Alex has already jumped into next year’s work.

“My inspiration for my FW2015 collection is the movie 'Mean Girls'. I am incorporating feelings and inspiration from the movie, mixing it with memories from my very own high school experience here in Vancouver, and coming out with ALEX S. YU's version of 'Mean Girls' in present day.

Dr Seuss is a big inspiration for me. I love children’s stories and giving them a modern twist. ‘Little Red Riding Hood Goes To Outer Space’ seems like a great narrative. I might also play around with some large-scale three-dimensional printing. At the end of the day, it’s really about an attitude and having a little fun.”

What fun! With a cult following that keeps growing, we can expect to see more “Space Odyssey En Route to Grandma’s House” walking the streets of Vancouver (and beyond) soon.

“My goal is to build my own label. Right now I’m starting small and hopefully growing big. Menswear is always in the back of my mind. What can I say? I’d like to make clothes I can wear too.”

Whoever first gave the advice to never mix business and pleasure had obviously never met Jordan Nogiec and Victoria Jazic. Because every day is pure pleasure for the two Stylists at Vancouver’s Volume Studio Salon. They’re not just colleagues. They’re best friends.

“Loving what you do makes such a difference in your life,” smiles Victoria. “I enjoy what I do and who I work with. I never feel like I don’t want to go to work in the morning.”

“I get to see my best friend every day,” interjects Jordan. “Even on my days off I end up hanging out in the salon.”

Victoria and Jordan regularly finish each other’s sentences. It’s part of their special connection. It’s been that way ever since they met on the Pro Hair Program at Canada’s Top Hair School.

“I was really nervous when we started at Blanche Macdonald,” recalls Victoria. “Jordan wasn’t sure if I was being rude or just shy.”

“She used to have really long hair and I always wanted to put my hands in it,” he laughs. “I kept asking if I could curl or blow-dry her hair. That bound us together.”

There was little indication that Jordan and Victoria would hit it off so spectacularly at Blanche Macdonald, arriving at Hair School with different backgrounds from opposite sides of the country. Victoria drove down to Vancouver shortly after graduating from High School in her hometown of Whistler. Jordan flew in from Kitchener, Ontario, where he already had a flourishing career as a Makeup Artist.

“I had a good job at MAC,” he explains. “Hair was my first love though. At high school girls had a trend of clip-in hair extensions. I would make them come to my house so I could flat iron them. There would be six girls in my bathroom, and I loved it!

“When I started looking into hair schools my first instinct was to go to Toronto. But I always wanted to be the guy who graduated high school and moved far away. I read Blanche Macdonald’s graduate highlights and that inspired me to apply. I saw Dylan Walker’s profile and thought, I want to do that!”

“I was doing art all the way through high school,” Victoria continues. “And there were a lot of bathroom hair colour sessions in my house. I wanted to turn my creativity into a career. Blanche Macdonald felt like the only option for me. It had the best program and I’d heard such good things about it.”

Skills and confidence, along with a unique friendship, were quickly developing once they started Hair School.

“We had Tyana Nichole as a teacher and she was like a friendly drill sergeant,” recalls Jordan. “She would make sure you did things right. That built an inner confidence within us.”

“She would tell you when something wasn’t good enough and get you to do it again,” confirms Victoria. “We knew we were learning properly. There was never the opportunity to develop bad habits. I was nervous when I had my first client in the school salon, but I realised the instructors weren’t going to let me do something that would make me look bad or the client leave unhappy.”

As the young stylists’ skills improved, their creativity flourished in the Blanche Macdonald student salon and through the Pro Hair Program’s four photo shoots.

“For the TV and Film shoot we had to recreate a character from a show or movie set before 1989,” explains Jordan. “I did Freida Pinto’s character from The Immortals.”

“I did Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Victoria jumps in. “We had four photo shoots in two weeks. They didn’t baby us. We didn’t have months to prepare and all day to do the shoots. It was like a shoot in real life. I loved it.”

“We’ve both done some shoots after we graduated,” continues Jordan, “so it was great to get thrown into that world at Hair School.”

The new stylists were also introduced to the world of professional salons on their work experience placements. Jordan had his eyes on a particular salon since he first arrived in Vancouver.

“I lived across the street from Volume and could see the energy when I walked by. I wanted to show them that I wasn’t there just to sweep floors and fold laundry. I was there to learn industry tricks. I would ask about products and colour techniques. Dean Thullner, the owner, could see my ambition. After two days he hired me! I would work there when I wasn’t at Hair School. Dean asked me to recommend another student to help. I didn’t hesitate to suggest Victoria. She came in for a two-minute interview with Dean, and we both had full-time jobs for when we graduated.”

The terrific twosome were put behind their own chairs as soon as they graduated, but at Volume keeping clients happy is one part of a bigger picture.

“The salon is very philanthropic,” explains Jordan. “We do charity work here all year round. Dean throws a big production called Brilliant! that raises money for Mental Health through St Pauls Hospital. We come together and do hair for a huge fashion show at the Commodore Ballroom. We raised $300,000 this year. It was so rewarding.”

“We did hair for a fashion show that was raising money for Elevate to Celebrate,” adds Victoria, “which is a charity aiming to make Hycroft Manor wheelchair accessible.”

Victoria and Jordan understand the power of education and effort. Watching them in the salon reveals how committed they are to their careers. When they’re not with clients they’re continually busy helping and learning. But it turns out that what can look like hard work is essentially two people having fun.

“Hair is so creative!” insists Victoria. “You can do so many different things for different people. You get this instant gratification when the client is so happy. I love that you’re never doing the same thing. I would hate to be working in an office at a desk. Here it’s like going to a party and meeting different, interesting people!”

“I love the human contact,” adds Jordan. “I have one client who comes in every three weeks. I feel like I shouldn’t even charge her. It’s like I’m hanging out with a girlfriend. There’s nothing better than having your client jump out of the chair to give you a hug!”

The commitment to hair is skin deep. Both Victoria and Jordan have shears tattooed on their arms, his pivot bolt reading ’69,’ their group number at Blanche Macdonald. Whatever the future holds for them, they’ll be ready and prepared.

“I love the salon atmosphere here,” states Victoria. “Volume is a place where you’re given opportunities. You can take your career where you want to go and still be part of the salon team.”

“I’d love to do more photoshoots and print work, but still be behind the chair here,” agrees Jordan. “I don’t like giving myself limits. I want to do everything! Why not keep going?”

Business and pleasure? They’re one and the same thing for Jordan and Victoria. Having formed a wonderful friendship at Hair School it’s only natural that they look back on their time at Blanche Macdonald with fond memories and words of wisdom for the next generation of styling superstars.

“Don’t get discouraged when you’re not amazing the first time,” insists Victoria. “Hair is not as easy as you might have thought it would be. It’s hard. Skills come with practice.”

“Don’t beat yourself up if someone is doing better than you,” agrees Jordan. “It’s a learning curve. My experience at Blanche Macdonald was amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing; other than remembering to pack my own lunches!”

“I’m jealous of Makeup Artists who can narrow it down to Fashion or TV and film,” laughs Blanche Macdonald graduate-turned-instructor Win Liu. “I love working on both! I’m represented by the model and talent agency, Lizbell, and I’m also an IATSE permittee, which means I get to work on union shows like Arrow, Warriors, Motive, Almost Human and Wayward Pines. That’s great for me. I get the best of both worlds!”

Every job has its perks for Win, whether it’s the challenge, the people or just seeing the end results. If she’s doing a Beauty application or Special Makeup Effects, she throws herself into her work with the same effervescent enthusiasm that first brought her to Blanche Macdonald.

“I’d studied painting and fashion, and was working in fashion, making couture collections for private clients. I just didn’t see fashion as a full-time career. I woke up one morning thinking ‘what else can I do with my hands and brushes?’ Later that day I walked into Blanche Macdonald and asked if I could talk to someone about the Makeup Program. Jaye Klippenstein showed me some portfolios and I said, ‘OK!”

Win started her studies convinced that she’d focus on Fashion Makeup. That was the plan. Right up until she took Jen Folk’s Special Makeup Effects class.

“I was sure that I wanted to do only runway,” smiles Win. “Then Jen showed me a whole new world. She came in on the first day of class and said, ‘Ok guys, today I’m going to teach you to make a dead finger.’ We made a bloody latex finger and that night I brought it to a pub to watch a hockey game. I left the finger on the table and freaked out the bartender. After that I was totally into prosthetics and makeup effects.”

That instant passion took Win to two IMATS Character Prosthetics Finals, taking the Third Place Trophy in Los Angeles by turning her brother into a monstrous version of Henry VIII. Win had natural talent, but she also embraced the Blanche Macdonald philosophy that it’s never too early to start acting like a professional.

“I volunteered my butt off. Everything and anything. I was volunteering at a gala at Shoppers Drug Mart on Dunbar Street when I was still doing the Makeup Fundamentals module. I was so busy doing makeup after makeup. Two weeks later I received a phone call. The voice on the other end said, ‘You don’t know me, but I saw your work at Shoppers and I like what you do. Would you like to join the Lancôme demo team?’ I was with Lancôme for four and half years, eventually becoming their Senior Demo Artist for Vancouver. That all came from a day’s volunteering!”

Win’s fast track into Lancôme’s Beauty Team went hand-in-hand with her entry into the world of Special Makeup Effects. She’d barely completed the Effects module at Makeup School when she was bringing those skills to the world with Vancouver heavy metallers 3 Inches Of Blood.

“After that I was asked by Jon Hennessey to be the key artist for the background performers for Marianas Trench’s ‘Haven’t Had Enough’ video. It was a great vote of confidence and I was so grateful for the opportunity to work with Jon, Jenna Kuchera and other wonderful Blanche Macdonald grads.”

People know about Win’s skills now. As an IATSE permittee, she’s at the front of the line whenever a BC makeup department is looking for an artist who’s both versatile and great company.

“I’ve worked with Danielle Fowler on Arrow a few times. I’d go to the trailer and it’s full of Blanche Macdonald grads! Leah Ehman was the key on the second unit and I assisted her. I did one scene when I had to quickly makeup an actress’s hands and feet to make it look like she was a corpse. That was some fun colouration!

“A lot of the time people I’ve worked with before request me personally. On Warriors I did an episode with a lot of background actors with prosthetic limbs. Part of my job was to cover up a lot of sleeves, hands and knuckle tattoos. Tattoo artists have sued TV companies for showing their art without their approval.

“I did a commercial for Scion that ran in movie theatres. It was great to see that on the big screen. With moving images, hard days of work go by in seconds. With print you can indulge for as long as you want! They’re two different kinds of thrill. I love both!”

She deserves her indulgence. Win’s passion for fashion is what made her excited about Makeup to begin with, and campaigns for Kit and Ace, Fidelity Denim, Oak + Fort, Eliza Faulkner, Lonsdale, VOVO Design and Tonic Active Wear and features in magazines like Flare, Hypebeast, Cake, Factice, the Georgia Straight, Fresh, Press, WedLux and BonBon form just part of her always-expanding résumé. That eye for high fashion has also taken Win beyond Vancouver, all the way to backstage at designer shows at New York and Toronto Fashion Weeks.

“Jon Hennessey invited me, Jenna Kuchera and Oz Zandiyeh to New York Fashion Week a year and a half ago to work with him on Raif Adelberg. In New York I recognized the face of a facebook friend who I’d never met, Ido Raphael a makeup artist from Israel. We became real friends, kept in touch and Ido asked me to help when he was keying his first New York Fashion Week show for Katya Leonovich. It was fabulous!

“In Toronto I was assisting Grace Lee, Maybelline Canada’s leading Makeup Artist. I’d been introduced to Grace, so I sent her an email and she asked me to come out and help. Assisting her really opened my eyes. She made me realize how much more than artistry was required to be a great key makeup artist for such a massive task; dealing with non-stop medias, interviews, recaps for bloggers on the makeup looks she created, designers' requests, and addressing key points and concerns with her team. She showed me how important it is to be generous and gracious with everybody.”

The thing that links all Win’s creative achievements is the artistic eye and unbridled enthusiasm she brings to everything she touches. Which is exactly what led top Canadian agency Lizbell to her door.

