Efe Magazine Issue 32 May/June 2023

©2023 Henkel Canada Corporation schwarzkopf-professional.ca

Efe

The publisher assumes no responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and any and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser not the publisher. The publisher is not liable to any advertiser for any misprints in the advertising not the fault of the publisher and in such an event the limit of the of the publisher’s liability shall not exceed the amount of the publisher’s charge for advertising.

Efe Magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials, but will be reviewed for editorial consideration. These submissions may be used by Efe Magazine and their affiliates in any medium without the consent of or payment to the submitting party.

 D’antal Sampson

Who or what inspires you?

Art.

 Ky’ana Sampson –@_kyxx

Who or what inspires you?

I find inspiration in people. People whom I know personally, strangers, and people I see online. But not just anybody inspires me, it’s the ones who I see living out loud. Those who are unapologetically themselves, no matter what that looks like to others. I know that in today’s world, it is hard to find true authentic, genuine souls. I also know it takes courage and work to be comfortable in your skin and showcase it. I admire this trait in those I’ve come across that carry it with them in everything they do. They inspire me to do the same - to be bold, to be brave, and not care about anyone else’s opinion.

 Natalia Farahmand – @desideriobeauty

Who or what inspires you?

One of my greatest inspirations is artists who use creativity to raise discussions for the collective. The ability of an artist to tell purposeful stories is exponentially impactful.

Who or what inspires you?

The amazing women in my life inspire me. My mom, sisters, cousins, aunts, and friends. They are all strong women who support and lift each other up. Whether they are ambitious with their careers or committed to their families, they push the boundaries to find their own success and happiness. They empower me to dream more, learn more, and become more.

Who or what inspires you?

I’ve grown up with a lot of strong women in my family, and I’m inspired by them every single day, because of their strength in the face of adversity and the power they have to change their own lives. They make me realize what I can become and what I can do with my life.

Who or what inspires you?

I find the most inspiration in the people around me who feel like they have imposter syndrome and continue to do amazing things regardless. As a person who also constantly feels like an imposter, these are constant reminders that it is just something we imagine in our heads, and when we get the chance to take the leap to do bigger and better things, we should take it!

 Joanna Gray –@jgrayphototo

 Monika Sidhu – @funky monk_

 Keena Al-Wahaidi – @keenaalwahaidi

Editor's letter

REDESIGNEDM

You cannot compete, where you don't compare… yes, read that again. Out loud, backwards, and inside out… False comparison will be the demise to your growth. This realization changed my life. I’ve been a publisher now for 5 years. However, I have been in the beauty industry for over 25 years. As a hairdresser, I’ve made my mark. There wasn’t a room I could walk into without everyone knowing my name. There wasn’t a stage I didn’t grace or an audience that I couldn’t capture. And I loved every minute of it. I was a star…LOL. At least that’s how I felt, that’s how this industry made me feel. UNSTOPPABLE.

Once I became a publisher, it all stopped. All at once I was walking on uncharted territories, professionally and personally; so many things were changing, yet they stayed the same. The people were the same but my role was different… My needs were also different, which meant my approach had to be different. I was taking up new space. I didn’t recognize that my 25 years of experience as a hairdresser was not always transferable or credible in this new space. But it was just familiar, so I tried to stay there a little while longer, not realizing it was causing somewhat of a delay. To move forward, I had to start for from scratch, building a new brand.

I could no longer compare myself to the experiences I knew. I had to perform, and this performance required new knowledge, consistency and effort like never before. It was exhausting, because I knew that everyone around me already knew me and my capabilities. I had to constantly remind myself I was in a new space. And if I was going to take up space, like real space, I had to clear my mind of everything I once was, to project who I am now. It took five years.

We are now working with a new designer and for the first time in five years I enjoyed the process of creating Efe Magazine it was no musk no fuss, no resistance, just pure creativity. For familiar I sacrificed what I believed of myself. It wasn't even for joy - imagine that.

But now at five years, I wonder… what’s next? I know that everything that I’ve done to this point has gotten me here and I feel like it’s time to re-create not only the magazine but myself so that people can see clearly my growth, my development my direction. I’m in a great place, moving forward as Andrea Sampson the editor, keynote speaker and game changer. If you know me at all, the one thing that has never changed is my love to dance. I have

incorporated it in all areas of my career. I think that’s what I’m known for. I may not be the best at it, but when I move, I am fully committed to every movement. I think it safe to say that music totally rocks my soul. It allows me to connect to moments of my life that have me feeling as if I were right there. Good or bad. Past or present. It grounds me. I could recite word for word each song I used to get through a moment. My celebrated moments and songs that helped me get to a better place. I ‘m working on my new collection of moments and I will go back as needed. But in the meantime, I’m working on whomever I have to be, whenever I have to be it.

You cannot compete, where you don't compare…

REDESIGNEDMe

YOUR JOURNEY HAS JUST BEGUN YOUR JOURNEY HAS JUST BEGUN

TEXTURE WITH CONFIDENCE Award-winning CURRICULUM

So this happened... We received the "Inclusive Community Champion Award.”

Let us catch you up. Last summer, D'antal and I created an inclusive hairstyling curriculum in partnership with St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario. The focus of the program is, "Addressing Hair By Texture, Not Race". It provides stylists and barbers the opportunity to up-skill their behind the chair knowledge. Our

curriculum, titled "Texture with Confidence,” allows them to approach hair with new perspectives and the tools for success. Our goal was to ensure that all attendees were able to incorporate all textures into everything hair. Ensuring they are able to cater to any client that sit in their chair. This in itself was a full-time job. There were sleepless nights and thousands of kilometres driven, but well worth it to be a part of this dream team. Amy Shelly the program lead (Manager - Skills, Training and Economic Development Innovation and Business Engagement) made this journey and experience unreal for both the attendees and the Efe Magazine team. Amy, Thank you! We did this!

Eugenia Forskin @twisted_sistahs

Munny Thapar @munnycutz

Jay lorenzana @jdabarbah

Spark SLC @spark_slc

St Lawrence College @stlawrencecollege

Thank you for contributing and being a part of this journey.

We are proud to be creating the best possible future for the beauty professional and for clients everywhere.

REFLECTION AND GRATITUDEAmy Shelley

Wow. Just, wow.

As I prepared to write this, I was reminded how quickly time can move.

At this time last year, there was a need and a concept. We knew from our community, our programming, and our industry that this was something they had been waiting for. So, what next? Andrea and I had only briefly met a few times, but something clicked, and it was inevitable that our work together would be able to rise to any challenge. As Andrea built content, we started working on the program details and “Texture with Confidence – Sharpening Skills in Hairstyling” was created.

Dates were set for the first group and the news began to spread. We had participants register that were apprentices at varying levels, stylists ranging in years of experience, and educational instructors in pursuit of professional development to bring back to their classrooms. The first group flew by and before we knew it, we were preparing for the next. From October 2022 – March 2023 there were 16 training sessions delivered to over 40 participants, multiple hair models, countless kilometers driven, and many bags of Werther’s Eclairs consumed. As Andrea led the training with her valuable experience and expertise, the program was enriched with an amazing group of industry experts. Participants became people who we saw every other weekend for multiple weeks. We shared the journey of learning with them and had the

opportunity to witness moments of vulnerability, awareness, and accomplishments.

Now here I am – training complete and looking to what’s next – but I’m looking with a transformed perspective. Something is different in me. Is it because I was able to capture a glimpse of the hair-styling world in a way I have never seen it before? Is it because I realize there is so much more education required in this space and this is only the beginning? Is it because it led me to collaborate with a brilliant group of people - John, Aba, Paula, Rob, Spark, Steve, Taunya, and Marc - who gave extraordinary support on this journey? Is it because I met remarkable and passionate people - Andrea, D’antal, Eugenia, Munny, and Jay - who genuinely care about what they do and sharing their talent with the world?

Maybe, it’s actually because of it all.

