The Summit Social | Issue Ten
The Creative Collective
What inspired you to work in this industry? In other words, what is the ‘why’ behind what you do? What fuels your passion? What feeds your purpose? This is the simple, yet powerful, question we asked our Summit fam to answer a couple months back, and the underlying theme behind The Creative Collective. As human beings, we all innately search for connection and purpose. Part of purpose is serving others, the greater good, and finding something outside of ourselves that makes us feel more connected, more alive. This issue is all about inclusivity, creating community during a difficult time, and reminding us why we do what we do. They say people spend an estimated 90 000 hours at work over the course of their lives, and the passion behind those hours, at least in this industry, is unparalleled.
For better or worse, this past year has taught us a lot. 2020 highlighted the value of human connection and community. It forced us to reconnect with our inner voices, and reinforced the power of gratitude. 2020 showed us how appreciated and valued our beauty professionals are - people lose their sh*t when they’re separated from their fave stylist, nail technician, aesthetician etc! This year reminded us about the total bad-ass-ness of this industry and it’s people. And perhaps, most importantly, 2020 revealed that the more time you spend at home, the more homeless you look… and if that doesn’t bode well for us beauty professionals, then we don’t know what does, people!?
“I thought 2020 would be the year I got everything I wanted. Now I know 2020 is the year I appreciate everything I have.”
- Melody Godfred
So thanks to everyone who hopped on board and flipped us a submission to make this thannnng possible. This piece is for all of you!
I always admired people’s hair and how they styled it. It has always been the first thing I notice about someone. What inspired me was the idea of creating an accessory that is visible at all times, making hair look like a piece of art in a way. Something soft and beautiful that brings people confidence and makes them feel good.
-Domenic Gialleonardo
@domenic.Gialleonardo
I am an educator and scientist by nature/trade and I love working with people; so, finding a career combining the two was inspiring. I love the biological makeup of hair, the chemical process of colour, and the physics of how a haircut sits. I’m not the most artistic of stylists, it’s more of a science for me. But hairstyling fuels my passion for all sides and inspires me regularly!
-Kristina Gregory
@beautybarngo
The people inspired me. Having the ability to change someone’s life with a brush and a bowl, or a pair of scissors! The ability to create confidence and offer support! This job is so much more then working behind the chair, it’s about being a master of all trades. What inspired me to be in the hair industry is each and every one of you.
-Mackenzie Gillis
@Ombre_queen
I always loved doing my own nails and experimenting with nail art, so when I got an opportunity to take my nail technician course, while working at a salon, I jumped on it! Since then, I have been working hard to master my techniques, and I love working to bring my clients nail dreams to life!
-Ailesh Abrams
@aileshatsalonsociety
There was nothing more exciting to me as a kid than finding out I could make people look and feel a certain way, by just using my hands. Diving into that I quickly realized that not only was this the best industry, but one that is so satisfying for both operators and clients. It truly became my therapy. Having a combined love for fashion, beauty and art, there is no better industry to work in.
-April Brown
@rootbarsalon
I’ve always been interested in the fashion and beauty industry. I love making people feel even more beautiful/ handsome.
-Tyler Caragata
@tyleratsalonsociety
“Hairdressing was not my first choice. In the beginning, I could not see a future, or long-term sustainability, and it was more something that I did on the side for my friends. I would send my friends to my stylist for a cut, but I would do their color. My stylist always asked us who did our color, and then, one day he told me I should do my schooling and then come work at a new shop he was planning. I had job in an oil and gas and I was doing just fine, but I decided to call my Mom and tell her about the switch. All she said to me was ‘well it’s about time! I always knew you would be a hairdresser.’
So I fast tracked through school and after a year behind the chair, I was looking for even more. My stylist (now boss) got me into teaching, which is how I ended up with Redken and my current career really started to form. I’m so grateful for my mentor and everyone I’ve met along the way. This has been my calling right from the start, I just needed that push and to have someone believe in me.”
- Naomi Raye
@nomeraye
“This trade runs in the Italian side of my family. I suppose watching it as a kid planted the seed! :) I feel that hairstyling connects me to my culture and to the community.”