“I always consider myself pretty lucky. But luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, right? That's the Pisces in me!” she laughs. “The calibre of Liz's models and artists are at such a high level. They make me proud to now be a member of the family.

“Being represented by Lizbell gives ‘validation’ to my career. It means my work has been recognized and a team of professionals is willing to work with me on a new level. That potentially means bigger projects, organized events, celebrities and opportunities of working abroad. I’m beyond excited to embark on this great partnership!”

Positivity comes naturally to Win. Which is why she’s the perfect fit to teach makeup fundamentals and makeup for fashion to the next generation of great artists.

“I always ask for more from my students. I want them to learn as much as they can and then try something they thought they’d never do and break the boundaries. Makeup School is the perfect environment for that. You can’t really make mistakes. You’ll always learn from them. I want them to be all they can be and more. I tell my students that once you understand the rules, you’ll know how to break them.

“What I learned at Blanche Macdonald, and what I teach now, is how important it is to always be professional. You’re working for the photo or the show, not for yourself or to showcase your skills. It’s vital to know what everyone wants and how you can reach that goal collectively. That means showing your warm personality but not being too chatty. You can be professional and still have fun at the same time. That’s one of the main things that I tell my students. It doesn’t matter how much you know or how good a Makeup Artist you’re going to be. Leave your ego at the door!”

At first glance Dolphin Street in White Rock, BC looks like any other residential street in Greater Vancouver’s greener suburbs. The only clue that something special is happening there is the Essence of L Medi Spa sign proudly standing in front of the home and workplace of award-winning esthetican and Blanche Macdonald graduate Leah LaVanway. It’s where she’s changing lives.

“Last year I won the Surrey Now Awards for the ‘Best Day Spa’ and ‘Best Laser Clinic’ for the Surrey/White Rock area and have been nominated for both categories again this year” smiles Leah. “That’s people in the community voting for me! Every client that comes here for the first time says that they didn’t expect a home-based spa to look like this. I wanted to create a tranquil sanctuary. The energy here is really calm and clients can connect with that.”

The atmosphere at Essence of L may be relaxing, but that doesn’t mean that Leah isn’t providing serious skincare treatments. Dermapen, Celluma LED Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy, Microdermabrasion, Clinical Peels and Clinical facials are all available for clients looking for long-term solutions to skin concerns. Leah understands how debilitating skin conditions can be. She speaks from personal experience.

“I had cystic acne for ten years,” she explains. “Struggling through that was challenging. I tried so many over the counter products. I used to go to a Russian esthetician in North Vancouver for my deep cleansing acne treatments and she’d perform manual extractions for over an hour. It was excruciating but gave me some form of physical relief.”

Leah was working in Mexico when a poolside discovery with a new friend led to a life-changing decision.

“She was an esthetician, studying Holistic Nutrition and Reiki Therapy. I read her workbooks daily and found them fascinating. Information about food allergies, and mineral and vitamin deficiencies made so much sense to me. I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I came home and told my parents I wanted to be an esthetician. I wanted to help people through the process and to see the light on the other side. 

“I started researching esthetics schools and Blanche Macdonald was one of the first places that came up. It was love at first sight. Everyone I spoke to was open and honest. I came back to Canada in August and started the Esthetics Program in September.”

That program provided the education, and the inspiration, to turn Essence of L from a concept into a reality. 

“I loved it! Understanding more about the skin was super exciting for me. I was at the top of my class for all the practical work. It became my personal goal in the bodywrap and massage classes to deliver total relaxation to everyone I worked on. Many of the people I worked on ended up falling asleep in the middle of our classes.

“At the end of the program we did a project about opening up our own spa studio. I had so much fun. I had a leather-bound folder full of local suppliers, the equipment I would purchase and the finances it would require. That’s when I realized I could do this. I was starting to get my spa ready before I’d even graduated.” 

Essence of L opened for business in Leah’s late grandmother’s condo, delivering body wraps, pedicures, facials and waxing services to a growing client base. At the same time, a contact Leah had made at Esthetics School was poised to move her career in a more medical direction.

“While attending Blanche Macdonald, Lorinda from PuraVida gave my class a microdermabrasion and cold laser therapy demo. One of the girls in my class had a cluster of broken blood vessels on her cheek from being hit by a softball when she was younger. The machine cauterized the blood vessels while we watched. It was like a magic eraser. I was incredibly excited. So was my classmate!”

Leah’s own laser therapy treatment produced similarly spectacular results on her skin. Inspired by her experience, Leah decided to commit herself to the business of solving skincare concerns. 

“I met Audrey Buck of Medi Spa Therapeutics, who was the importer of the equipment I wanted, and worked closely with her for two years, assisting with office work, training seminars, trade shows and sales. I was able to learn about the products and technology I wanted to incorporate into my own business. I bought the Cold Laser and Microdermabrasion equipment and more and more people started coming to see and refer me.

Leah took a break from expanding her business when her husband was involved in a serious car accident. Once he was healthy enough to return to work, Leah wasn’t going to waste another moment.

“I figured the best way to grow my clientele was to go somewhere that already had it, so I rented a room in a hair salon. I was there for a year until I outgrew the space. I knew I had to find somewhere that would be stable. I’d brought a few select clients into my home when my husband was recovering. They suggested bringing the spa here full time. They told me how they preferred the more private experience and felt comfortable with no makeup on. And it’s a great commute for me!

“As soon as I moved by business home I noticed that people were asking for more medical and proactive skincare treatments. My spa wasn’t about making people feel relaxed any more. It was about doing treatments where people could see visible results. Now I do medi-facials 95% of the time. I’m always incorporating new products and looking for better applications by trying it on my own skin first.”

Leah’s business has grown exponentially over the last year and a half. People from Surrey and beyond are curious about Leah’s proactive approach to skin care.

“Sometimes clients turn up expecting miracles. I go through an extensive consultation for everyone. I’m a big believer in a holistic approach and treating the person as a whole. That’s why I always talk diet and lifestyle in my consultations. I created a relationship with a naturopath and give clients the option of seeing her to discover if they have undetected intolerances that may be causing some of their problems. Clients respect the process when I give them homework. 

“Being a skincare nerd I love learning about newer technologies and the newest products on the market. I’m looking for clinical results. As I’ve moved into the medical side, I’ve started examining medical research papers and asking about the science behind it. When you can explain the process behind the treatments clients understand and appreciate the education a lot more.”

The growing success of Essence of L proves that Leah’s clients adore the services and the customized treatment they receive at her spa. For the esthetician that once suffered from a serious skin condition, knowing she’s making a difference in people’s lives is its own reward.

“I love witnessing the improvements, and seeing clients feel the results!” she beams. “When you have acne or a skin condition, it’s like a little cloud that’s always there. It can be hard on your ego. When I can give people some relief, that’s exciting for me. When they tell me they’ve had comments on their skin, that their friends and family have noticed the improvement, that makes me ecstatic!”

“There are three important messages I carry with me on a daily basis. One: if something isn’t working, look to yourself first. Are you effectively communicating or managing your team? Two: sales solve everything. And three: don’t get caught up working in the business. Create time everyday to work on the business.” 

Blanche Macdonald Fashion Merchandising graduate Jillian Sheridan knows a thing or two about communicating important messages. Just over two years ago she founded Social Media Company Gold Lemon Creative, building a client list including Vancouver boutique BluBird and Fidelity Denim in Los Angeles. Now she’s refocusing her limitless energy on a second project, opening spin centre Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary in Vancouver’s fashionable Gastown neighbourhood with her husband, Craig Sheridan.

Gold Lemon headquarters in the heart of Gastown is the ideal combination of contemporary design and Vancouver heritage. Jillian has certainly made it her own: high vaulted ceilings and exposed brick are juxtaposed with an abundance of candles, filling the space with warm, golden light. 

Style comes naturally to Jillian. Growing up in Cranbrook in the BC interior, she was drawn to fashion long before she moved to Vancouver to attend Blanche Macdonald.

“Fashion was always something my mom was really passionate about and so I inherited that that from her. Seeing new issues of Vogue was like opening up this whole other world for me. It was this glamorous and beautiful industry, one that I was really drawn to. And it became this challenge, an attainable goal, for me to move to Vancouver to pursue fashion.”

Jillian’s decision to move to Vancouver was part of a thoughtful and well-researched process; setting goals and carving out her own future. 

“I did a few phone interviews with other school but always found that Blanche Macdonald had the most amazing Directors. They were so supportive and welcoming they made the decision very easy for me.”

At Blanche Macdonald Jillian took advantage of every opportunity outside of the classroom, making contacts and volunteering wherever and whenever the chance arose. She still sees those experiences as the foundation of her career.

“I did a ton of volunteering at Fashion School which was fundamental to my success after I’d finished the program. It was a bit scary, stepping out of your comfort zone, especially being new to the industry, but after you do that first one, you realize they’re really fun and you get to meet such great people, all the while making inimitable connections. I couldn’t imagine doing the program and not doing all that volunteering. Those connections the Career Directors helped me to create are huge.”

“I think the incredible thing about the Blanche Macdonald program is that they really support creative individuals and entrepreneurial-minded people. It’s not a cookie cutter program. There are so many different classes that you have an introduction into a broad scope of the industry. I’ve used something from each of my classes for every one of the jobs that I’ve done. You leave Blanche Macdonald with this plethora of knowledge and this huge variety of things to pull from, both creatively and regarding the business. Blanche Macdonald really facilitates getting you out and doing things. You just have to decide that you want to start a career from the program, and put in the effort accordingly.” 

After graduating, Jillian continued to say yes to every opportunity, doing a myriad of industry jobs in Vancouver. She worked as a freelance Stylist, spent time at the Dakota Group, a prominent Wholesaling team, and also managed a boutique in Yaletown. However, her love of social media and inspiring visuals kept drawing her to one particular aspect of the business. 

“Throughout each job I did in the Fashion Industry, I always ended up contributing extensively to social media for the companies I worked for.”

Jillian’s friends soon became aware that she had knack for on-line sociability and communication. As the requests came in asking if she could social media platforms for their companies, she gladly obliged.

“I had five or six accounts!” she smiles. “That’s when I realized it was time to get a small business license.”

As the head of her own successful company, Jillian knows that it takes hard work and passion. She exudes both qualities from the moment you meet her. Built from the ground, Gold Lemon Creative is a refection of her dedication and her love for what she does.

“I worked from home for the first year and that was challenging in itself, not having the separation of work and home. But I finally found a space that I love! Finding the right team also brings its own challenges. I needed individuals that had the same vision as well as that level of trust, and that came in time as well.”

Jillian has found both in the shape of her colleagues Samantha and Stephanie. Reflecting Jillian’s kindness and intelligence, these three power ladies make up the Gold Lemon dream team!

Jillian knows every day brings new challenges. That’s what makes her job fulfilling and gratifying on many levels.

“Working for a small company you have the privilege of autonomy. And I love that each day is unlike any other! The morning usually begins with coffee and brainstorming, followed by client meetings or client interactions. In addition, we are always focusing on trying to be social. There is a difference between being social online and being social. In order to create that organic conversation and constant flow of fresh content online, you have to be on the street!”

For Jillian and the girls of Gold Lemon Creative the motto is that as long as we are taking care of our clients and getting the work done, we create our day. It’s a philosophy that stems from her time at Blanche Macdonald.

“Blanche Macdonald has the type of program where you get out of it what you put into it. The instructors aren’t there to hold your hand, but they will be there to facilitate your success for the future.”

Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary is now keeping Jillian immensely busy. Of course, she’s managing its visually wondrous and inspiring Instagram account! It’s no coincidence that Eastwood has grown into one of the most popular athletic studios in the city. And because of its tremendous success, Jillian has decided to focus her energy solely on Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary, closing the doors of Gold Lemon Creative after three successful years in business.

“Working with a wide variety of businesses in an array of industries was truly invaluable in our approach to making Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary a success. Getting a first hand look at how they operate gave me a fresh approach as to how I would want to run my new business, tools I would utilize, different strengths I would need in team members, and ideas I perhaps would never have thought of on my own. Working closely with some incredible business owners was a true inspiration. The mentorship some of my past clients lent me throughout building Gold Lemon and now in this next step is something money can’t buy.”