Andrea, Efe Magazine and The Beauty of Inclusion have left a mark; and left me with something I will always want to be a part of. Something I take with me every day is this: There MUST be space for listening, learning, and conversation in the pursuit of sustained inclusion and belonging in our communities. It must be unwavering.

Finally, remember to lead with empathy and kindness in all you do.

We asked our students

 Why Texture with Confidence?

 What did you learn about yourself? What changed for you after taking the Texture with Confidence?

 What did you enjoy most about the class?

 Do you have more confidence with multiple textures? If yes, what was you aha moment? If No, what will you do to gain more confidence?

 What was your overall experience during Texture with Confidence?

 What are some highlights for you of the sessions?

Crystal Nobles

 There is a lack of education on textured hair. It's a ‘niche’ that isn't being tapped in Kingston and I want to be able to offer the best services that I can for ALL of my clients, both existing and future

 There is so much that I don't know. Not just about hair but also about the history, culture, and traditions associated with hair and styles. It was shocking.

 The open atmosphere and safe space provided to ask questions and actually get answers. Also, the ladies were great, really fun, and engaging.

 I am gaining more confidence with texture. I have the confidence to try now which I didn't have before. My ‘aha’ moment was actually in the early classes. I realized how much I didn't know or notice about the discrimination against

the BIPOC community when it comes to not just hair but everything. It was eye-opening and disheartening. I cried.

 Overall, it was very positive. The learning activities were fun and inventive, and the course delivery was engaging. I am really hoping for a next level follow-up class.

 Learning how to differentiate the different texture numbers and levels. Also, how knowledgeable Andrea and Eugenia were when we asked different questions.

Jénn Merlo

 I wanted to gain more knowledge on textured hair. I was unhappy that I didn’t receive much instruction on how to cut and style many types of textured hair in the hairstyling college program, and also in the salon. It was a course that I couldn’t pass up!

 I learned that I knew more than I thought I did. This class made me want to keep expanding my knowledge and to keep practicing styling and cutting all textured hair types.

 I enjoyed the in-depth discussions that we had during the class. I also loved when the twist-out style was done on the model.

 Yes, I have more confidence with multiple textures now.

 It was a great experience, and I enjoyed all of the classes.

 I enjoyed when we had in-depth discussions, and when we got to get our hands on some textured mannequin hair.

Stephanie Van Belle

 I wanted to learn more about not only my own hair texture but textures that were a little bit more curly or kinky than mine, because growing up with curly hair is a difficult thing with both understanding how to work with it and knowing that straight hair is not the majority.

 This course gave me a better understanding of the different struggles people go through with their hair as well as greater insight into how few people understand how textured hair works. But I love that everyone was willing to learn and the amount of people in this course made me so happy.

 I enjoyed listening to both Andrea and Eugenia talk about their experiences while creating a safe space for people to understand and explore their questions and personal understanding of things.

 I absolutely have gained a lot more confidence with textures I am happy to say that I am more encouraged than ever to work on textures that are curlier than my 3C hair and I can't wait to share this with not only my coworkers but my community here in Kingston.

 It was a very open honest and fun experience to have.

 I think some of the highlights were getting to touch and feel different textures even if it was on synthetic hair and trying to tell without looking what kind of texture it was.

CASSIE JOHNSTON

HELPING PROMOTE SPACE FOR THOSE WITH

alopecia

By Monika Sidhu @funky monk_

There are many great benefits to the World Wide Web and its vastness, but one benefit that always continues to impress me: is the ability to find an online community.

These days, online communities have allowed us to experience and learn so much more about people living in different ways than we do. Whether it be farming communities, fishing communities, or ADHD communities, the list just goes on and on. But one community I have been able to gain some insight into in recent months is those who are diagnosed with Alopecia.

Alopecia Areata, is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Alopecia Areata can be specified as a skin disease and it causes those who are diagnosed to lose their hair, often in patches from all over the body. The disease can affect people from all backgrounds, genders, and age ranges.

For many, hair is a sense of identity and personhood. So many of us spend endless amounts of time in a salon, or styling our hair in the mornings all so that we can capture the hairstyle that perfectly represents who we are.

However, when Alopecia enters the arena, there is a question of, how does this affect who I think I am? Does this affect who I am? But the Alopecia community online does not simply wallow in their hair loss. In fact, many people in the community are being positive role models for one another whether that be via wig install videos, Get Ready with Me videos, or just general awareness.

That’s exactly how 24-year-old Cassie Johnson has been using her platform since she started losing her hair due to Alopecia nearly three years ago.

For Johnston who works as an IT recruiter, a model, and an influencer in Toronto, ON, it was by no means an easy transition but it was something she learned how to navigate pretty early on.

“I had patches [of hair]. But I was holding on to them until the very end. And I thought, What am I doing? I can't wear my hair like this. So, I shaved it,” she tells Efe Magazine.

With the love and support Johnston received from her friends, family, and especially her mother, she was ready to conquer her journey ahead of her.

But for Johnston, it wasn’t only about support from loved ones, but it was also about receiving support from those who understood what her journey entailed, and this included finding communities of people online that we’re dealing with hair loss whether it be from Alopecia Areata or another ailment.

It’s exactly how she became acquainted with styling wigs. She looked to the online community for help when she realized her wig placement looked a little off after shaving her head and embracing wigs.

“It looked so wiggy,” she says while giving out a laugh. “That’s how I describe it when it doesn't look realistic,” says Johnston.

It was one of the few moments that Johnston had felt vulnerable since her diagnosis. She remembers the feeling of thinking that nobody should be going through this. But she did not want to wallow, instead, she wanted to find a way to turn things around and so she turned to TikTok and wherever she could find creators to help her figure out how to get used to the wig and how to style it so it didn’t look so wiggy, as Johnston would say.

To make the wig look more realistic, she found tips from influencers on how to properly style her wigs, “You have to blow up the front so that it looks like you have almost like a cowlick,” she says.

After learning how to best wear a wig for herself and finding others online that could help guide her in living with Alopecia, Johnston realized that she too wanted to help others in this online space.

Photo by: Nelson Nicolas Costello

“Now that I figured it out, why not be that influencer on social media that can help other people?” says Johnston. And so, she started sharing her own journey with Alopecia Areata online, to help herself and to help others.

Johnston was 21 years old when she started losing her hair. While there was some adjusting that had to be done, she wasn’t entirely devastated about it:

“I never had an attachment to my hair. Honestly, it was not great hair. It was very thin,” she says.

And so, Johnston took it upon herself to have fun with the process which was also something she’s shown to her followers online.

Johnston has experimented with different coloured wigs like copper, and she’s tried different styles such as mermaid-Shakira looking curls.

Johnston even tells Efe how ultimately shaving her head and moving into wig territory helped her become more confident than she was before:

“If I didn't lose my hair, I wouldn't have as many of the experiences that I've had now. And I think it's also brought this like level of confidence as well behind me that I've just been able to share on social media”

She also has found community beyond the online realm and the support of family and friends.

Johnston discovered a sense of belonging with the team at Continental Hair, the place where she got her first wig, and the company that brought her out on a brand trip with other influencers/ models that have been diagnosed with Alopecia.

“Doing things like that are so incredible, because you're able to meet people that are just like you, that have lost hair all over their body,” says Johnston.

Johnston does more representation modelling as someone with Alopecia and she is currently represented by Inclusive MTM, a Toronto based agency that are self-described as “an advocate for those who have been overlooked

by traditional agencies and the fashion industry as a whole.”

While her social media page and telling her story has been one of her favourite ways of helping others with Alopecia, she also works at reaching out and helping in other ways. Johnston has began as a mentor at the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation (CAANAF).

Her role will be to help young girls who are also navigating Alopecia Areata.

“I'll help mentor younger girls that need support with hair loss kind of how to navigate it if they need more resources, if they just need somebody to talk to who also has alopecia.”