- Amanda Bassi
@la.donna.barba
“The money! (Totally joking!) I went into this industry with the belief that all hairstylists were broke and worked long hours. This theory had many years to marinate as my hairstylist mom encouraged me to go to university rather than pursue her field of work. Despite her experience in the industry aligning with common stereotypes, what my mom didn’t know was that I saw more than that. I saw the independence hairstyling brought her, I saw the pride when her clients hugged her and thanked her for their amazing 80’s perm, and the admiration for doing something she loved. Unfortunately, I lost my mom to brain cancer a few years ago. Even though she knew I would do the opposite of whatever she advised me, I hope she knows that she inspired me to chase what sets my heart on fire, to allow myself room to grow creatively, and to make people feel great! My mom inspired me to go into hair, and It’s been the best decision I could have ever made… so thanks mama!”
-Sara Botsford
@sarabotsfordhair
To have the power to make someone feel confident in their own hair/look.
-Shanna Watts
@shannaatsalonsociety
“I was inspired to work in the industry because I loved to make people feel good, and I am so drawn to fashion and design in other areas of my life. Work in the hair industry meant I got to mix both of my passions. Care and create!”
-Chelsea Lewis
@chelsealewis_cellardoor
“I took hairstyling in high school because I thought it would be fun to learn how to French braid, but I quickly came to realize how creative this field was. I learned how amazing it is to connect with people, make them feel good about themselves, and boost their confidence. I loved the many different avenues to grow within this industry.”
-Samantha Lacoste
@hairbysamlacoste
“I swear it’s in my blood! As a young girl I was always fascinated with how my grandmother would make her client’s hair into a piece of art! In high school I took cosmetology and from that point on, I knew hairstyling was what I wanted to do as a career! I’ve always loved the positive energy that’s buzzing around in salons! I love all the relationships I have formed throughout the years working in this industry. I feel blessed to have a job I love that allows creativity while providing an income!”
-Chelsey Worm
@electricchairhair
“I’ve always had a creative side and never knew what I could get into until a lightbulb went off, and I realized it had been right in front of me since I was young. I always would love playing with hair (my own, my friends, my barbies) It made me feel creative and be happy at the same time. and I would look at hair in magazines wondering how it looked so good, and how I could do it to my hair. I’ve been doing hair for 11 years now and wouldn’t change a thing! :) “
-Tia Lepka
@tia_likes_hair
“I have been doing hair for nearly 20 years now and although what might have initially ignited the spark to pursue a career in hair styling is a little foggy, what keeps me passionate almost 20 years in is crystal clear: making people smile and feel good about themselves. Whether it’s their wedding day, their graduation, or just a regular weekday afternoon, hair styling is so much more than creating a beautiful look. We are invited into people’s lives in such an intimate way, if only just for a few hours. It’s a privilege, and an honor that I could have never imagined all those years ago. I have moved cities for this career, traveled to incredible parts of this world, worked on television sets, and I have never stopped learning and growing. The foundational skills remain, but the opportunity to evolve, grow and teach is always there if you are open to it. I am constantly learning from my colleagues with years on me, and those who are just starting out. It is a wonderfully inspirational, creative, diverse community and I am so glad I was inspired to be a part of it.”
-Heather Mercer
@hairbyheathermercer
My grandmother, Elli. Not only has she inspired me, but she is one of the most influential people in my life. Elli’s hair west is the oldest running business in Canmore, 45 years strong! Elli now has stage 7 Louie body dementia and the salon is run but her daughter, Terry. Hopefully in the near future it will be run by me! 3 generations of hairstylists, how fricken cool?!
-Mackenzie Robinson
@ellis_hair_west
I’m a second-generation stylist; my mom ran her own business my entire life. I was fortunate enough to grow up watching her form relationships with her clients, work a flexible schedule and make a healthy income, all while doing something that she loved so much. I was always so fascinated with what she did, so when the opportunity came up for me to do the same, I jumped on it and never looked back. It’s a career unlike any other. Every day is different, the opportunities are endless, and the connections I’ve made with my clients are so special. It truly is such an incredible industry.