Jillian has created success through passion. Now that’s truly inspirational.

Lori Woodhouse was at Hair School in Victoria when a visiting Makeup Artist arrived to talk about opportunities in the TV and Film industry. That was all it took to convince young Lori that makeup would be her career; a career that took her onto the sets of Supernatural, Masters of Horror, Psych and The Addams Family, before she moved to London, England to take on high profile management roles with MAC, Bobbi Brown and Tom Ford Beauty. Makeup has taken Lori around the world, but she still remembers the thrill when she first heard the potential of a career in makeup.

“The Makeup Artist talking to us had worked on The Scarlet Letter with Demi Moore,” recalls Lori. “It sounded super-exciting. I turned to my friend and said, ‘I’m going to be a Makeup Artist and work in film.’ She said, ‘Me too!’”

Lori was working as a hair stylist in Victoria when the lure of Makeup proved too strong to resist. The move to Vancouver, and Canada’s top Makeup School, was inevitable.

“In the 1990s everybody who wanted to work in TV and film also wanted to work at MAC. Most of the artists who worked at MAC went to Blanche Macdonald, so that was the school I knew I had to go to. It had a great reputation even back then.

“Learning at Blanche Macdonald was really powerful. My TV and Film instructor had put the bruises on MacGyver. Now she was teaching us bruises! It was inspiring and amazing.”

Lori graduated with two career aims. She wanted to work in the movies. And she wanted to work for MAC.

“MAC was opening up a counter at The Bay in Victoria and I was fortunate enough to get one of those jobs. Working in retail prepares you so well for going freelance or working in TV and film. There’s nothing better than making someone feel really amazing about themselves. And retail gives you the opportunity to practice your skills. The more Makeup you do, the better you get.”

When the chance to enter the world of Film and TV arrived, Lori was ready.

“People kept telling me that I needed to meet this Makeup Artist called Debbie Lelievre. She’d gone to Blanche Macdonald too. She phoned me one day out the blue and the first thing I said was, ‘People are always saying that I need to meet you!’ She was working on a film and needed a swing assistant that could do hair and makeup. I loved every minute of it! And I was asked to work on more shows after that.

“When you’re working in retail you can’t take off infinite hours. I loved working at MAC but the opportunity was knocking. My boss was so great. He said they’d always be a place for me there and that I should go follow my dreams.”

Entering the TV and Film business, Lori understood that it paid to chase the work she wanted. A promise from her Makeup School instructor Michelle Pedersen wasn’t going to be forgotten.

“Michelle said to the entire class, ‘If you ever want work, call me. If I don’t answer, keep calling.’ I kept calling and eventually had the opportunity to work with Michelle and Devyn Griffith doing day calls on the Addams Family. It was super cool doing Wednesday Addams’ makeup and powdering Uncle Fester, who was sweating up a storm in the heaviest coat imaginable.

“I worked on MVP: Most Valuable Primate about a hockey-playing chimpanzee. I did a show called The Magician’s House where there were real badgers and foxes on set. I didn’t care what I was working on. I just wanted the hours to be able to join the union.”

Lori built her hours to the point where she became a full IATSE member. Once word leaked out that she could do both makeup and hair, the work offers started pouring in.

“Anne Caroll, who's been head of countless hair departments, called me for a show called Best Actress. That was my first TV hair job. Even today, if someone asks me to do something I'll say yes, then go figure it out. As a makeup or hair professional you need to remember you can do those jobs better than you think. A non-professional doesn't have your skill and talent. Go for it and figure it out. As long as you can execute it, it'll be fine.I remember doing a bald cap in ten minutes for this cop movie that looked ridiculous. We were laughing at it. But for a quick shot of a stunt double it was fine.”

The more time Lori spent on set, the more she loved it.

“Of course it’s exciting! If you don’t find it magical there’s no point in doing it! The only time I was truly star struck was when I found myself in an elevator with Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and Justin Timberlake for a movie called Edison. Yes, I did touch Justin’s hair a few times. It is lovely hair.

“From the early days on Best Actress, eventually the hard work led to an amazing opportunity. Jeannie Chow offered me an assisting position on Supernatural! It was the hardest show I've ever worked on. It’s mainly shot at night, so it’s dark and raining all the time. I joined in Season Two, did that season and was also doing day calls on Masters of Horror, which led to me getting Season Two of Psych. I met my husband in California, and we moved to the UK for what was supposed to be six months. They asked me back for Psych Season Three, but by then we’d decided to stay in England.”

Moving continents went hand-in-hand with a change of career direction.

“I thought about all the work I’d put into building my TV and film career and I knew I’d have to do that all over again at 35. Saying you’ve touched Justin Timberlake’s head doesn’t actually open doors. You have to start on the shop floor.”

Lori went back to where her makeup journey began, applying for a job at MAC in the prestigious Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. Naturally, her limitless enthusiasm made a positive impression.

“I interviewed so well that they asked me if I wanted a management role. If you’re articulate, confident and truly love it, that should come across in an interview. Management positions aren’t just about putting Makeup on people. You have to know about driving a business too. Education and sales go together naturally.”

After a year Lori moved from Harvey Nichols to the MAC store at Westfield, Britain’s biggest Shopping Centre, overseeing its growth from nine to 20 employees. It was the first in a series of great moves.

“An education position for the South of the UK at Bobbi Brown came up. I worked with them for four years, training staff across the UK. Education in retail isn’t just about putting Makeup on. It’s practical coaching about how to relate to clients and convert that into sales. I had to lead by example, and that meant doing Makeup every day. I would facilitate training at the office, and work one-on-one with the artists and their clients in store, pitching in when it was needed. There’s no agenda when you’re educating. It’s more about asking effective questions and getting people to set goals for themselves.”

The most recent step on Lori’s journey is also the most exciting. Tom Ford is already a global force in fashion. Now Lori has a major role in spreading the gospel of Tom Ford across Britain’s Beauty Industry.

“Tom Ford Beauty made me their Education Manager, which means I’m head of the department and look after the whole of the UK. It’s similar to my role with Bobbi Brown, but this time I get to structure exactly how to bring the line to the market.”

Lori’s makeup and hair mastery has already taken her around the planet (via Justin Timberlake’s head) into a high profile position with one of the world’s top luxury brands. This meteoric journey hasn’t changed her in the slightest. She’s still as enthusiastic as she was when she made her snap decision to become a Makeup Artist.

“The Tom Ford Beauty makeup line was only launched in 2011, even though the brand began with Black Orchid fragrance in 2006. I love that it’s so glamorous! The Makeup is sculpted. It’s high colour. It’s texture. It makes people feel amazing. The service we offer is above and beyond.

“Now I get to meet people from all around the world and work at London Fashion Week. I’m so lucky. I have the best job in the world. I love to teach. I love the people I work with. I love London. I love my life!”

The critics have spoken. When Condo/Western Living magazine ran its “Where to get a real haircut in Vancouver” feature, Ka!Boom was listed as the best salon in the Coal Harbour neighbourhood, with a specific shout out to a certain Blanche Macdonald Pro Hair graduate.

“‘Ashley works miracles’ was what they wrote!” she smiles. “I got so many new clients from that story. The weird thing is, I don’t know how it happened and I never found out who wrote it. I had my suspicions that it was a client but she denied it. So it’s still a mystery!”

It’s no mystery why that secret admirer is singing Ashley’s praises. It’s the same reason why her chair at Ka!Boom is continually filled with clients looking for the latest style and why pro hair line Moroccanoil has recruited her to educate other stylists across Vancouver; Ashley loves what she does. Growing up in Kamloops, BC, a life as a top hair stylist in the big city was always her ultimate goal.

“I was braiding my Barbie dolls’ hair and experimenting on my younger sister from the time I was five. The first haircuts I gave happened in Grade 5 at a sleepover party. I announced, ‘I can cut hair,’ and went at all my friends with a pair of scissors. We all ended up going to hairdressers afterwards, but some of those hairdressers said, ‘You know, she didn’t do that bad a job!’”

Ashley was sharing opinions about her and her friends’ appearance before she’d even started high school. The essence of a hair stylist was already within her. 

“When I was about 12 I was watching a lot of MTV and Much Music. I became inspired by the fashion I was seeing. I could tell when people had outdated styles. It bothered me. ‘You have to get your Mom to stop feathering your bangs! You can’t walk around like this!’”

Ashley graduated and put her plan into action. She moved to Vancouver and enrolled in her first choice Hair School.  

“I wanted live in the city and make people happy. The way to do that was to go to the best school. That was Blanche Macdonald.”

As soon as Ashley reached the School Salon, she started making people happy. Once she’d overcome her own nerves.

“Seeing my first client was terrifying!” she laughs. “But our instructors were by my side the entire time and I could ask if I was nervous about anything. You can panic when you first start cutting on real people because you don’t want to mess it up. But at the same time it’s so exciting. You get to change people’s looks. I was able to experiment and make big changes in the Blanche Macdonald Salon. Clients tended to be young people and when I’d make a suggestion for a big change they’d often say, ‘Sure! Be creative!’

“Blanche Macdonald educates you on so many different things. We were taught how to interact with people too. The etiquette training we did made us feel more confident to approach people in a professional manner.”

Ashley graduated from Hair School and went straight to her first job at the Hennessey Salon in Oakridge Mall. After a year she moved to Whip, a concept salon in Yaletown. It was there Ashley made the connections that allowed her to put what she’d learned on the Hair for Film and TV modules into action. 

“I was working with a hair stylist who had worked on The Vicki Gabereau Show and was close friends with one of the Makeup Artists at CTV, Rebecca Simmons. Rebecca needed stylists for the morning show during the Vancouver Olympics. I had an interview at CTV, which was challenging as they gave me a newscaster to blow dry as fast as I could. I remember thinking, ‘You’ve got this – don’t mess it up!’ They liked me and gave me a contract for the whole Games. 

“I worked 1am to 9am every morning during the Olympics. We were on air from 3am, because we were broadcasting across the entire country. I was a big MTV fan and used to watch The Hills, so it was exciting for me to meet and style the talent that I once looked up to. I built a rapport with them, which was cool. There were random celebrities and medallists coming and going the entire time, which was really exciting. But I also missed being constantly busy like I would be in the salon.”

Ashley had decided on exactly what she wanted from her hair career. She just needed the right salon to make it happen. 

“Because we were committed to one line of products at Whip I felt limited with what I could use with my clients. I wanted to express my creativity and wear what I wanted to wear. That’s the best part of being a stylist. You get to be who you are, and people come to see you because of that.”

The salon she was searching for was Ka!Boom. She’s been a star member of the team ever since.

“It felt like home from the start. We’re a bunch of friends who work together. We try to keep up on cutting edge fashion. And we like to experiment. I love to make someone’s day or give them a change that they never knew they had in them. I understand that certain things work or won’t work for people. Or at least, something else would suit them better. People put a lot of trust in me. It’s a big thing for someone to give me the reins to let me transform them. That’s an awesome privilege.” 

Clients instantly appreciated Ashley’s commitment to excellence. So did the industry.

“I’ve become an Educator for Moroccanoil! They approached me. My boss, Amy Stollmeyer, is one of the Moroccanoil educators for North America. We had a class at Ka!Boom and Amy was showing us old Hollywood glam looks and I was super enthusiastic because I do a lot of weddings. So she and our modern rep put my name forward to be an educator in Vancouver. Now I’m going to salons around the city teaching product knowledge and styling a couple of times a month. It’s fun to teach people and see them learn new things.”

At the root of Ashley’s successes are a desire to help people feel good about themselves and a passion for creativity. That tattoo you see on her arm is there for a reason. 

“My tattoo reminds me to be innovative and never fall behind. I’m always educating myself and learning new skills. I’m never going to become a cookie cutter stylist. This job is about expressing your creativity. People think being a hair stylist is easy. It’s really not. Don’t give up and always follow your dream!”