Above all, Johnston is excited to be able to help others through this experience. While she was supported well, she wants to do the same for others. Whether it be through modeling, mentoring, or social media, she’s happy to do what she can, however she can.

“I try to and help support people because at the end of the day, that's kind of what fulfills me is to feel like I'm helping other people, even if it's in the smallest way possible.”

For Johnston, her journey with Alopecia Areata and her hair loss is something that has given her more identity and personhood in this life. She has become more than her hair.

“I've gotten to a place of peace, where I would actually be sad if my hair grew back.”

Five tips for working with a client with Alopecia

 Be educated on what alopecia is

 Hair is hair, and should be treated as such (washed blow-dried treatments)

 Make sure your client feels comfortable and can be vulnerable with you

 Make sure you know if the wig is glued on or not before working on it

 Understand why the hair loss is happening so that you can support in the best way possible

Photo by: Nelson Nicolas Costello

EFE APPROVED

The goal here is to not only highlight products that have diverse capabilities but to help you understand some of the best ways to use them and how to incorporate them into your everyday salon practices. My favourite part of working in the salon was product recommendation. I was literally empowering my clients to do at home what I did for them in the salon. Your clients are

your walking advertisements, not only on the day that they walk out of the salon but every day after that. It's about putting the right product for their hair type in their hands. Because when it's right, its right. So, as we navigate the world of beauty products, here’s what some of our testers had to say.

UNBREAKABLE

Great products

With a name like “NO.BREAKER” you have to come correct or you can’t come at all. And that it did. Here’s one in our books that is great on all hair types. It is a great foundation setter - the hair type and density of your client will determine how much you need and how fast you will have to replenish. First, ensure that hair has an adequate amount of water which will allow for even distribution of the product. The right amount of water also minimizes oversaturation in very porous areas which can affect the styling process. NO.BREAKER supports all styling, creating the perfect platform for what you need to do next.

SHENIESE CHARLES TYPES OF

Dark Oil

As a curly hair expert, I am always looking for products to set, enhance and define curls. Products that will aid in hair’s natural beauty, giving a beautiful bounce and shine. Dark Oil was a bit of a game changer for me. – Here’s how I used it. First, less is more… You may require a little more depending on the texture and the density. But I promise a little goes a long way. Dark Oil is a great finishing product. Once my client’s curls are set with a mousse or gel, I use the Dark Oil to break the cast of the curl. I start by emulsifying the product in my hands and then I lightly scrunch out the cast, which still allows for the hold needed, however, gives great shine, more bounce, and more movement. It also gives the hair a soft velvety feel and finish. I loved that I was able to use the Dark Oil on multiple textures (2a – 3c), and got the results I needed. Happy to add the Dark Oil to my tool box and try it on my 4a – 4c clients. I’ll keep you posted.

BOSS CADDI

Being a changemaker is more than an idea. It is perseverance, dedication, and follow-through. And it doesn't stick until it sticks.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Louie Fierro, the founder & inventor of Boss Cadi about four years ago. As we sat at a Starbucks drinking our fancy lattes, Louie was very smug as per usual whilst he shared his idea. It was brilliant; and it all came to him while sitting on a flight home, as he took out his dining tray from the arm of the chair. He thought “this would be a perfect concept for a trolley connected to the salon chair.” He immediately got to work.

Change [ cheynj ] Verb

Replace (something) with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better; substitute one thing for (another).

Fast forward to today and Boss Cadi is going viral. Their slogan is “Simple ideas for creative people.”

They started in the garage, building, packing, and shipping. The goal was to get the product in as many hands as possible. They relied heavily on feedback to produce the most efficient product possible. So, while 80% of the feedback was very positive and encouraging, there was the other 20% that sent them back to the drawing board with an opportunity for improvement. In fact, every time the received negative review they made that specific adjustment. Being a smaller company, they have the advantage of pivoting when needed. They made it taller, wider, and adjustable, catering to, every additional need. Three versions later, Boss Cadi is all the craze in the beauty industry.

The greatest thing about Boss Cadi is that their focus has always been the hair dresser. The making

of, the testing of, the selling of and the promotion of. A true ‘by artists, for artists’ example.

When we asked Louie about what’s next, he replied: “we’re ramping up the inventory, prepping to enter Europe and launch on Amazon. In addition, we are in the process of sourcing to launch a line-up of new products. All complimentary to Boss Cadi. We are also looking forward to our official Canadian debut at the VZN Awards”

Nothing warms your heart more than when a dream becomes a reality. Congratulations to the entire Boss Cadi team. Keep’em comin.

Being a changemaker is more than an idea.

It is perseverance, dedication, and followthrough. And it doesn't stick until it sticks.

WHAT ARE THE VZN AWARDS?

The VZN awards are a Canadian image-based competition for beauty professionals and artists across the globe, creating a new standard for industry awards. We have curated unique entrance categories that will allow high calibre artists to showcase their creative capabilities. Categories will include hair, makeup, music, fashion, dance, photography, and visual arts. The VZN awards will be an ‘Oscar-like’ event that brings creatives together to celebrate, recognize and acknowledge extraordinary VZN. Be the first to proudly be recognized as a ‘VZNary’ within the beauty industry.

Entrants will be judged by a diverse panel of carefully chosen, world renowned experts who are extremely successful at their crafts. Following mutually understood and published criteria, every entry will be judged on a 1-10 scale (10 being the highest score). The top scorers from the first round of judging will proceed to the next round, where the winners will be chosen.

Submission deadline: June 15th

Rules & Regulations

◆ Submission Fee: $100.00

◆ Entrants must be artists in the following professions: hair, makeup, music, fashion, dance, photography, and visual arts. The competition is open to all artists globally.

◆ Artists may enter into multiple categories. However, only one entry is allowed per category annually. If you are using the same collection to enter another category, you must use a different photoset.

◆ All participating stylists must be credited accordingly. Please be sure to include all artists’ names, roles and applicable handles.

◆ Submissions must be in digital format uploaded online. All images must be the same orientation i.e., all horizontal or all vertical (with the exception of the photography categories).

◆ Entrants must submit high resolution photographs, as well as the original, unmodified photographs of their models. All submissions must contain original unmodified images.

◆ Submitted work must have been completed at most 12 months prior to the submission deadline.

◆ A max two-year win in any category is permitted. A category one-year grace period must be taken for all double winners.

◆ Collaboration work cannot be entered twice in the same category by different artist

◆ Each submission must contain three different models

◆ Any entries that do not meet standard requirements they will disqualified.

◆ All finalists will receive one free ticket to attend the VZN Awards

Nominations

These honours are given to artists who exceed expectations within the beauty industry. These artists mentor and foster new talent, change the way we see trends, and embrace the possibility of the future. In addition to being the greatest talent this industry has to offer, they are also educators of their craft, holding our industry to a high standard for current and future stylists. They are gamechangers, innovators, and visionaries. Nominees are here because you chose them, and our industry wouldn’t be the same without them.

Lifetime Awards

JH

Joan Harrison Award (nomination required)

This honour is given to an industry leader (GM, Director, Sales) who has a positive voice, gives equal opportunity, who has created change and has VZN and insight to the future success of our industry.

SD

Sabino Di Tacchio Award (nomination required)

This honour is given to an award-winning stylist who creates without limitation. An individual who continues to break boundaries, challenge themselves, and push the industry to see past current trends. An artistic leader who understands the movement and structure of all hair types.

This individual must be a creative thinker, trend setter and innovator. All nominated individuals must be previously award-winning stylists.

Submission Categories

EOTY

Educator of the Year (nomination required)

This honour is given to an educator who love for the industry is greater than the love for one’s self. Who has dedicated their career to aid in the advancement of others, who teaches until you learn. Shares without reservation and leads by example. An individual who is humble, yet fierce and has chosen to be a part of reinventing the beauty industry making small and big changes in lives of everyone whom path they cross.