-Carissa Ens
@ce.hair
“Hi! I’m Britt! When I moved to Calgary from Saint Albert in high school, I had never seen hair extensions before. All these girls with dark hair trying to get that nice blonde, and tossing in low budget extensions… It was a mess. I have always been fascinated about color corrections and taking dark to light without compromising the hair too much. I have thrived on trying to achieve the perfect blonde, but every woman’s hair is different, and every blonde is beautiful in its own way. I love being a hair stylist. I love hearing everyone’s story and I can truly say I wouldn’t look any other way!”
-Brittany Lambert
@ brittlambert.hair
“My Grandma, she was a stylist + cosmetologist. I remember when I was little I would help her glue on her individual ardell lashes, one by one! It would take forever lol”
-Kelly Gilligan
@beautykissedbyKelly
“When I was a teenager I started cutting and colouring my own hair. It was totally my way of self-expression, and gave me the creative freedom to change up how I looked/ feel different from everyone else. Music was always a huge influence – I always say mullets and mohawks inspired me to get into hair haha. Today I have clients coming to me for my mullet shag skills! I absolutely love doing hair and helping people express themselves. It’s such a rewarding career, and 12 years into the industry I’m still doing what inspired me to start, what a dream!”
-Samantha Hostad
@hairbysamhostad
“To offer my clients tips, tricks, styling aids and colour/cuts to make them feel beautiful!”
-Kailee Foidart
@poshandpixie
“From a young age, I was fortunate to be able to go to Broadway every Sunday with my Grandmother. I fell in love with the actors, stage settings, lights, clothing, hair, makeup, and the stories. When I came to Edmonton, I was going to become an accountant but I needed money to help support my family, so I picked hair as it was only 9 months opposed to 4 years. I truly believe education is so important. I still invest in in-person classes to this day, to get a more in-depth learning. I have tremendous love for this career and still think that I have so much more to learn. This industry has been very good to me and I’ve met so many wonderful people”
-Paulina Truong
@missblugem
My mom has worked in the industry for 38+ years and she guided me into the craft. I grew up surrounded by all these beautiful and incredibly talented female role models in the salon. How could you not want to join an industry surrounded by the girls I get to work with every day?!
-Jamie Morros
@hairbyjamiemorros
I was inspired to work in this industry because I wanted a career that was creative, and one where I could work with people! It’s so fun to be able to create multiple art pieces every day, but on people that can walk around and show it off to the world! Hairdressing is a very fun, rewarding career! Xx
-Chelsea Wiebe
@hair.chels
My mum! She was an amazing stylist and Schwarzkopf educator who inspired so many through her dedication to her craft. She was a beacon to a boy who just wanted to play with hair and make people walk a little taller. Forever and always she will be in my heart and I strive to keep her memory alive in this industry.
-Matty O’Donoghue
@cityclubbarbershop
The love of making people feel the best that they can be...
-Nadine Woitt
@mezzaninehairstudio
Passion and Survival. I started cutting hair when I was 11 years old. By high school I was giving myself full on self-cuts, continuing to do my cousins, as well as my friends before basketball games, in the change room, outside in the atrium, or after school in garage. Fast forward years later, I ran into the proverbial road block of life and found myself living in my van for a couple days until I caught a break. I quit my horrible job at the time, and started brain storming. One night at 4 am I woke up with an idea, and Mucks Cuts was born. I created my logo and mobile barber on Facebook’s new business page, and did cuts all around the lower mainland from North Van, to Chilliwack. Fast forward again, I have a pretty good clientele base, decent social media following, I’m a former Wahl Canada Creative Team Educator/ Brand Ambassador, and I’ve flirted with offers from other high-end brands. I found a way to self-brand, and branched off into other business ideas such as: creating an apparel brand, shoe cleaning, a restoration business, and hopefully my own barbershop/ salon in the near future. My extreme passion for this art inspired me to work in this Industry. When my back was against the wall, and I had nothing, I went all in on myself and this craft to provide me with life and get back on my feet. Little did I know this industry would later be my life; It gave back and provided for me in ways I could not even begin to imagine. This is my life, and my life is this industry. I owe everything to it.