The rain has only just been soaked back up into the sky and a crisp beam of winter sunlight rays down on the shop front of Vancouver’s Greenhorn Cafe. Blanche Macdonald Fashion Design graduate and owner of self-titled label Sara Armstrong ambles up, folded in to the dark cocoon of her coat, and we pause together to marvel at the timeful turn. As we upright a couple of chairs outside, brushing off a few straggling drops, the magnificent line and craftsmanship of her jacket are addressed.

“I finished it just now actually. I had been feeling a cape, but I think I might stick with this,” shrugs Sara humbly, her shoulders framed in angled raglan seams, sloping and structured all at once.

“My style is a really strange combination of fashion and sculpture,” she muses slowly, thinking fully – everything with a dream-paced purposefulness. “Though I actually feel that the combination should be more common. It’s transforming anything from a two-dimensional to three-dimensional form, and I reference this a lot in my architectural seams. My background in sculpture has been helpful also in being a bit more fearless in materials.”

Sara refers to her BFA in Intermedia & Sculpture from her hometown University of Regina, where her foray into the world of art-as-career first began. Though she ultimately decided that sculpture was not the medium for her, it built the foundation from which her dynamically arching lines and intriguingly formulated silhouettes – which have garnered her international acclaim – have been wrought.  

“When I was doing my degree, I was focusing mainly in public sculpture. I thought, ‘Well, what do you do – work on one project for five years? How do you stay inspired in that?’ Fashion design is my own kind of public sculpture I suppose. Everyone can take a piece, and what I want people to do is to make their own stories and life around them. I don’t think of them as these trendy one season pieces. I want the people who own them to incorporate them into their lives.”

In her third season with her eponymous label, Sara’s impeccable craftsmanship and heritage-minded design stalked down the Vancouver Fashion Week runway to grand success. Reaching a new culmination of hype in the fashion community, eager requests for pre-orders and editorial pulls rained down on her like confetti after the show. Not to mention that it was picked up by, and featured on a global scale by Vogue and Glamour UK, as well as Elle Italia.

“[Vancouver Fashion Week Founder] Jamal and his team are amazing. He’s such a good mentor; he really builds you up, and it’s a great network of people. I’ve done Saskatchewan Fashion Week, and it’s so city identified. What I love about Vancouver Fashion Week is that it’s international. There are people from all over the place which is really cool.”

Inspired by ‘Peruvian nights,’ Sara’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection saw romantic, gender inclusive looks with compelling proportion and a structured ease that fused urban design with the effortlessness of dusk backcountry strolls.

“Silhouette, shape and form always come first when I’m thinking of a theme. Then I think of what it sounds like or what kind of scene would this be in. From there it runs into runway, music, video. All of those things paired together makes a collection. I can’t say that I’d be interested in showing a collection if I didn’t have all of those things because that’s what brings it to life. It’s completely holistic.”

Bringing a vision to mind, to harmonious matter each season is no easy feat and Sara insists that it couldn’t be done alone.

“Your team is everything really. A good leader, a good brand has great people behind it. Delegation is huge because as someone who’s designing and working full time, and trying to build a type of brand, you can’t do it all on your own.

“You need people with the right skills who are just as passionate. This is especially true now, the further I go with my collections, photo shoots and videos. Even my music last season was completely made from scratch by my friend, Branton Olfert. It’s the only way to really take your thing to the next level – you need next level people.”

When it came to choosing her people, Sara knew where to turn, taking on two PR mavens, Tara Osipoff and Albian Kwok, straight out of the Blanche Macdonald Fashion Merchandising classrooms. She knew that she could be confident in their knowledge and skills, coming from the Top Fashion school that first launched her own journey.

“When I moved to Vancouver from Regina I had maybe $200 saved which was not practical,” laughs Sara. “My Aunt, who is practical told me, ‘You need to look into schools.’ I had some friends who had been to Blanche Macdonald and so I enrolled. It’s been one of the better experiences that I’ve had in Vancouver for sure. It’s a community, which is something you need when you move to a new place.

“It was a year, but I feel like I’m still in the program because I still talk to [Fashion Career Director] Mel Watts, and so many of my friends that I met in school are still friends. Sewing classes were always fun – Lisa’s a riot! I’m such a history buff and so the fashion history that we learned in Peggy Morrison’s Fashion Awareness class is still something that I think about a lot when I’m designing – when I want to pair a sleeve, thinking about how they might have done it in the 1940’s or some Gothic era. There’s so much that I learned over the year and I literally use it every day; even when I’m doing press releases, or writing out the description of what a piece is.”

Though Sara’s design focus may lie with a home-grown aesthetic, the extravagant and fast-paced arena of social media and web marketing is not one that she shies away from. Cultivating an online presence with her seasonal collection videos, regular updates on her Instagram page, and a soon-to-be-launched web shop are all things that Sara has on her mind in the now, and looking ahead.  

“I know that my audience might not be 100 percent Vancouver. Maybe the people that I’m trying to reach are nomads; maybe they’re people who could live anywhere and wear anything they want. I think that it’s important that my target is able to access that wherever they are, whether they’re in Beijing or Stockholm. It’s a good way to start because that’s ultimately what I want to do, is wholesale internationally. So I love branding, and I love my Instagram – I’m out of control on that!”

All the same, at the end of the day it’s the intimate and immersive practice of hands-on-fabric that has Sara enamored with her career.

“I feel like I have an ‘aha-moment’ every day – I just have to do it. It’s an inclination to design and create.”

It’s an inclination, but it’s not all ease and affinity; Sara knows that in the cutthroat world of Fashion, talent is only as good as how far you push it.

“Every season we learn something new, and every season we have higher expectations for the next season. There’s always an ebb and flow and there’s always a chance to learn. Design can’t be everything if you want to have a business – it has to be well-rounded, and it has to be promoted. That’s real life. Moving forward, outside of the actual design, something I could be better at is selling.”

Sara is being modest. With international acclaim and a strong local support so early in the game, Sara’s line is set to flourish in the years to come – and we’re eager to watch. Reflecting on her success so far, she has apt words of acumen for the next generation of emerging Fashion Design talent.

“Own your craft. Own your future. Make your own curriculum. Go to your classes, do well in your classes but also look outside in your community; what workshops can you take, what can you do to be the best version of yourself? That’s what I did when I went to school – I really dove in and that year was committed to learning what I wanted to learn.

“That’s the biggest thing; you can go to the best school but if you don’t have a vision of what you want to make, of who you are then it doesn’t really matter. So own it.”

For Blanche Macdonald Makeup graduate Sharon Rai, every day is a labour of love. The lavish ado of marriage was once youth’s sweetest daydream; now, that daydream has grown into the swoon-inducing reality of her workaday, as Canada’s premier bridal Makeup and Hair Artist.

“I have been mesmerized with brides since I was a little girl,” Sharon enthuses. “To me they were as close as I could get to a princess. Now, I am honoured to be able to work with them, and to be included in the most special day of their lives. It’s been nine years since I worked on my first wedding and each one still has the same excitement for me – I still get those butterflies in my stomach!”

The feelings are mutual. Brides are infatuated with the beauty mastery of Victoria-based Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry, which whorls through everything from blush-kissed natural, to the full-blown opulence of South Asian tradition. And this year, the wedding industry was ready to make their adoration for Sharon’s finesse known.  

“It was an amazing feeling to hear my name as the winner of Best Makeup Artist! Especially being mentioned in such an esteemed group. Even more amazing was hearing the excitement in the voice of the host when she read my name again for the Best Hairstylist in Canada award,” says Sharon, her smile beaming with the emotional vestige of her DOUBLE nationwide-win at the prestigious 2014 Canadian Wedding Industry Awards. “It was pretty cool!

“I’ve worked very hard this past year. 2014 brought new challenges, new opportunities, and I was able to find the balance of being a mother and being a business woman. That’s what made this such a great accomplishment: having a baby, being able spend time with her, and still working up to being one of the best artists in Canada. It was huge.”

Sharon is nothing short of a multi tasking marvel. Between being BC’s most sought-after Bridal Hair and Makeup Artist, traveling to accept awards – an outstanding ten this year alone – as well as forging and heading Victoria’s first alliance of esteemed wedding businesses, Women of Weddings (WoW), this woman-wonder still (somehow) found the time to throw a lavish first-year fete for her petite treasure Naiva.

But busy is just the way she likes it.

“My parents are entrepreneurs, and I started working when I was nine years old. I loved it!”  

As she grew older, Sharon found that this same enterprising spirit was blooming within her. Having always had a love for makeup, but not yet knowing how to make a career out of it, she enrolled in business school in Vancouver. She flourished in the fast pace, but she couldn’t shake her artistic intuitions.

“I had this creative passion but I didn’t know how to release it. I had met my husband – then boyfriend – and I was telling him about my passion for beauty. And he said, ‘Well, you should go for it!’ I didn’t know where to start. I started research into many Makeup schools, but I recognized Blanche Macdonald as the one that would best prepare me for the career I envisioned. At that time I was working in business, and the schedule of the program really fit with my lifestyle. I contacted the school – after that first phone call I knew that it was exactly what I needed to do.

“What I loved about Blanche Macdonald was that the teachers were all living, breathing, and working in the industry. This was the most exciting thing for me because I was a sponge in school. I was the keener, always sitting in the front, all about learning. I was always asking questions, picking their brains, and not only did they have answers, but they could all relate to the industry at that moment.”

Sharon’s openness to the teachings of her instructors, and the ‘real-world, real-time’ experience that they could impart meant that she was one step ahead of other emerging artists upon leaving the creative cocoon of Canada’s Top Makeup School. And having the Blanche Macdonald Centre seal on her resume only fortified her foothold in the industry.

“I had instant credibility. The challenge that I find most artists face is in just convincing people to believe in them as artists. I had a head start because I was a Blanche Macdonald graduate. From there I only had to focus on working hard and proving myself to be the best.”

Proving herself after school meant maintaining the will to continue learning – and a lot of hard work.

“I volunteered with Make Up For Ever, Nars, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Shiseido, Clarins and Stila; at Holt Renfrew, The Bay, Sears and Shoppers Drug Mart. And worked retail at MAC. I also did a lot of assisting with Makeup Artists, Photographers, Hairstylists and Stylists for fashion shows and photo shoots, which were all trade-for-print!

“I would get paid nothing and still I would stay the entire day at shoots making sure the hair and makeup was perfect. And I did that again and again so that I could build my name. I wanted the practice – I would do anything to improve my skills. I kept working with dedication and a commitment to my passion. Now I’m making a career out of it, and loving every single day.”

Practice makes a tenured artist, and Sharon’s indomitable will for mastering her craft led her to be accepted onto MAC Cosmetics’ illustrious Impact Team – also known as the ‘best of the best of BC’ – placing her in a leadership role educating and training her fellow artists, as well as teaching consumers about product and makeup styles.

Yet even this grand and alluring position could not keep Sharon away from her first beauty love. The beckons of bridal were too sweet to bear, and Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry was born.

“We like to think of ourselves as the Bride’s Backup Bridal Party because we do everything! Our top priority is to make sure that our brides can enjoy their day in a relaxed, stress-free environment while we take care of every beauty detail. Though, there have been times when the bride has fainted, and we’ve been the ones running to grab her water and take care of it all,” says Sharon. “I always tell our brides that they have an everlasting touch-up. They don’t even have to worry about looking in the mirror. The photographer is always seeing the big picture; that everyone is standing correctly, that the composure is right. We are the real life Photoshop; we’re zooming in to check for flyaways, un-fluffed dress skirts...anything at all out of place.

“When they book with me they have me from ‘I will’ to ‘I do,’ and I am their pampering, makeup, hair and styling service for any event leading up to, and including the wedding day. I really like to make that connection with them. Most brides become great friends of mine afterwards  because they are welcoming me in to such a special day in their lives.”

Sharon and her team specialize in both Western and South Asian weddings. For her South Asian brides, it’s not only about the beauty experience, but about the care, attention and honour placed on the rich traditional intricacies of a culture-centric wedding.

“Born into a Sikh family, I can truly relate and understand. In addition to training my team for hair and makeup, I teach them what I learned growing up, and through my more recent experiences with South Asian weddings, such as detailed dressing techniques and beauty rituals. I’m not only fostering my team to be the best in beauty, but to appreciate what matters to each of our brides specifically. It’s about connecting with each of them as individuals to learn about their personal cultural and family traditions.”