BOTY

Barber of the Year (nomination required)

A barber that excels within the barbering community, while doing their part to educate and uplift the current and future generation of barbers. This individual has mastered the art of barbering with both scissor and clipper cutting. A trend setter and industry game changer; A barber who understands both the business and creative sides of our business.

MB

Multicultural Barbering

Must submit three looks on a diverse selection of models with multiple hair types.

MLH

Men’s Long Hairstyling

Must submit three looks of current, past or future trends with at least shoulder length hair with scissors. medium to short cuts i.e.: scissor over comb fade, waves.

MCC

Men’s Clipper Cutting

Must submit three looks achieved only with clippers. i.e.: high-top fade, low bald fade, one level fade.

NEW CATEGORIES ALERT

New Category – Video Transformation

This category allows for barbers, stylists and make up artists to submit a video with the best transformation including hair, make up, clothing and music. Showing a complete transformation of model. Video should be maximum 30 seconds, minimum 10 seconds

NEW CATEGORY – The Salon & Barber Chair (submission)

This category allows for barbers and stylists to submit work created behind the chair. Highlighting the beauty of everyday salon and barbershop work. Giving artist and opportunity to be celebrated at all levels. Showcasing colour, cuts and styling.

(Before and after shoots required)

The Barber Chair

Submit one look that demonstrates today’s trends:

◆ Fades

◆ Braids

◆ Styling

The Salon Chair Styling Transformation

Submit one look that demonstrates today trends:

◆ Styling

◆ Weaves/Extensions

◆ Up-Do

◆ Braids

◆ Cut Transformation

The Salon Chair Colour Transformation

Submit one look that demonstrate today’s top colour trends:

◆ Balayage

◆ Highlights

◆ Fun Colour

◆ Colour Transformation

NB

New Barber (Under 3 Years)

Must be a working barber for under three years. Patron can enter three looks of their choice, three different models.

SB

Student Barber

Must be an active student or apprentice for under 1 year. Patron can enter three looks of their choice, three different models.

BF

Braids and Fades

Must submit three looks with a combination of braids and fade. Extensions and hair pieces permitted. Three different models (with option for collaboration).

SOTY

Stylist of the Year (nomination)

An artistic leader who understands the movement and structure of all hair types. This individual believes with education all things are possible. An individual with an exceptional understanding of beauty industry concepts and how trends develop. A master of their tools, displaying excellent cutting and styling techniques.

AVS

Avant Garde

Submit three looks that demonstrate fantasy work. Physical and digital exaggerations permitted.

Collaboration permitted

NS

New Stylist

Must be a working stylist for under three years. Patron can enter three looks of their choice, three different models

ST

Student Talent

Must be an active student or apprentice for under 1 year. Patron can enter three looks of their choice, three different models

Must be a working stylist for over 7 years. Submit a themed collection, work that tells a story that can been seen through hair, make up and clothing.

Patron can enter three looks of their choice, three different models.

◆ Eastern Stylist ECS

◆ Central Stylist CCS

◆ Western Stylist WCS

◆ Quebec Stylist QCS

◆ Ontario Stylist OCS

COTY

Colourist of the Year (nomination required)

This honour is given to a stylist who blends, mixes and paints. An individual who continues to break boundaries within the colour world, challenge themselves, and push the industry to see past the current colour trends. An artistic leader who understands the colour laws and how to break it. One who understands colour on all hair types, who mentors and teaches above and beyond expectations.

MTC

Multicultural Colourist

Submit three looks demonstrating outstanding colour ability. Dimension, foiling, colour blocking, Balayage on a diverse selection of models on multiple hair types.

MAOTY

Multicultural Artist of the Year

(nomination required)

This honour is given to an individual who has infinite knowledge on all hair types. An artist who can change an manipulate all hair displaying the many characteristic and beauty of all hair types have. An artist who can cut, color and style according to hair needs. An artist who can truly showcase the beauty in differences.

NHA

Natural Hair Artist (afro)

Submit three looks demonstrating the ability to manipulate and style natural afro hair texture. Patrons are to displaying the true culture and beauty of afro hair. No hair pieces permitted, extensions, weaves or clip ins. This can include colour and accessories.

TA

Texture Artist (change of texture)

Submit three looks demonstrating the manipulation of any hair type creating texture. This can include colour and accessories, extensions, weaves or clip ins etc.

ESOTY

Extensions Specialist of the Year (nomination required)

This honour is given to an individual who continues to break boundaries within the extension world. This individual knows the meaning of a true transformation. An artistic leader who understands how to extend the beauty within hair. An innovator to the craft, making small changes and creating a big difference. (Before and after shoots required)

WA

Weaves Artist

Submit three looks that display a full or half head of weave. Lace front, ponytail, bangs, tape- in etc.

HTW

Hand Tied Wefts Artist

Submit three looks that display a full or half head of extensions.

BCS

Braids- Cornrow + Single Artist

Submit three looks that display braids in any form. Cornrow designs, Box, twist, single etc.

MUA of the Year (nominations required)

This honour is given to a Make-Up Artist who has incredible vision, and sees the beauty within. An artistic leader who understands the complexity

and composition of all skin tones. A mentor who creates creative spaces for new talent, educates and raises awareness on all beauty. (before and after required)

GM

Total Glam Make-up Artist

Submit three looks displaying the latest make up trends. Three faces (no digital enhancements permitted)

MMUA

Multicultural Make-up Artist

Submit three looks displaying the latest make up trends. On a diverse selection of models showcasing all skin types. Three faces (no digital enhancements permitted)

AGMUA

Avant Garde Make-up

Submit three looks displaying extreme artistic and creative ability. Showcase a word of make belief and exaggeration. Three face, Themed. Total fancy. (Digital enhancement permitted)

NMUA

New Make-Up Artist (under 3 years)

Artist must be working in the industry for under three years. Submit three looks displaying the latest make up trends. Three faces (no digital enhancements permitted)

NTOTY

Nail Tech of the Year (nomination required) This honour is given to a Nail technician who delivers incredible results without question. An artistic leader who understands exactly how to nail it. A nail design innovator who sees the nail world for what it can be, rather than what it is.

AGNT

Avant Garde Nail Technician

Submit three looks displaying extreme artistic and creative ability. Nails should be total make belief and exaggerated. Total fancy. (Digital enhancement permitted)

Submission deadline: June 15th

Submission Deadline: May 15th 2023

CDNT

Creative Design Nail Technician

Submit three looks displaying artistic and creative ability. Three wearable looks.

SNTOTY

Student Nail Technician of Year

Submit three looks displaying artistic and creative ability. Three wearable looks.

Single Categories

Artist favourites, must provide products full name and manufacturer

◆ Best Colour Line (nomination)

◆ Best Hair Spray (nomination)

◆ Best Deep Conditioner (nomination)

◆ Best Men’s Styling (nomination)

◆ Best Styling Products (nomination)

◆ Best Dry Shampoo (nomination)

◆ Best Oil (nomination)

◆ Best Lightener (nomination)

Submission instructions

Each HIGH RES file must be named accordingly: i.e., CategoryAbbreviation_FirstName_LastName_Year

EX: BOTY_Andrea_Sampson_21.jpg

Each ORIGINAL file must be named accordingly: i.e., CategoryAbbreviation_FirstName_LastName_Year_O

EX: BOTY_Andrea_Sampson_21_O.jpg

Nominating Categories

Nominating categories are by nominations only. Individuals can nominate themselves. All nominated experts must have at least 7 years experience in their practice.

Artists must receive a minimum of 5 nominations to be eligible to submit work. All nominated artists will be contacted by via email by Dec 2023. Nominators must provide the VZN Awards with the nominees first and last names, email address and InstaGram handle.