-Jeremy Macapagal
@mucks_cuts
I styled my barbies hair for years and never quite realized I could actually make a career out of it. I wanted to be a Hollywood actress :P When I finally made the decision to attend hair school I never looked back. This industry gives me life, it fuels my creative bones and I have yet to go one day without learning something new.
-Erica Hillier
@ericah.creative
I always felt that I didn’t fit into the beauty ideals shown on tv and in magazines (things have really started to change and the inclusivity today is incredible). Being of mixed heritage (west Indian, Black and English), my hair felt like the biggest challenge at such a young age. I used to be teased for having big, puffy, unruly hair. I spent so many years trying to change the way my hair looked, and that’s what initially brought me to the beauty industry. What I thought I would find was a way to ‘tame and control’ my wild hair, but what I really found in the industry, was how to embrace the beauty I already had! I learned to love my natural hair and grew into my individuality. I love helping other people embrace their own beauty behind the chair. The hair community is so varied with folks from all walks of life. This community is so open to all types of people, and hair types, and that resonates with me on a deeper level. I am so blessed to be a part of this community.
-Fefe Garton-Bristo
@fefe_gb
My love for helping people let their inner beauty shine from the inside out.
-Lisa Foote
@lisaatsalonsociety
Love for fashion.
-Hayden Selby-Lyons
@Haydenshairdooz
My childhood hairstylist. Her passion and love of life inspired me so much to be like her! We both work in the same city and she has mentored me through every step of my career. This includes opening my own salon in 2020 (yes during the pandemic). She was by my side guiding me along. Next step, getting her to come chair rent from me. #goals
-RayAnne Cascagnette
@rayannes_hair_salon
I started in the Fashion Industry as a Design Student, but instantly fell in love with fashion shows and creative photoshoots. To this day I still get excited about the fashion side of things. I wanted to be a part of that and I wanted to be “the talent”. This industry is full of possibilities and the best ‘day job’ you could ever have. Making people look and feel their best is just the icing on the cake- it doesn’t even begin to cover what this industry is about.
-Nadine Seims
@hairstylistnadine
My inspiration to join the beauty industry revealed itself after a mind-numbing university attempt. A 19-year-old trying to study business administration, my attention divided by performing in musical theatre and my job waiting tables at a local pizza joint. Many of my friends were embracing #studentlyfe, but I was struggling to fit into that mold. Studying business wasn’t hands-on it was boring, it didn’t resonate with me, and I felt out of place. The importance of formal education had always been very strong in my family, but as time went by I questioned my purpose more and more. Keeping me sane through my current routine were the coveted moments –all right, let’s be real - hours it took to glam up for a night of entertaining the masses. Nothing felt better than beating my face to the gods, curling every strand of my hair, cranking up my tunes and texting my co-workers to compare our evening lewks. But, in between shows, and the smell of deep-dish pizza seeping into my clothes and the stickiness of beer on my hands, I knew I needed a change. Stuck for a sense of direction, I turned to my biggest cheerleader, dad. After relaying my feelings about the rush of a performance and all things beauty, he simply said that gals like me were paid to do that all the time. Just like the English pop duo, wham!, my perspective shifted. With my family’s blessing, I went hunting for a different educational institution in and found The Style Academy right here in my home city of Regina. After graduating I landed my dream job at Shear Escape Salon and Spa, a stunning boutique salon I get to call my home. Today I’m a Senior Stylist/ Lead Hair Design for sterling productions and have the pleasure of doing what I love, alongside talented artists that I admire. I trust the beauty industry will continue to inspire me with the unlimited opportunities we make for ourselves. Whether it’s in the pure art of hair styling, or in the lasting connections we make with our clients and colleagues, this industry has so much to give, and it’s ours for the taking.
-Hayley Robinson
@hjkrhair
Being able to express myself creatively through an art form that actively makes a difference in someone’s life. An art form that can boost someone’s confidence, self-expression, discovering identity, and creativity. I love working with color and having a canvas that is able to offer input and ideas as I go, ultimately inspiring me to try new things and think outside of the box. I love working in an industry that is so education based, an industry that is constantly changing and keeps you on your toes, where you have no choice but to always continue learning.
-Anastasia Braun
@hairbyana_ec