Many of the artists in Sharon’s ever-expanding, and carefully curated team are scouted from the classrooms that first knocked Sharon off her feet and set her on her own path to success. She knows that the graduates of Blanche Macdonald are “at that standard” – that they’re ready to be tossed into the variable and demanding world of weddings.    

“Living in Victoria, you never know when you might get a warm day in January, or a rainy day in July. You can never know for sure what’s going to happen, but we make sure that no matter what, they are looking and feeling their best.”

This is no easy task. When you’re working with an environment buffeted by high emotions and rife with unpredictable moments, there are simply too many eventualities to be prepared for. In her seventh year since she founded her company, Sharon has more than a few of these contingencies-turned-realities under her belt, including one particularly sweltering exotic destination wedding in the Dominican Republic.

“I had never worked with that sort of heat before. The bride had booked me for the days leading up to the wedding, and so each day I would practice makeup on myself to see what would work; what would withhold that heat. By the time the wedding came around, everyone was sweating bullets and she looked AMAZING! She didn’t break a sweat. She looked radiant in all of her shots.

“Now I can say with confidence that my makeup will last through anything – though any surge of emotion or weather. It’s one thing to see the before and after, but as an artist, being able to see it live through different happenings and moments allows you to become stronger in your craft. You can constantly be striving to improve your skills.”

The brides of the West Coast certainly need no more convincing when it comes to Sharon Rai – her passion is contagious, her portfolio brimming over in glowing faces and heartfelt testimonials. Having now been titled the Best of the Best in Canada for Bridal Hair and Makeup, you may be surprised to hear that learning is still high on her list of priorities. Then again, it’s learning that’s brought her to the thrilling pinnacle she currently holds.  

“I still educate myself and hold education high: as a master artist, as a business owner, as a leader and as a mother. It’s always good to keep learning, to inspire others. My advice for any aspiring artist is to work hard, set goals for yourself, practice, listen, learn as much as you can, and you will master your skill.

The phone never stops ringing.

Every five minutes, without fail, Jesse Hamade’s in-store cellphone bleeps into life. That’s entirely normal for one of the three Cosmetics Sales Managers at the Vancouver branch of Holt Renfrew, Canada’s leading luxury department store. She’s in high demand.

The continual stream of questions and requests doesn’t faze Jesse in the slightest. An ability to deal calmly with the issues at hand comes with the territory.

“It’s chaos!” she laughs when we bring up the question of what a typical day at Holt Renfrew looks like. “This store has the highest volume of sales in Canada. We have 80 associates in our department and if I’m the only manager on duty it gets busy. My phone is always on and my team is always calling me for something. I’m dealing with vendors, buyers and our staff on any customer service or development issue. I never know what I’m walking into. It’s crazy but enjoyable. My day is never boring.”

Jesse is Holt Renfrew’s Cosmetics and Skincare department’s swan, gliding serenely on the surface but working hard underneath all the same. And a major part of that work is ensuring that Holt Renfrew’s many associates are as well-prepared and supported as possible. 

“To me luxury means that our associates come first,” she explains. “We don’t throw people on the floor without an extensive training program. We want to do everything we can to help our staff succeed. My door is always open. There’s a lot of mentorship that happens.”

Jesse is happy to provide that mentorship, but it all starts with recruiting talented and enthusiastic makeup artists and skincare specialists. Which is why, when Jesse is looking for new recruits, her first port of call is the same Makeup and Esthetics School where her own story began.

“We want commitment, drive and a desire to give great customer service. We want people who’ll go above and beyond and get their clients to keep coming back. Blanche Macdonald gave me a great start to my career and there’s still a connection there. Their grads know how to sell themselves really well. When I call Jen Brown and Heather Sosa in the Blanche Macdonald Career Department I can tell that they care and really want their students to succeed. Not every school is like that.”

Jesse speaks from experience. The programs, instructors and even the location may have changed, but Blanche Macdonald’s educational standards remain as impeccable as they were when she was a student. 

“My Mom studied esthetics in Paris for a year. Once she told me about her experiences the bug had been planted. Through my teens I was always doing my friends’ makeup for graduations. I would tell people, ‘That doesn’t look good. You should try this.’

“Blanche Macdonald was known as the best School even back then. I arrived thinking of taking the Makeup program. But when I spoke with Robyne Nessel-Smoot she thought I’d benefit from the Esthetics program. She was right! It ended up being more of a passion for me than makeup. The skincare portion of the program was like the first year of nursing. That was my favourite part of the program. I was learning about all the systems of the body. It was more than learning about just putting on makeup or skincare products. There’s a science behind skincare.”

Esthetics School gave Jesse more than an education. It also provided the springboard for her entry into the industry she was passionate about.

“When I was still a student I did a facial on a woman called Peggy Sinclair who had come in on a friends and family day. She said to me, ‘When you graduate call me and I’ll get you a job.’ And she did! My first job was doing facials for her at The Bay Downtown. Strangely enough, now Peggy works here!

“Once I started working I loved the one-on-one intimacy between myself and the client. I realised that I was good at it too. I would get great feedback from clients and could see how happy they were. I would educate myself on the products’ ingredients, what each one could do for my individual clients, and how it would make them feel as they saw their skin improve. Changing the way a woman feels about herself, and knowing that you played a part in that, is huge.”

Jesse loved the industry and the industry loved her right back. With her interpersonal and skincare skills paired with a flair for sales and marketing, Jesse was repeatedly recruited to exciting management roles, stopping at Adrien Arpel, Clarins, Elizabeth Arden and Chanel at Eatons where she stayed for five years, eventually rising to the position of Business Development Manager overseeing the entire cosmetics floor. When Eatons closed its doors the industry wasn’t going to let her talents go to waste. Jesse was immediately recruited for the same position at Sears.

“I loved it. I was in my 20s and had 80 associates working for me, many of whom were older than me. I had to prove myself, but I could always generate the dollars. I could always come up with events that would help drive business. I wasn’t sitting in an office then and I’m still not. Even now as a Sales Manager, I don’t have to sell to clients but I always do. That doesn’t change.”

Always eager to take on new challenges, Jesse took a lengthy break from the beauty industry to sample working life in another field she’s passionate about – fashion. After many successful years across Eastern Canada with Louis Vuitton, Le Chateau and BCBG, Holt Renfrew in Ottawa came knocking on her door. Now Jesse’s back in Vancouver, bringing her mix of motivation and marketing to one of the city’s most luxurious cosmetics departments.

“I’m still fascinated with coming up with marketing plans and how I can help get the associates to the next level. There’s an art to selling and an art to repeat business. Associates have to understand that this is a business and it’s not just about putting makeup and skincare on people. You need to build a loyal client base. You have to be passionate about what you do.

“This has never been a job for me. It’s a career! There is opportunity to grow. I love showing the team that if they put in the hard work they’ll get the rewards. They understand that I started at the beginning and eventually became a manager. They know they can do the same!”

We are on opposite ends of our daylight. As the sun makes its morning spill into the streets of Vancouver, in Hong Kong it is already past one a.m. the next day. Despite the late hour, the voice coming through the speakers is bright – radiating energy. This doesn’t come as a surprise from Blanche Macdonald Fashion Merchandising graduate Brian Chan – after all, you would probably be chipper too if work meant spending your day in the smooth gloss of mega-luxury shop Louis Vuitton, in Hong Kong’s premiere Times Square shopping district.

“As a Visual-Merchandiser-In-Charge, I conceptualize the store, design the layout and arrange the presentation of the collections. It’s definitely fun but with great power, comes great responsibility,” says Chan, dropping his voice ominously before cracking into a laugh. “I take a big fashion risk every rotation. Sometimes they’re rewarding, and sometimes they’re not right-away, but they always teach me something!

“At Louis Vuitton, we do things a little bit differently; I hold many responsibilities within the store. I look at reports every day from all over Hong Kong and we compare the products or the product lines that are doing well, and those that are doing not-so-well at each location. For Visual Merchandising I lead a team of twelve people to do window and store rotations. We use my insights from the reports to decide on a merchandising plan.”

Such a position requires a deft maneuvering of a wide array of skill sets. The interplay of hands-on creativity and business is one that Brian thrives in as Visual Merchandiser In-Charge, Client Advisor, and In-Store Trainer at Vuitton, but there is a lot of hard work, as well as a diligent awareness to his everyday.

“Perspective varies with different people, and even if there’s a guideline for you to follow it will never work for every single store, in every single moment. You have to truly understand what or who you are dealing with in order to put something together that is an effective business driver. You have to be well-rounded. As a Client Advisor you learn quite a lot about the customers’ buying patterns. It definitely helps with making both business and visual decisions!”

The importance of versatility in the diverse industry-meets-artistry of Fashion was instilled in Brian at Canada’s Top Fashion School. It was a life-changing decision that came about through unusual beginnings.

“I thought that my parents would want me to study a science, so I just went for it. I chose Geology because of two big reasons: one, that it was the most non-scientific science and two, because it was the least math-involved,” laughs Brian.

“I knew that I wouldn’t be able to survive six months in the field when I graduated. Still, I stuck to the program and I finished the degree, but I knew that I needed to pursue something that I really liked afterwards. I watched a lot of Fashion Television growing up; mass media really opened up my eyes to something new that was going on in this world. At the time I had a part time position at a boutique, and one of my coworkers had gone to Blanche Macdonald. I looked into the Fashion Merchandising program and decided that that was what I needed to do.”

It was a big shift that would go on to bring big, thrilling changes for Brian. Seizing at every volunteer opportunity on offer while he was at school (“Working runways and events... there were so many things that I wouldn’t have been able to try had I not gone to Blanche!”) it was one internship in particular, secured through Fashion Career Director Mel Watts, that set the wheels turning on what would become an international luxury career – a coveted slot in the Menswear department of Holt Renfrew with Tom Ford.

Brian’s devotion and passion for the sales floor quickly led him to being hired on as a seasonal employee for Holt Renfrew’s Louis Vuitton nook, scaling the ladder to a full-time position within months. His new high calibre setting meant high calibre run-ins.

“Vancouver is Hollywood North and so we had lots of celebrities that would come in. I’ve helped one very undercover one. You won’t usually be able to tell who they are until they come up to pay – they’re very low key. We do have stories where we have had to shut down the store for them to shop, though. It does happen!”

In addition to providing ample opportunities for celebrity sightings, Vancouver’s luxury retail scene groomed him for the next leap of his career. Brian took initiative and asked for an international transfer; the Louis Vuitton team, recognizing his talents in Visual Merchandising, supported him all the way. Off he soared to China’s buzzing core.  

“You might think otherwise, but there is not a huge difference between Vancouver and Hong Kong in terms of customer. It’s intensified; let’s put it that way. In Hong Kong, like in Vancouver, we need to cater to a high percentage of overseas clientele. It means faster service, and attention to their specific needs. Though, Hong Kong’s out-of-town Chinese clients do prefer more flashy items; they want obvious Louis Vuitton rather than the subtle Vuitton of Vancouver.”

Beyond market profiling, Brian’s not much concerned with comparing the two cities; he is head over heels with where he is at, and infinitely grateful for the beginnings that brought him there.

“I am very blessed to have lots of friends and family around. I grew up in Hong Kong, so working here is like coming home. All the same, I still consider myself a Canadian!

“To this day, my Fashion History classes with Peggy and Donna are very valuable to me, and I really appreciate their teachings! Because of them, I know what La Belle Epoque is, I know what Art Deco is, I know about Art Nouveau. When I was training for the store I was able to use the correct terms, understand the concept, and bring in tear sheets for my team to be inspired by. Fashion is always taking inspiration from the eras before us; and this is especially true for Louis Vuitton.”

For anyone with monograms and dreams of lush window dressings twinkling in their eyes, Brian urges them to go for Fashion gold.

“Don’t be scared. It’s always hard to take that first step, especially when you know that that internship or volunteer opportunity isn’t necessarily going to pay you. However, it’s bringing you a lot of experience, exposure, and expertise. Try it, do it, and it will definitely be rewarding in the future. It really helps to have a good network - build it up with your volunteering, your classmates, your teachers. And don’t be a meanie. Be a good person.