Nominees must then submit three images displaying their best work. Before and after images are only required for the following categories:

◆ Nail Tech of the Year

◆ Makeup Artist of the Year

◆ Extensions Specialist of the Year

◆ Colorist of the Year

Acne has been a struggle for most, whether it is a surprise pimple or a more severe break out of clogged pores. Regardless of the cause, we do our best to conceal any skin imperfections from visibility. Skin will always have texture with or without makeup. Regardless of beauty marketing and social media, unblemished perfect skin is a myth. Let me explain how to work with blemishes and techniques to blend into your daily look effortlessly. Achieve the best look using just a few products with my signature “no foundation skin.”

Un

By Natalia Farahmand @desideriobeauty

BLEMISHED

Everyone has a unique skin journey, and I am sharing my experience to help others in hopes that is empowering. I had suffered from severe acne due to a hormonal imbalance and additional underlying skin conditions. Thanks to MiracleBeauty, my skin has improved dramatically. However, anytime there are particular life events that cause excess stress, it will cause untimely breakouts. When I do get acne bumps, the first step to concealing relies on the basics; proper skin care prep. Always be sure to have a cleansed face before starting any makeup application and do not be afraid to moisturize despite your skin type. Clients with oily skin will express their fear that moisturizing will add excess oil to their skin. When in fact, using the correct products will allow your skin to have a healthy PH balance. Therefore, your sebaceous glands are not over producing oil trying to make up for the lack there of.

Once the skincare routine is complete, going in with a color corrector has a major impact on blending in my blemishes and any discoloration. This part will revert to the color wheel, which I am sure many of you are familiar with. My acne particularly was very dark in appearance, so to even out dark spots the best corrector colors to use are orange, yellow and green in some instances. However, you can use yellow or yellow mixed with orange if it is a darker discoloration (I like to mix both). If your acne is severely red, you can go in very lightly with a green concealer instead. I do not apply foundation but rather spot conceal the areas I want to touch up such as on top of the blemishes, under eyes and other areas of highlight necessary, using only

concealer. You can also mix a brightening pink corrector to your concealer or use a brightening light pink setting powder to further neutralize any remaining darkness. Ensure you are stippling the products with a small or medium concealer brush, blending out the outer edges and not over applying product on the skin. Sometimes I top off the look further by sculpting and applying a cream contour as desired. You can then set those areas with light translucent setting powder on top of your cream for a longer lasting application. I always find cream bases set with powder sit

more flawlessly on the skin rather than start to finish powder products. The objective is always a fresh glowing skin, and many of times, less is more. Your skin will appreciate you for it.

Depending on where my blemishes are located, I can draw attention to different focal points of the face using makeup. For instance, if you have acne on your forehead, you can apply a bolder lip to draw the focus elsewhere. If you have acne on your chin, you should avoid highlighting that area and perhaps try a bolder eye look to change direction of the focus. Additionally at times, if I have spot acne located in a certain area that is more difficult to conceal, another more creative option is turning it into a freckle using a dot of liquid liner. I truly believe the looks we create are self-expression, so we have to learn to have fun with it and embrace all aspects of ourselves.

Everyone’s skin is different and specific to them in correlation to their lifestyle. This technique has truly helped me over the years and has also made an impact on my skin. We may never live fully blemish and scar free and although makeup does not treat the problem, it is undeniably a boost of confidence to be able to blend it in for a special event or simply make it stylish.

The Beauty of INCLUSION

Photo by: Jez Timm

Photo by: Patrick Fore

Photo by: Chris Haws

INCLUSION

Editor's pick FULL ON LITHE

One of the many perks of being an editor are the sample products we receive. Not to brag or anything but we want for nothing... I mean, part of my job is testing product and 99% of the time they’re great. Occasionally, there’s that 1% that you’re reluctant to try, but you try anyway and it rocks your world. That was me with Lithe lashes. Only because I don’t even really wear make-up. Maybe some mascara and eyeliner, with a bold lip. That would be my staple. And occasionally when I had a big show I would have a make-up artist put on the biggest lashes. I loved them, but I could never put them on myself, so I would only

put on lashes for special occasions. Until I met Lithe. I had a meeting, not big enough to call in a make-up artist but big enough that I wanted to make a statement with my eyes LOL. Anywho… I pulled out my Lithe lashes and their AMAZING lash glue and within seconds, my eyes were transformed. I had never put lashes on myself before, and this was the easiest process. They were full, light and natural looking. They were a little enhancement that went a long way. The best part was I could remove the glue, clean and store for another day. They totally Lithe up my life.

5 Reasons Why You Should Try Lithe Lashes®

Touted as the comfiest and most natural looking false lashes on the market, here are 5 easy reasons why you need to check us out:

 We pride ourselves on quality and craftsman-ship. Using a blend of highgrade synthetics, and a special cutting technique, our falsies are designed to mimic your natural lashes and can be reworn up to 25x wears!

 Brides love our unique collection of false lashes! From minimal, to classic, to full volume, we offer a wide range of falsies to suit your makeup style.

 When it comes to comfort, we may know a thing or two. Our collections offer an ultra-thin invisible, or perforated black cotton band for ultimate comfort in wear.

 Adhering to our commitment to healthconscious products, we formulated our lash adhesives to be free of latex, phthalates, and formaldehyde.

 From product to packaging, we are 100% vegan, cruelty free, and eco-friendly.

Shop our collection at lithelashes.com

“I got the Lithe Lashes bundle with the 04’s and love them! The band is so light it doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing lashes. I love how their round lashes open up my eyes!”

– Jasmine D., Entrepreneur

“Lithe Lashes are the perfect light everyday lash if you’re looking for comfort and undetectable glam. Love them for my ultra natural bride’s who don’t want anything to over power or weigh down their eyes!”

– Judy Lim, Professional Makeup Artist

“I love how natural they look and how light they feel on. I don’t even need to wear eyeliner with them. The curve of the band sits so perfectly with the shape of my eye. Absolutely love!”

– Tara Ashley, Professional Makeup Artist

“I am in love with these lashes! Not only do they look natural and fluffy but they are very comfortable to wear! I have Asian eyelids and it’s honestly such a struggle to find lashes that are easy to apply, but these ones worked like a dream! I cannot recommend these enough!”

– Cassandre Quan, Influencer

I’ve now done over 100 photo shoots. I’ve been behind the lens, beside the lens and every now and then I’m in front of it. In every scenario, I’m hit with a different feeling. It’s an overwhelming feeling to have to people please, to provide comfort, and to give proper directions. Creatively, the best things happen when I can just “be.” Shooting the cover is the foundation for all issues. It sets the pace and gives direction, it’s the beginning. And there’s something about shooting an artist that just hits different than any model. It’s not just about getting the shot or the perfect hair. It’s about allowing them to reveal their true selves the best way they know how. They open up to us and for a few moments, through the lens you see how shy and vulnerable they can be. They let their guard down and trust in us, It's humbling. The best part for me, is when the artists realize that they are the model… a cover model. Everything changes after that.

Photos by: Joanna Gray

Model: Rodrigo

COLLECTION

...THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT SHOOTING AN ARTIST THAT JUST HITS DIFFERENT THAN ANY MODEL. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING THE SHOT OR THE PERFECT HAIR. IT’S ABOUT ALLOWING THEM TO REVEAL THEIR TRUE SELVES THE BEST WAY THEY KNOW HOW.

For Rodrigo, I’m not sure if it was the tequila shots, but when the laughter began, so did the confidence. He stood taller, smiled bigger, and out-posed any professional model. He was him. Rodrigo is a multi-award-winning artist, known for his outside-the-box artistic mind. He is a risk taker, a game changer, and an innovator; he is a leader. He is always creating a new kind of art.

Rodrigo is currently a Matrix Ambassador. He is a mentor, salon owner, and hairdresser. He has been in the industry for over 25 years, transforming clients behind the chair and models on stages around the globe. It is easy to love him with his beautiful smile and contagious laughter; he can light up any room. He has great energy, and I think that’s what we need to keep this industry going.