“It takes a lot of work, but if you really love luxury brands and retail, then you can make it happen at Louis Vuitton!”

Creativity. Character. Commitment. 

Rebeccah Delchambre understands what it takes to reach the top of the Film and TV Makeup industry. The Blanche Macdonald graduate has a long list of major movies, TV series, Leo Awards and Emmy Nominations on her résumé and is now in her second year as the Co-chairperson of the Makeup Department of the IATSE Local 891 Union in British Columbia and the Yukon.

As Designer, Head of Department, Key Makeup Artist or part of the team for projects including Elf, The A-Team, Alcatraz, Scary Movie 4, The Chronicles of Narnia, Are We Done Yet, Freddy vs Jason, and dozens more, it’s no surprise that Rebeccah has tales to tell. She’s a natural storyteller.

Her own story began in England with a talented fine artist for a mother and an inspiring drama teacher. At 11 years old Rebeccah and her mother moved to Toronto, launching an incredible behind-the-scenes journey in film and television.

“My Mom, Dinah Delchambre, is one of the best artists I’ve ever met,” promises Rebeccah. “She would go on set and paint portraits that would appear in the movies. That gave me a taste for film. I had opportunities to work behind the camera doing art pieces for the sets and storyboards, then in front of the camera doing background work, which led to an agent, and auditions. I soon realized I loved film with every cell in my body. However, I just found acting wasn’t as fulfilling as some other aspects of theatre and film. I’d done some makeup on myself and other cast members in theatre. I decided that I wanted do more.”

Rebeccah had left Toronto and headed west to become part of Vancouver’s booming film and TV industry. With a job at The Body Shop, she was using her self-taught makeup skills every day. Even then, Rebeccah knew she was never going to master her art without learning from the best. The time had come to find an industry-recognized Makeup School.

“I asked around and people I respected had gone to Blanche Macdonald. My experience at Makeup School was great. Jennifer Folk was one of my instructors. I honestly wasn’t thinking about becoming a TV and Film Makeup Artist. I just thought that I should try it out and see if it fit.

“I loved doing a beauty makeup, playing with ideas and the interaction, but my favourite element of the program was character building in the TV and film classes. Creating characters was what inspired me. I still have the binders and all the work I did at Blanche Macdonald!”

Rebeccah immediately took a position working at The Bay for Niko Cosmetics, and was soon headhunted by Dior. As her retail career was blossoming, Rebeccah was learning about the wide variety of products now available to her, trying them out and exploring new creative avenues.

“I would do makeup wherever I could,” she laughs. “The doors started to open. I volunteered at The Carousel and Arts Club Theatre Companies. I would do fashion shows at Holt Renfrew. I wanted to do everything. My attitude was ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’ When I wasn’t earning money to pay the bills I would take any opportunity that came up.”

Those opportunities included music videos and short movies for the UBC Film Program. As the Head of Department on those shorts, Rebeccah brought her positive attitude to the challenge.

“At The Bay we were taught the phrase, ‘Yes I can.’ I still think like that. Let’s make it happen! In one UBC film the actress had to burn a cigarette out on her hand, which is a big effect fresh out of school considering the safety of the actress. I took a blister plaster and glued tin foil under it, applied it to the palm of her hand, covered it in latex and coloured it. Voila! A safe and dramatic out of kit effect! That’s how my career has been ever since. You give me a problem. I do my best to figure it out. I still love pulling the rabbit out of the hat.” 

It didn’t take long for Rebeccah to become a member of the IATSE Film and TV union. As her role in major shows’ Makeup Departments began to grow, so did her library of great stories.

“I’ve had so many great jobs working as part of a big team of talented people. Freddy vs Jason was a super campy matchup of two iconic characters. It was mayhem. Sometimes we worked so hard I didn’t remember driving home, which from a safety standpoint is not a good thing! Working with Bill Terezakis on his team was amazing. On the second unit we were taking care of Freddy’s stunt double Doug Chapman, Ken Kirzinger, who played Jason, and his stunt double, Glenn Ennis. There were no limits to the blood letting. It was epic!” 

“On The Santa Clause 2 I was teamed up with Leanne Podavin to do the Stunt Santa, and stunt Toy Santa. Another memorable moment! It was so great to work with Barry Koper and Charles Porlier who took care of Tim Allen’s transformations.

“Meeting challenges on shows for various Head of Departments has given me a wealth of experience that I treasure and a great resource that I bring to work every day. On the TV movie Murder Unveiled as the Head of Department I coordinated the design of ventilated facial hairpieces for Sikh characters with wig maker Stacey Butterworth. Our big challenge was to conceal the lace from the eyes of the new High Definition cameras. I won a Leo for this job! On Elf I applied elf ears, a gnome makeup and fun aging makeups on little kids’ hands for Victoria Down. On Scary Movie 3 and 4 we did all sorts of fun gags like a scalping and laying in extra chest and armpit hair for Taylor Roberts. 

“On Steven Spielberg’s mini-series Taken I was creating aging makeups over three generations with Charles and Patricia Murray. We received an Emmy nomination for that. And of course, working on Howard Berger’s team in New Zealand for The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe was an out of this world opportunity and such a fantastic project.”

Rebeccah is rightfully proud of her incredible work. But even more illuminating than her behind-the-scenes stories are her insights into what makes a successful movie makeup artist.

“We work in such small spaces. We’re next to each other all day long, so we need to be able to work together, be professional and hopefully enjoy each other’s company in support of what we’re trying to do – tell the story. We need to be able to get along as part of a big team. Finding a graceful way to do that with positive energy will take people far. If you’re on set smiling, being attentive, honest and showing that you’re able to do what the Head of Department or First Assistant needs, you’ll get the call next time.  Gossiping or grumbling won’t serve anyone. You can be on set for 18 hours on the side of a mountain in the pouring rain. It’s not glamorous. It takes an inspired and passionate person to be on set.”

Think that Beauty and Film and TV Makeup are two separate disciplines? Rebeccah will convince you otherwise.

“Makeup effects are the same as beauty makeups foundationally,” she insists. “The principles are the same with how you build your structure, the use of highlight and shadow, layering of colours and then finer painterly elements that create a look that’s organically part of the face. You’re telling the story with paint, brushes and sometimes appliances. Beauty and prosthetic makeups complement each other and both have complimented my growth as an artist. A prosthetic, a bald cap, covering a tattoo, beauty, it’s all the same to me. It’s about doing what’s needed.”

Rebeccah is now doing what’s needed in the role of IATSE Co-Chairperson for a second year. When she’s reviewing union permittee applications, she’s searching for talented, motivated and creative artists to join the IATSE 891 membership.

“There are ebbs and flows in Vancouver for makeup opportunities, but if you’re a go-getter, organized, professional and have a positive attitude you will go far. To become a permittee grads need experience on set. They need to build their experience and show the ability to work well with different people and in varied work situations. I was insanely enthusiastic and would not be deterred. Whatever I was working on, I would give it my all.” 

One last amazing thing about Rebeccah, alongside her incredible experience and stories, is her generosity when it comes to sharing her knowledge. And although you have to be an IATSE member or permittee to attend one of her master classes, everyone is welcome to her wisdom. You just have to ask. 

For budding hair stylists and entrepreneurs searching for inspiration, look no further than Blanche Macdonald Pro Hair and Makeup graduate Sarah Krook. Her personal and professional journey has taken her across much of Western Canada, eventually landing in Victoria, BC. Which is where, when presented with a chance to open her own salon, she seized the opportunity. Now Sarah heads a team of six stylists at one of Victoria’s greenest and fastest-growing salons: its name, appropriately enough, Inspire Hair Design. 

“Our idea was to have a salon that was as eco-friendly as possible,” enthuses Sarah. “Our whole mentality is beauty with an eco-conscious mind. We just celebrated our two-year anniversary and it’s been amazing! We started with just two stylists and took on more people from there. We put a lot of thought into who we wanted to bring into the team. Every one of our stylists are wonderfully talented and genuine, awesome people. I feel like every hairstyle that walks out the door has my stamp of approval.” 

Managing a thriving business in a big city like Victoria comes naturally to Sarah. Still, she’s not forgotten her small town roots. 

“I grew up on Quadra Island, three hours North of Victoria. I don’t think there was a hair stylist on the Island when I was growing up. At 12 I moved to Port Hardy. I started picking up my first beauty influences from my friends there. I remember inviting a couple of the girls on our volleyball team over and colouring their hair with red box dye in my bathroom. The results were, let’s say, questionable. And my bathroom looked like a murder scene!”

Sarah was living in North Vancouver when her friend Faye Alexander became the first member of her social circle to take the Makeup Program at Blanche Macdonald. Sarah volunteered to be Faye’s model for the Hair Module of the Makeup Program. What she experienced opened her eyes to an entire world of possibilities. 

“I fell in love with it,” explains Sarah. “What Faye could create was crazy. She introduced me to the world of Kevyn Aucoin and his book, Making Faces. I saw what you could do with makeup. It was so fascinating to me.”

Sarah enrolled on the Makeup Program. She loved it, of course, and was pleasantly surprised to discover the instant confidence she felt with a different kind of brush in her hand.

“In the Makeup Program there was a six-week hair course. I just felt like I had a natural ability for it. One of the instructors, Sharlene Gill, came into our classroom and told us that she needed some help with hair for a wedding. My teachers put my name forward. That gave me so much confidence!

“Honey Dawn Faircrest was my one of our instructors. When she was grading our final projects she told me that mine was camera ready. I never forgot that. I put everything I had into the hair of that final so it felt awesome knowing that an industry professional thought that it was that good.”

These were the days before Blanche Macdonald had begun its industry-leading Pro Hair Program. Which was fine for Sarah, who was happily starting her beauty industry career as a Makeup Artist.

“I moved to Lloydminster, Alberta following a boy and got a job on the Clinique counter. That’s when I received a letter from Blanche Macdonald saying that they were starting a hair program. I moved straight back to Vancouver to start the program and left the boy in Lloydminster!”

Sarah remains a proud member of Blanche Macdonald’s very first Pro Hair class.

“We couldn’t have been luckier,” she insists. “We got to work so closely with [Program Director] Phil Loiselle. To be able to work with someone who doesn’t just know hair, but the business with it, was amazing. I was always the first person in class and the last person to leave. It was so exciting for me. I was able to be creative. It was great!

“One of the biggest things that Phil taught us was that 50% of the job is the technical aspect of hair and the other half, maybe the more important half, is how you connect with people. If clients are comfortable they can tell you what they’d like you to work on, what they’re happy and not happy with. He stressed that from the beginning. People didn’t know Blanche Macdonald had a Hair School back then so we had to learn how to persuade people to come sit in our chairs. This was before the Q&A salon at CurliQue opened. That’s phenomenal! It’s such a beautiful facility. I’m sure they get lots of walk-ins straight from the street.”

Sarah graduated and was instantly on the floor of salons in North Vancouver, then Port Hardy and eventually Calgary, where a volunteer job provided a connection that would change her life.

“I responded to an ad for a volleyball team looking for an assistant coach. Kathryn Genereux was the head coach of the team. We became good friends instantly. She’d had a lot of terrible experiences at salons and felt that she could never connect with her stylists. I started doing her hair and she could see the passion I had for it.

“Soon after that I was visiting my family in Victoria. It was minus 40 in Calgary and warm and sunny in Victoria so I decided to stay!”

Visiting Calgary for the Stampede, Sarah was reconnecting with Kathryn when a friendly brunch morphed into a life-altering business meeting.

“Kathryn announced that she was moving to Victoria, told me that she wanted to invest in a small business and that small business was me! Of course I said yes!”

Two and half years later, the ideas discussed over that brunch have turned into Inspire Hair Design. As the head stylist and one half of the business partnership, every day Sarah is implementing the lessons she learned at Hair School, especially when it comes to recruiting and training her team. 