RAMADAN WITH

As May comes into full swing, so does the completion of the holy month of Ramadan — a time of year where healthy and able Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

That sounds long, right? It can be. In 2022, Muslims in Toronto were fasting until almost 8 p.m. But depending on the number of daylight hours across the world, the time until people fast can vary — with places like Iceland and Finland fasting around 18 hours a day.

The start of Ramadan is based on a Moon sighting: a new moon, to be precise.

And thus begins the start of the Muslim lunar calendar, and a 30day fast where Muslims focus on themselves, give to charity, dedicate time to pray and become better humans on the inside and outside.

“It’s a beautiful month,” says global educator and salon owner Reema Jaber.

Jaber, who owns Hair by Reema, is a Muslim hair extraordinaire who often balances her culture and faith with the environment of her salon.

During Ramadan, it can be a challenge to be your everyday self: she often finds herself quieter and more tiresome when she spends days in the salon during Ramadan.

“I never want my clients to feel like I’m tired even though I’m fasting,” she said. “You want to give them a five-star experience.”

In order to combat that, she feels it can be important to be transparent about her experience.

She recalls a client coming in for an appointment during Ramadan one year, and realizing Jaber wasn’t her usual self.

“She’s like, ‘Are you okay? You seem different from the last time,’” said Jaber.

“I was like, ‘You know what? I’m so sorry — I’m fasting, and I’m having a bit of a tired day, so don’t mind me if I'm a little quiet.”

That’s something Jaber never wants her clients to sense. It’s tough to keep her energy and motivation up during salon hours. But she shared that many women on her team are Muslims, who

fast during the month and help her feel less alone when she’s working.

But she also revealed that some of the non-Muslims on her team have been open to fasting along with them.

“I’ve never had that before at another salon or anything like that. It’s so nice to have my team be so respectful,” she said. “I never want to push anything on anyone, but it’s something that we do and we let them know like: ‘Hey, we’re doing this and just don’t mind us if we’re more quiet or a little more tired.”

Jaber has been fasting since she’s been a teenager: a typical time for many young Muslims who take the plunge and join their families to observe the holy month.

It’s an important undertaking and just one of the five pillars of Islam, right along with your declaration of faith, prayer, charity and the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Because besides fasting, Muslims aim to restrict and maintain other areas of their lives as well. That fast does include refraining from eating, but also other things like smoking, and drinking.

Along with restricting those areas of your life, Ramadan is a time of improvement and selfawareness.

Besides not drinking alcohol or avoiding a quick smoke, it can be important to not gossip, keep your temper in check and avoid cursing or hurting another person.

“It’s something you do for God, and it’s a sacrifice that you make,” she said.

WITH Reema

Something about not eating helps Jaber senses a better version of herself, perhaps one of the many payoffs that come from observing Ramadan.

“You feel so good and at peace,” she said. “I don’t know what it is, you just feel peaceful and spiritual.”

A typical day during the month of Ramadan for Jaber, and many practicing Muslims, looks a little like this: wake up for suhoor — the meal before dawn, where one can eat something nutritious and consume lots of water before the first prayer of the day.

Four prayers follow during the day: afternoon, late afternoon, after sunset and nighttime. After sunset is when the breaking of the fast commences.

Jaber, like many Muslims with long work hours sometimes finds herself missing prayers — which she admits is something she’s “trying to work on.”

“Because of the scheduling and everything, I always have to make it up when I get home,” she said. “It is definitely tough to make sure that you pray on time, but it’s something you work on.”

Alternatively, Jaber works on incorporating her faith in other ways in her business. On the top floor of Hair by Reema is a space with three stations, where women with hijabs can show their hair and be granted privacy.

No men are on the top floor, and the feedback from Muslim clients is one of the most rewarding parts of offering that space.

Jaber said that women often have to resort to going to someone’s home, sometimes to a dingy part like the basement.

A piece of feedback that touched her heart was when a client said, “‘You brought us up, now we’re at the top,’” said Jaber. “That really stuck with me.”

“It’s something that made me feel happy, that she felt like, you put us up there, you put us at the top not at the bottom.”

Being able to provide that space for female clients has helped Jaber be in touch with who she is and helps her serve her community through faith.

But Ramadan is the leaping point where everything else follows: a month of self-reflection, and bettering yourself.

Striving to “be better” might just be the focal point of Ramadan for Jaber and many Muslims alike.

But the main point of Ramadan? Restrictions and considerations of the month should last— and be carried through for the remainder of the year.

What comes after should be the habits that you’ve helped yourself re-learn in your everyday life: being considerate and thinking of others doesn’t stop when Ramadan does.

Maintaining those values is what teaches Muslims to be good yearround. Those are the things Jaber aims to practice during the month, and holds on to them much longer after Ramadan is over.

“You’re supposed to try to better yourself, try not to swear, try not to be rude to people, try to give donations — feed the poor as much as you can,” she said.

“That’s what you’re supposed to do. Just be good, and stay away from all evil.”

TRANS FOR MATION TUES DAY

Heila Pirzadeh

Yogacolourist studio

My client came in with her beautiful hair and wanted a more sun-kissed look that complimented her natural hair colour and skin tone. So, I used a variety of weaves and teases creating some depth to make the light pieces pop. I then zone toned beginning with a mix of 5N and 5.1 for zone 1, 6N and 6.2 for zone two, and 7N and 8.2 for zone three.

Instagram @hairbyhelia

MATION

Before

Christina Gallant-Nisblé Marigold + Aster Hair Collective

I began this transformation with a back-to-back slicing technique of foils and BlondeMe lightener with 7vol developer to create bold face framing pieces.

I then dragged her roots with Schwarzkopf Vibrance 6-88 + 6 vol developer and glossed her ends with 7-77+ 13 vol developer.

Lastly, I painted out her money pieces with the colour Lemon by Pulp Riot and intensified her ends with Schwarzkopf Chroma ID Mask in the shade 7-77.

Instagram @Christinagallant_nisble

Instagram @marigold_aster_hair

Website www.marigoldandaster.com

Courtney Bond

This transformation was achieved by performing a root touch-up bleach out, followed by a quick bleach through the ends for a blank canvas. The blue and purple placement was applied within foils and for the sake of multitasking, the toner/ gloss was then applied to the rest of the hair.

Instagram @courtneyparamour

Renna Chaar

To begin with the process, I used ‘Blond Me’ Bond enforcing premium lightener, up to 9+ lifts. Alongside, ‘Blond Me’ Premium Developer 6%/20 VOL and gradually increasing the developer with each bowl using ‘Blond Me’ Premium Developer 9%/30 VOL. As you will notice the client previously had colour from her zone two to zone three, which caused it to be a colour correction. During the process of the colour correction, I maintained the developer at 6%/20 VOL on previous colour and Olaplex No. 1 throughout the hair to maintain health and nourishment.

Most importantly, watching her lift and washing her hair as I go.

Finally, toners used:

Pre-toned with Goodbye Yellow

Zone 1: 4-0 (20g) + 4-13 (25g)

Zone 2: 9-1 (15g) + 9,5-4 (15g) – about an inch of zone 1 to create better blend and grow out.

Zone 3: 9,5-21 (60g) + 9,5-19 (20g)

Last but not least, using Olaplex No. 2.

Paul Mendonça

I used Schwarzkopf Blonde Me 9 level lift powder lightener, with ratio 1 to 1 and a half

I started at the nape working forward and up the sides ending at the front top middle. I started with 7 volume in the areas that were at a level 7 open air and moved up to 20 volume at the front. I lifted her to an even level 10 in her midshaft then I focused on the virgin root last and again with level 7 avoiding to overlap and covered with Saran Wrap, after 45 min it was an even level 10 from root to end then I toned her with Schwarzkopf Blonde Me Ice Toner with 6 volume gel developer for 20 min finished it off with blonde me shampoo and the blonde me karatin mask for that extra level of protection.

Instagram @paulmendohair_ Tiktok @paulmendo

Robin LaChance

I gently removed the pink pigment from Shaylas hair using Schwarzkopf Color Remover until I had an even colour palette. I colour blocked an area to lighten, used 7vol BLONDME Premium lightener. I used Schwarzkopf vibrance equal 3-0 4-0 and 4-6 for her dark areas. Using Pulp Riot shades, I took three horizontal sections in the pre lightened area alternating contrasting colours to melt into one another.

Before

Lisa Dang

We went in and balayaged with 20vol and Enlightener by Aveda. There was also some Bond pro by Goldwell added in the formula to protect the hair’s integrity. All of her foils were done on a diagonal section in a herringbone pattern all throughout the head even as we got to the front to create a money piece. Once done processing, we toned her hair with a 1/4 8gb, 3/4 9n-semi along with 4 drops of yellow pure pigment by Goldwell. We used Speed of light blow-dry spray by Aveda to dry and prep her hair for heat styling. Her hair was curled with a 1.5-inch curling iron to bring out the gorgeous buttery dimension! Finished her off with Air Control hairspray to hold in the look!

Instagram @dangthathairdoe

This year, the We Rise Experience provided Black women a space where they could connect with leaders in business, all while becoming better set up for success in their entrepreneurial journeys.

What made the event a hit was providing a space for Black women to garner connections and knowledge from other business leaders.

According to the summit’s founder Treasa Leigh Brown, targeting the event to Black women was important because events like We Rise are surprisingly almost non-existent in the GTA. That’s because much of the accessibility to the knowledge at We Rise is available outside of Canada, mainly in the U.S.

Market research showed Brown and her team that women felt more accessible inspirational leaders were just south of the border, which is why she felt women needed an event to benefit them right here at home.

WE RISE

By Keena Al-Wahaidi @keenaalwahaidi

“We often have accessibility to other summits and platforms that may be mimicking similar synergies, however, we don't have access to that relatability,” she said.

Brown, who is also the founder of the awardwinning Leigh Event Group, changed that with the innovation of We Rise, creating a space where Black women could see themselves represented on stage — without having to take trains and planes across the border just to see it.

“I felt like it was very important for us to have women who look like us [...] that have surpassed all the barriers within their entrepreneurial journey and are able to speak on that, share

gems and resources and inspire the women that were there in attendance,” she said.

When Brown founded We Rise, she said her role was to build a community for Black women that isn’t necessarily “tapped into in the Toronto market.”

And thus, We Rise was born — a place where Brown could ensure Black women were set up with all kinds of resources they may not find outside of the summit, even being able to find things like sourcing a grant writer and taking updated headshots.

In that aspect, the event was a hit: Black women from the G.T.A and across the country

gathered in Toronto, where they were inspired by entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen.

The beautiful women of the GTA gathered to hear various speakers throughout the day, women at the top of their game in business and other fields — and it radiated motivation to every woman in the room. They included entrepreneurs who could teach a thing or two about making boss moves.

This year’s speakers included influential women like CEO, influencer, and author Claire Sulmers, and was moderated by none other than TV host and producer Kéla Walker.

But We Rise also included nine micro speakers from the local market, showcased in two categories: one representing business and entrepreneurship, and the other in wellness — focusing on taking care of mental health when working in the business field. Those ensured that there were women representing Canadians, those who could “tap into local accessibilities,” Brown said.

The décor was on point with floral pieces, balloon designs, and candles to encapsulate We Rise’s “Bloom where you’re planted” theme. For Brown, who’s an event producer, having an eye for colour is something she’s best at doing.

Other highlights included not one but two swag bags, breakfast, and a fireside chat moderated by Kéla Walker. We Rise also introduced opportunities to connect through a mingling session and a resource garden —

a room filled with exhibitors and vendors offering a myriad of services and products. Which was way more than everyone expected.

One response from a guest was that “this was something very much missing from the Toronto market”. The women were happy knowing they had this experience to be heard and to listen to fellow entrepreneurs

The connections made at We Rise spoke volumes about how women were choosing to move forward in their journeys and most of all, allowed them to be in a space where they felt welcomed and listened to.

And better yet, women walked away feeling like they were meant to be there, meant to take up space, and meant to move forward.

The experience of We Rise, helps women step into themselves. There’s something about being around like-minded women doing great things that ignites an unexplainable fire within that can take you to new levels. “Guests said the experience made them feel that they deserve to be in spaces like this,” said Brown. There is nothing more beautiful than a women who has been renewed and recharged. Congratulation to Tressa to a job well done. I hope to see you all there next year.

BESCENE

I like to say I’m retired. But do hairstylists ever retire? 5 years ago, when I started Efe Magazine, I completely stopped working behind the chair. The magazine consumed me and I was fulfilled in other ways. I would do the hair for our cover models every other month and once a year at BIG Tease or the VZN Awards. I would grace the stage with some kind of grand hair performance. and that’s all I thought needed. Before Efe, as I climbed the so-called corporate ladder, there was always an internal battle of whether or not I should also do hair.

Fast forward to 2021, year two of the pandemic, I packed up all of my tools and gave them all away. I was done doing hair. I literally had zero desire. Besides, I was an editor. LOL.

However, the following year, D’antal and I had the opportunity to create a curriculum for hairstylists. After the first round of teaching, something inside changed. I wasn’t sure what, but something. Fast forward to April 17 th , 2023, we were invited to attend a cutting class by BESCENE, Linh Phan, Hosted by Jessica Pagliuca at Tease Lounge in Mississauga.

For the first time in forever, I sat as a student. And the chain of events that happened next, I was not even prepared for. So, can I tell you, BESCENE had me at hello… His introduction, his story, and his personality were so welcoming. I was literally hanging on to every word. I got all the feels. The knowledge that was shared was so in-depth. He taught with such simplicity yet such detail. He removed any, and all fear of taking yourself and your client out of their comfort zones when creating a new look. I watched him effortlessly create this impeccable BOB. The amount of ‘Aha’ moments I had made me realize; I’m not done yet.

I am forever a hairstylist, regardless of the additional titles I carry. I was so motivated and so inspired, I was literally ready to tackle the world of beauty from one class. I am all in on social media - I even tried a dance or two. I’ve watched a million YouTube videos, but nothing hit like this in-person class. I feel like it should be a requirement. The monotonous task of being behind the chair everyday can stifle your passion. We as artists need to do everything we can to be inspired to create. Not only for ourselves but for our clients. If you haven’t taken a class with

BESCENE, take one. I haven’t cut hair in about 3 years and I have already given this haircut.

Thank you BESCENE for reminding me that there is more to hair than hair. You are a true inspiration with so much talent. I just bought a new pair of scissors… And it doesn’t mean I’m going to start working behind the chair again. It means the foundation of who I am still motivates me. Motivates me to write, to teach, to fall back in love with my space. To remember why I am here and to continue to do better.

MY BIG FAT SOUTH ASIAN WEDDING

Get Ready With Me for Wedding Season:

As the sun continues to get hotter and hotter, and as the summer air is in full effect around us, there is one thing that is clear to me:

Wedding season is alive and thriving.

While the late spring to early fall is wedding season for most people from all backgrounds, wedding season can sometimes feel like it’s on a whole other level for the South Asian community.

Now while it’s incredibly common for South Asian weddings to be big because of high guest

counts above 400, there is also an aspect to our weddings that shows how much we love to celebrate love and how much we love to embrace our traditions from back home to the best of our ability. The parties are longer, the outfits are more extravagant, the food is abundant, and the music will be heard playing from a block away.

Whether it be the disco ball reflection off of a beautiful new lehenga (South Asian evening gown) or the smell of a fish pakora fried to golden perfection, every part of these weddings gets me super excited. Oh, and celebrating love, of course.

By Monika Sidhu @funky monk_

While South Asian weddings as a whole tend to show out, I also belong to the more specific Punjabi diaspora so most of my wedding experience is embedded in Punjabi traditions. The Punjabi diaspora is huge in Canada and particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, so when wedding season hits, it leaves a pretty big impact.