“Attitude and personality are the most important things. Skill and the drive to do this is a close second. I still talk to Phil and Jeff Ranger every three or four months. When we were starting Inspire I would ask them questions about everything to do with salons, licensing and getting the business running and they’d always get back to me with the right answer. It was Phil who first pointed me towards Davines, which is our primary line. Phil said we would have the best education and support with Jessica Ruth, their amazing representative, in our corner. He was right! She created the Ambassador program, which lets me participate in Davines educator training classes in Vancouver. There I get to work closely with some pretty fantastic Davines Educators like Ana Luisa Valdes. She’s the perfect example of someone who loves what they do. 

“Right now I’m concentrating on the business development side of things – growing our social media, and arranging a spring/summer photo shoot. But I love seeing clients too, knowing the details of their lives and getting their looks perfect. I never want to lose that connection. The creative side is great. A few days ago I turned a rainbow Mohawk into a lavender Mohawk. An all-over colour correction is so fun and exciting!”

Sarah is refining that balance between business and creativity as Inspire Hair Design continues to grow. Part of that task is leading and building the next generation of stylists and entrepreneurs. In her mind, it all begins with education.

“The first thing is go to a good school. Coming from Blanche Macdonald and having dabbled in the fun and creative sides of cutting and colour made such a difference. It helped me build my clientele really quickly. 

“You also need passion. As much as I love the creativity of being a hair stylist, I do this because I get to make people feel good. Then they pass that positive energy onto the next person they meet. When that happens I feel like I’ve done my part!”

Shaina Azad takes the business of Makeup seriously.

That’s how she’s succeeded across multiple disciplines since graduating from Canada’s Top Makeup School. She’s continually busy working with Indian Bridal and Beauty clients. She launched and is selling her own cosmetic line, SUVA Beauty, around the world. She’s working on sets for commercials seen across Canada and beyond. And she’s teaching at Blanche Macdonald. 

On top of all this, Shaina somehow finds the time to run a popular YouTube makeup tutorial channel. Which is where you realize that there’s a huge difference between taking your work seriously and taking yourself seriously. 

“I have no problems making fun of myself,” admits Shaina. “I’m quirky, try to be funny, and speak my mind. I want people to know me as an artist and understand my personality. I specialise in Indian bridal, but I want to show that I can do everything else. I’ve had people stop me and take photos in the street. So bizarre!” 

Great artistry paired with a natural gift for comedy is a potent combination. A YouTube rant about frustrating counter service is what persuaded ABC Producer Glenn Ruppel to contact Shaina for her highest profile appearance so far, inviting her to New York to share some of the less ethical tricks some cosmetics salespeople use as part of a special feature on the channel’s flagship news magazine show, 20/20.

“When Glenn emailed me out of the blue I thought it was a joke. Why would an ABC producer want to contact me? But it was real. They flew me to New York, put me up in the Empire Hotel and gave me a private driver to show me around.

“We filmed the piece in Staten Island. I had no idea what to expect before the filming began. There were hidden cameras all around. I’d never seen the products before and had to sell it to passers by. I was so nervous. But I got into character and sold it. All my tricks worked. For every 15 people I stopped, 12 handed me money.”

Shaina can be persuasive. She’s been that way since she first discovered the transformative and social power of makeup.

“I always wanted to be an artist. In Fifth Grade I won the Artist of the Year Award with a rendition of a Picasso painting. When I was a junior in high school some of the Grade 12 girls came into the drama room looking for makeup. I announced, ‘I do makeup!’ It could have gone horribly wrong, but it turned out amazing! I thought, ‘This is great!’”

Shaina was studying International Relations and Foreign Policy Making at university when she decided to take the part-time Introduction to Makeup program then offered at Blanche Macdonald. 

“I’d heard about Blanche Macdonald and knew people who had gone there. I had Lesley Opheim as my instructor and it was great. I figured I could work at MAC on the weekends. Which I did, right after I graduated. That was awesome. Leah Elliston was my MAC trainer on my first day. I remember thinking she was absolutely stunning!”

Like Leah, Shaina eventually joined the faculty at Blanche Macdonald. But not before she’d spent a year in Cairo as a journalist and marketing consultant, refining her artistry at weekends with grateful Egyptian brides. Determined to make makeup her career, Shaina returned to Canada and began hustling her way onto sets for a string of Movies of the Week. 

“Life on set was exciting, new and different. I was so eager to learn and make friends with everyone. I put a lot of work and effort into promoting myself. I would go to events and fashion shows. If I met someone in the film, fashion or beauty industry, I would make sure they knew who I was. I would get their information and follow up with an email. It was a constant hustle. If there was a Makeup Artist I really liked I’d offer to clean their brushes. I bugged Tina Teoli a lot when I was on set with her.”

Shaina was already an in-demand Makeup professional when she returned to Blanche Macdonald to take the full Global Makeup Program. Her aim? Expanding and enhancing her skills even further.

“When it came to TV and Film, prosthetics and airbrushing it was all exciting and new. I learned a lot of new things and connected with so many instructors. Timothy Hung was my fashion instructor and I loved his 20-minute drills. CJ Wills was one of my favourites too. I still call her if I have questions about the industry. She has a wealth of knowledge.”

Life’s been a whirlwind for Shaina since graduating Blanche Macdonald the second time. The Bridal Makeup specialist became a bride herself. And professionally, she’s never been busier.

“Most weekends I’ll have a bunch of clients for parties or weddings. I’m getting bookings from all over the place. I was flown to Mexico to do the makeup for one wedding. That’s a big Indian wedding trend right now. Another bride is coming from Ontario just to see me. I’ll have a couple of shoots, either commercial or music videos during the week. I worked on a Budweiser commercial with Janice Drew that ran during the Sochi Olympics and was the key artist on another ad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup with the Canadian Women’s Soccer team. I was able to do the makeup and hair for Christine Sinclair. Girls came on set and would literally cry when they saw her. She’s an icon! And a very confident woman.”

It’s no coincidence that both the World Cup and Budweiser commercials featured a certain new makeup line. Shaina’s as much an entrepreneur as she is an artist. 

“I’ve had SUVA Beauty in my mind for the past two years. I’ve been doing my research, connecting with people, putting together ingredients and testing. After the 20/20 feature it seemed like the right time to put it into action. Now I have a cosmetics line!

“I wanted a high quality, pro-grade brand that everyone could use. I went through plenty of sample batches and had countless sleepless nights. It has a built in primer that actually works! It’s the perfect product. For example, on set you never want your shimmers to mix with your mattes. You don’t want shimmer on camera. Our shimmers will never mix with the mattes because of their formulations and because they’re on two separate pallets. Now we’re selling it online all over the world.”

Innovator and inventor, Shaina has also patented her own brush case.

“One of my biggest frustrations was that my hard-earned dollars I spent on brushes were wasted when the brush hairs were caught in the case. So, I created a really cool and innovative magnetic retractable brush case that looks sleek, is efficient and amazingly functional!”

Whether she’s beautifying clients, shining on sets or developing products and marketing strategies for SUVA Beauty, none of it would be possible without a can-do attitude. Which is what makes her an ideal candidate to teach the next generation of Makeup Superstars at Blanche Macdonald.

“Yes, there have been emotional goodbyes at the end of classes! I love imparting knowledge. I’ve kept in touch with many of my students and a few have become part of my beauty team. My students know that they can always call or email me if they need advice or a reference. 

“The makeup industry is unpredictable. It’s fun booking amazing gigs, whether it’s Indian weddings or music videos. But it’s a serious business every single day. I tell my students, if you work hard, put in the time and effort, and stay humble, the sky’s the limit.”

Fashion wonders unfurled last week before a house packed with family, friends and faculty, as we ushered in a bright new lot of talent at our Blanche Macdonald Spring Fashion Design Showcase! The spotlight-spangled sweep of our Atelier gallery saw Design visions vaulting from the earthy whorls of South Iranian textile, to the space-slick daze of star-hopping bohemians. As always with our Showcases, the unifying factor was the impassioned distinction in concept and design. We caught up with our ten Spring ‘15 graduates to talk the translation of inspiration, dynamism in process, and the rewards of welcoming challenge throughout their year. Congratulations to each on a most brilliant debut, and thank you to all who joined us in fêting their sublime fashion feats!

MARIA RACHEL LEUNG

“I wanted to create a collection that was modern and minimal to redefine the new classic. The concept of SPACE HIPPIE was born from combining ideals of the hippie movement – primarily peace, love and happiness – with the futuristic notion of a utopian society where equality and technological advancement are prized. I utilized denim, a classic fabric, in new silhouettes as a modern twist on a wardrobe essential. I was listening to FKA Twigs a lot at the time and was inspired by her artistry, dance and interesting sounds. I interpreted these elements visually as fluid movement, using draped fringe and mushroom pleating to reflect this. For a futuristic element, I chose Neoprene, a soft but structured technical fabric, to create silhouettes which still allowed for freedom of movement, further reflecting fluidity, both physically and psychologically.

“I want to say that the greatest moment for me was watching my designs come to life at the grad show but I enjoyed every step of the process in getting there, from learning to drawing, to conceptualizing and constructing my garments. Completing the program and my first collection was the most rewarding as I learned so much about myself and my capabilities this year!”

**FOLLOW @lesnaxx

AMANDA BARNETT

“I used the elements of the forest as an overall feel of the collection; the forest is mysterious, alluring and seductive – it pulls you in by the subtleties of it’s beauty. We all know the story of Little Red Riding Hood. My story is a little different. I used her curious demeanour and thrill for danger as the main theme in my collection. I combined elements of the forests to create her silhouette, incorporating the shapes of trees to create long, curvy lines which translate into a soft elegance for the evening wear and lingerie. but also using the rough edges of the bark for the day wear.”

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AMY CHUNG

“Time is a circle: like the rotation of the earth in a circle for 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds, or how the earth goes around the sun in a circle made up of one year. My collection used a lot of circle curve with cord patterns on silk to explore this.

“I most enjoyed the illustration in my process. The biggest challenge was how to create three excellent garments from the visual ideas I had sketched. My teacher Brenda [Swinglehurst] was a great mentor through the whole of the process!”

JESSE AMERY SAMUELS – Awarded, Academic Achievement

“This collection began with a desire to revive historical elements of Fashion. I wanted to find a way to bring people through history, as if the clothes take you on a journey through time and space. I began to modernize elements like historical sleeve treatments, collars, lapels and silhouettes through the eyes of two of my favourite French New Wave filmmakers: Jean-Luc Godard and Roger Vadim. Borrowing from the oceanic colour palettes and stark shot design in "Et Dieu Crea la Femme" and "Le Mepris" allowed me to move the collection into the modern era, turning draped historical silhouettes into architecturally tailored pieces, and conflating the pastel palette of the Rococo era with the dreamily saturated pastels of 50’s French Riviera. The smallest of details, like the width of women's lapels, extremely high waists, singular pin-tucks and ankle slits in slim men's pants were inspired by photos of my parents in the 70’s, and help to root the flamboyant and feminine elements of historical men's fashion in a modern era. As these clothes take you through history, travelling ever closer to the current day, each representative element is smaller and more abstract in it's interpretation of the original.  

“The design process can be so overwhelming and all encompassing that it is hard to pick a singular moment that stands out. However, while constructing my garments I discovered a love of tailoring that felt so visceral it was almost as if my body had inherently led me to design such an architectural collection. In that moment I felt like I was doing the one thing I was always meant to do.”

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QIANWEN ‘KIKI’ XIANG - Awarded, Achievement in Illustration & Design

“I wanted to create something soft but still strong. It’s dark but it’s still ‘cute.’ As women, we usually have a strong side and a soft side. I wanted to show how each woman has these two facets, and how there can also be a lightness and a darkness within one person. Maybe facing you is the one side – the light, ‘good’ side. The darker side would be hiding inside – that’s why there is the skull motif, burrowed under the layers of the dress. The outside is very pretty, light and gauzy, but there is the darker side contained. The skull in the first piece is hand drawn. On the second it is airbrushed onto the base fabric with swathes of organza on top. I learned animation and drawing before I learned Makeup (and now Design) at Blanche Macdonald so it came naturally to me!”

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SHEENA MEDINA

“Vancouver’s city lights are always so constant and alive making it hard to ignore. Tall skyscrapers and buildings with lights that shone like stars made me want to feature this in my collection. I wanted to also incorporate a window idea in my garments and show the lights coming through. I formed squares with gold and silver beads to have a window effect on the black crisscross dress. I had one dress laser cut and beaded and had the hem uneven to show the structural look of buildings. The last dress features silver beads spread across the ruched top to have the element of the lights around the city.

“There were countless nights that I went without sleep just to try and get as much beading done as possible and trying to keep up with my other courses. Of course, all of that paid off with how all of my garments turned out. I really appreciate the help and support of all the teachers, friends and family and especially my instructor Hana [Chiang].”

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CARISSA MORRISON

“The fact that [West Coast festivals] take place outside in nature is an important element of the clothing. I gave a nod to the forest setting by adding small, subtle woodland animal silhouette appliques on each garment as a little detail for the wearer: foxes, deer, rabbits hiding in plain sight. All of the clothing was fit and draped to complement the female body as it moves, so a combination of curve-hugging lines with lots of hanging lace and soft, flowy fabrics were used to sway with her as she walks and dances.

“Really diving deep in to myself to collect all of the thoughts behind my passion, the designs in my imagination, and somehow make it all make sense, to tell a story that was still balanced and practical was a favourite part of my process. It was hard for me to fit my designs into a box or to define them in a way that would all work together or make sense to anyone. Focusing on creating a cohesive themed collection in Illustration class with Lisa [Ghellert] really allowed me to work hard at pulling these images out of my head and putting them in front of me in a structured manner. Once I was past whatever was blocking me, designs just came flowing and had me so excited. In the end, I was really pleased with the results and proud of my portfolio.”

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NASIM MEHRTABAR – Awarded, Overall Achievement

“I started Fashion school when I had already two BA degrees in two other majors. Becoming a Fashion Designer was my life-long dream and this time I just wanted to make my dream come true. I had no idea how difficult the program was and how much hard work it needed. Focusing on school was my only concern for the whole past year. I tried to learn from my amazing and knowledgeable instructors as much as I could and I enjoyed every moment of the program.

“After watching a beautiful clip of Niagara Falls it immediately became the inspiration for my collection. The idea was to present clothes as beautiful, strong and mysterious as a waterfall while keeping their delicacy and femininity. The European silk sheer fabrics (ombre and solid color) and elegant laces I had used in my collection were all purchased from abroad. Even the leather that was used in my daywear pieces as a symbol of strength, when associated with the guipure lace and silk, became softer and therefore more glamorous, elegant and rich. Using leather was the favourite moment that stood out to me in the process of creating this collection. Initially I had made a taffeta fabric skirt which didn’t satisfy me and I found that the fabric was not a good choice for that skirt, so I completely changed my daywear design and switched to pants and leather instead. That was my first experience in sewing leather but definitely not the last. There was so much fun and creativity in working with leather, and I really enjoyed using it and mixing it with lace for one of the garments I was showing!”

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SARITA GHEYDY

“My inspiration came from the Middle East, with a focus on Iran. In the South of Iran, they use Mongolian lamb’s wool in clothing and hats. I centered my collection around this material, imagining and playing with design elements to highlight the wool during my time sketching. I am attracted to fabric; I always buy my fabric first, and my process is then inspired by the chosen material.

“This is the first year that I was so far from Iran. It’s been thirteen years that I’ve worked in a Fashion department, starting when I was thirteen years old – I love Fashion and the creation of new clothes. I love my country and all of the traditions that we have throughout the different cities. For this collection I really wanted to show these traditions in a new way, mixing them into modernity and fashion.”     

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ANAHITA MONZAVI – Awarded, Special Award for Innovative Use of Materials

“I was originally inspired by stained glass windows – the shapes and colors of the window really caught my eye. I knew it would be very hard task to create customize pieces of glass to use in my collection, but I had always wanted to do something different and challenging. I decided to take on the project. I attended glass fusing, glass blowing and glass flaming in order to learn how to make my elements. As this was a new idea and making these pieces was very hard with the fragility of the glass, nobody was really able to help me in certain areas of construction. So, I had to do it myself. In my designs I used glass fusing, fabric fusing, beading, natural lamb leather and lacing, but the hardest part was making the mold for each piece and making holes in the bustier for the laces. Making that bustier and then being able to drill the holes for the laces successfully – after almost 15 tries – was my best moment. I stayed strong and tried over and over again till I finally made it.”

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Many thanks to our wonderful Blanche Macdonald staff, and roster of volunteer students and graduates from the Blanche Macdonald Makeup, Hair, Nail Parlour and Fashion programs whose incredible work backstage, and throughout the year made this show possible. Special mention due to the inspirational leadership of President Lily Lim, the endless efforts of Executive Program Director/Show Coordinator Peggy Morrison, Executive Program Director Donna Baldock, Fashion Director Tyler Udall, Career Director, Fashion Department Mel Watts, the expertise and support in the Sewing and Pattern Labs of Instructors Brenda Swinglehurst and Jenny Hedberg, and creative catalyst Lisa Gellert. Special thanks must also go to Instructors Carlie Wong, Mariana Prins, Maneli Nourbakhsh, Rose Aiello and Wanda Sustersich, Lab Assistants Kari Applequist, Hana Chiang and Jill Kacic, Creative Director Kelly Schmidt, Social Media and Marketing Manager Natasha Eng, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator Laila Fox, Social Media Associates Allie Samborn and Rheanna Miller, Graphic Design Assistant Esther Chaye, as well as our Instructor and Backstage Coordinator Lyndi Barrett.

Infinite gratitude too, must be given to the backstage team, led by Peggy Morrison, of volunteers from the Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising programs. While instructors Jon Hennessey, Lisa Callender and Barb Baker and their volunteer graduates and students from the Blanche Macdonald Makeup, Hair and Esthetics Schools ensured the models looked as spectacular as the collections. Thanks also to our fabulous emcee Jaylene McRae and DJ Hana Pesut (Sincerely Hana) for providing an amazing soundtrack to the night.

Hollywood doesn’t make biopics on estheticians yet. There are still a few rock stars and revolutionaries to tick off the list first. When they do get to estheticians however, they’ll probably begin with Simona Gozner.

25 years ago she was a refugee in a foreign land. Now, after a triumphal career with some of Canada’s biggest spas and skincare lines, Simona has made a home for herself as Director of Esthetics at the same School where she once shone as a student.

“A great teacher is a student!” she insists. “We learn from each other and aspire to become better. One thing I’ve learned since I returned to Blanche Macdonald is how important it is to work as a team. That means the Esthetics Instructors, the faculty of our other departments, the Admissions Directors and students.

“As Instructors we’re continually learning, taking different educational ingredients and connecting them in a way that creates a unique formula specific for each group of students. It’s a very creative art.”

Simona’s creative journey to Canada’s #1 Esthetics School began on another continent, where the violent overthrow of dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu in her native Romania forced her to make some dramatic and unscheduled life decisions.

“I wanted to be a doctor but when the revolution happened everything changed,” she explains. “I fled to Switzerland as a refugee. I had to learn German and did odd jobs. It wasn’t easy, but it made me stronger. I learned how important it was to pay attention to small details at work to create a high standard. Swiss precision really exists!”

Five years after Simona left Romania, now married and mother to a nine month-old son, she braced herself for another momentous upheaval. Her family’s immigration papers had come through and they were moving to Vancouver, Canada.

“I could barely speak any English,” she recalls. “The three of us came to Canada with two suitcases full of diapers, baby clothes and big dreams.”

Simona was raising her son and working as a room attendant at Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront Hotel when she began the Esthetics program at Blanche Macdonald.

“Coming to Blanche Macdonald was one of the best decisions I ever made,” she insists. “The standard was so high. It taught me who I was, encouraged me to bring the best out of myself and think outside the box.”

Still in her twenties, Simona had moved to two countries where she didn’t speak the language, and was working cleaning hotel rooms to help support her family while training for a new career. And yet, listening to Simona speak, there’s not even a trace of bitterness or ‘you-think-you-had-it-tough’ swagger. Instead, there’s a modesty and calm confidence emanating from her every word. Spend a few minutes in Simona’s company and it becomes clear that you’re in the presence of a remarkable individual.

“Some of the teachers at Blanche Macdonald told me I had leadership skills,” she recalls. “They saw I had potential. I didn’t feel like I’d changed, but when I put it all together I could see the end result.”

Straight after graduating Simona took the first step in a meteoric career – a job with Vancouver’s Absolute Spa. After only a handful of months Simona was offered the position of Director of Esthetics, leading a staff of fifteen estheticians. After three years as Head Esthetician and Trainer at a pair of independent Vancouver spas she became Account Manager for The Stal Group, covering British Columbia as the representative for French skincare line Darphin. And her successes were again recognised when Nordic Selfcare approached her for the prestigious position of Development Manager across Western Canada.

Along the way, Simona developed a deep understanding of the business of Esthetics and a passion for teaching. Which made her the perfect candidate to head Blanche Macdonald’s Esthetics Department.

“I was overwhelmed and humbled when Debbie Nickel asked me to be Esthetics Director. I was honoured and scared too. But Debbie told me that she knew who I am and what my values are. She has been a gracious and great mentor to me, allowing me to find my own voice in this leadership position.

“My first task was getting to know the strengths of our team of instructors and how I could create opportunities for all of them to shine. It’s important to remember that we accomplish things together. It’s never about me. It’s about us. I’m blessed to be their colleague.”

The faculty is only one part of Simona’s team. Equally important are her students. And she takes as much care with every one of them as she does with her instructors.

“I get to know students on a daily basis,” she explains. “Every interaction is important. When I ask students to come see me I always remind them it’s not like going to the principal’s office. It’s an opportunity to get to know each other.

“My door is always open. The only thing that’s predictable about this job is that everything we do is scheduled at least four months in advance – whether it’s classes or guest speakers. But there are always unpredictable situations that we have to deal with at the same time. We don’t view them as problems. We view them as opportunities for people to see the same situation from different perspectives and come up with solutions. Even if I can see the solution, I have to make sure the student sees that answer for herself. We all have a story. We’re all trying our best.

“The connection with students is my favourite part of the job. I love, love, love it a hundred times! It forces us to look at things differently. Whether it’s hearing about them getting jobs or just giving them a hug when they need it. The students inspire me. They remind me to never stop having dreams.”

That connection with students doesn’t just last the duration of the program. Simona understands that once you join Team Blanche Macdonald, you’re family forever. She speaks from experience. Her connection brought her back to Esthetics School. Now she’s sharing the love and the wisdom with a new generation.

“I teach the business classes so I always remind students and grads that I’m always here to help them. We’ll give you the best advice we can. I’ll drop grads a message every six months to see if we can offer any help. I’m always inviting people to come back to say hello and share what they’ve learned since graduating.

“Students are always surprising me. They’ve taken a leap of faith by coming to Esthetics school. So often they leave to begin a career beyond their original expectations. Seeing that change in one year is such a blessing to me. Can you put a price on seeing someone who was once shy blossom and turn their life around by starting a career?”

Starting careers is what Simona does best. Under her leadership, Blanche Macdonald’s reputation as a starting point for great estheticians has never been stronger. For her, it’s not about producing cookie cutter graduates. It’s about sharing knowledge and letting individuals find and nurture their passion.

“We have students in the middle of their skincare modules who have already been hired by Skoah, Eccotique and Absolute Spa. Our students’ level of expertise is already there. That’s a compliment but also a responsibility. We can’t just maintain those levels. We aim to surpass them. Before I came back to Blanche Macdonald I did presentations at other schools and I could see that some of the programs were so rigid. Here, if you can do it your own way, you’re encouraged to do it. You need a great team to do that. It’s about being respectful to everyone as an individual.”

Respect and modesty are just two of the factors that make Simona such a beloved member of the Blanche Macdonald family. She came to Canada with little more than suitcases full of diapers and a willingness to follow her dreams. Now she’s inspiring others.

“Be courageous and always have the right intention with yourself and others, and the rest will take care of itself. I truly believe that.”

Hollywood still hasn’t approached Simona but it’s only a matter of time. And in the starring role?

She laughs.

“Meryl Streep!”