Because of the extravagance, preparing in anticipation of any wedding week is a must!

Now while I'm not married myself, I have been invited to approximately a million weddings in my 28-years on this earth and here are some things you can expect from an Indian wedding.

The timeline:

Nowadays, the typical Punjabi wedding can last anywhere from 2-7 days. The two events that you’ll certainly attend are the ceremony and the reception. 20 years ago, it was common to see these events happen on the same day. The wedding would happen early in the morning and then guests would reconvene for the ceremony. In 2023, it is common for the ceremony to happen on one day in the morning and then have the reception take place on the evening of the following day. I know it sounds like a big commitment, but since the wedding is so early in the morning, it's nice to get some time to unwind and rest before partying your butts off.

The 7-day affairs happen when people choose to create events out of many of the other festivities that lead up to the wedding. Some bridal parties may only require immediate family for these festivities but it has been incredibly common to do a pre-wedding event known as a “Ladies Sangeet” or a "Mendhi" where women will have henna put onto their hands and the bridal parties can party independently before coming together at the ceremony.

The look:

For weddings we often wear our traditional clothes but glammed out like crazy! Our traditional clothing can range from a pant and top combination to a skirt and top, or skirt and crop top. For guests there is a lot of wiggle room on what to wear but most traditionalists would tell you to steer clear of black or white at a wedding ceremony. Also for the ceremony, guests usually tend to dress more modest as it usually takes place in a temple, where modesty is encouraged. The reception usually allows for a lot more freedom when it comes to selfexpression! We are able to sport some more fun and risqué looks. For example, I've worn black to many weddings (I can't help if it's my best colour!) and it's not an issue. Older generations may still ask you to not wear black, but, it's not a dealbreaker.

The bride, in most South Asian weddings, will typically always wear a red outfit with gold detailing. This would typically be in the form of a lehenga (skirt and cropped blouse), a sari, or a Salwar-Kameez (a long shirt with trouserlike pant). It’s really up to each bride exactly which type of outfit they would wear but often times the outfit remains red or burgundy with some exceptions. I have seen some brides chose a pink, purple or even orange ceremonial outfit. For the reception, the brides opt for something a little less heavy, and a little easier to dance in! This is where you can see a bride’s true style come out since there’s more freedom to show off what you most like. Since it is customary to cover our hair while in the temple, brides and guests opt for hairstyles that can easily be covered, such as an up-do or braid, something that easily allows you to clip your head scarf to your hair. This means the bride can choose a hairstyle that will shine endlessly during the reception!

The male attire is always much more straightforward; a nice suit or shirt and dress pants is optimal for the ceremony while your best evening suit works well enough for the reception as well. Males are also required to cover their hair with a bandana during the ceremony so be

prepared to also style your hair in a bandana friendly manner!

Oh, and we could never forget the henna! Henna in Punjabi is known as mendhi and it is very customary at weddings. It always counts as one of the most beautiful accessories!

Traditions and Ceremonies:

As mentioned in the timeline, there are a variety of different traditions that are ongoing during the lead up to the wedding. It is always important to remember to be as respectful as possible in these spaces. Some times that might mean asking the person who invited you for a low down on how to best be respectful or simply asking those around you when you do attend the events.

Big Fat South Asian Weddings tend to come in many different iterations. For South Asian Weddings alone, you can have Indian Weddings, Sri Lankan Weddings, and Pakistani Weddings

to name a few. These weddings could also fall under a Muslim ceremony, a Hindu ceremony or a Sikh ceremony. They could also be Christian or Jane or Bhuddist. So before going to any wedding it is important to know and educate yourself a little about best practices when in any different temple or church.

For instance, in many Christian weddings, guests are encouraged to clap and cheer once the bride and groom have sealed the deal. At a Sikh wedding, guests are encouraged to hold their applause and cheers and respectfully see the remainder of the ceremony through. All over-thetop gestures of congratulations are encouraged to take place outside of the temple, but saying congratulations is encouraged!

A good rule of thumb is to lead with modesty and calmness when in most temples, but once you leave the temple grounds and the bridal party indicates the party is starting, it is safe to follow their lead.

The party:

If there is one thing I love about weddings from the South Asian culture is knowing how to party. From the music to the food, South Asians know how to deliver a good wedding.

Now the reception usually carries out a similar vibe to most western weddings. There is a mingling/appetizers period which is followed by introductions of the bridal party and speeches from loved ones. From there you can almost guarantee dinner will be served in a buffet style and just as most events at South Asian weddings, the food will be from the respective culture. At a Punjabi wedding you can bet on having some fire butter chicken and perfectly

buttered naan among dhal (lentil soup) and a variety of curried options.

The dancing and music is also top tier. The blaring sounds of old-school Bollywood hits never fail. Neither do the sounds of newer Punjabi hip-hop sounds. And those 20 minutes dedicated to top40 bangers, bringing everyone away from the classics for a bit is always something I get overly excited for. The reception really becomes a time to celebrate properly in the name of love and to enjoy everything after a series of events that can sometimes get stressful.

Above all, Indian weddings can certainly be dramatic and over the top in so many ways, but you’re never going to experience another wedding quite like the Big Fat Indian Wedding.

Some tips for beauty professionals during wedding season:

 Ask if the client is covering their hair or not! For ceremonies, it is tradition to cover our hair in the temple. Ask your guest which event they are going to and if covering their hair is a requirement. If it is, it is better to recommend an up-do or structured hairstyle that can easily handle the strength of a few extra bobby pins and a headscarf to hold it all together.

 Tell your client to come prepared! I’ve been getting my hair and make-up done for years now for Indian weddings and there are still times that I forget the necessities so that my artist can make my look perfect. One thing to remind your clients is to wear the top portion of their outfit before coming in for hair or make up. Doing this allows for no potential crises later on when trying to put on a heavily embroidered shirt when your hair or makeup are in no state to be interrupted. It’s also wise to remind clients to bring any necklaces or

hair pieces they might want to add. For many South Asian weddings, guests often wear a piece of hair jewelry known as a tikka and believe me, it’s better that the hair stylist applies it rather than your client try to poke and prod at their hair, the hair that you likely made into a masterpiece.

 Ease your clients into the experience. While I’m a sucker for the whole glam experience, I’ve noticed when friends who are attending Indian weddings for the first time might not know what they’re getting themselves into if it’s their first time getting glammed out for a wedding. Make sure what they’re asking for is realistic for their hair and advise them on if it is or isn’t. If they’re asking for makeup, make sure they also know that no makeup makeup looks also require quite a bit of product to achieve. If it’s their first time getting glam, make sure they know what that entails and how different they might look after the fact.

THE JOI OF KPAK

Oh, the “JOI” of going to events again. It feels like pre-Covid times. Sorry for even bringing that up, but it does. A room filled with hairdresserslaughter, love, and of course a few drinks. We had the pleasure of attending a Joico spring event… and they started the event season with a bang. Great food, good people, cocktails, mocktails… they had it all. Outside the venue, as is typical of a Toronto spring day, there was a bit of rain - but that did not stop stylists from showing up and showing out. In typical hairdresser fashion, everyone came dressed to impress and ready to have a great time. It was a night well planned - let me walk you through our evening. Not to be rude but, if you weren’t there, so sorry you missed it. The night was hosted at CLIO Toronto. As soon as we made our way in, we were greeted by a ton of familiar faces. Oh, how we have missed them. We quickly made our way to the bar, grabbed a few drinks, and helped ourselves to many of the very tasty passed apps. So, after we got ourselves reacquainted with everyone (you know, we took a few pictures and followed a few new IG and Tik Tok accounts), we made our way to the activation area to check out what we came to see. Joico’s iconic KPAK Collect. Side bar… if KPAK is not something you are using in the salon, you need to start. It is totally part of my hair regime and has been for some time. Anywho, back to the event.

They had four extremely creative stations with immersive (and tasty) demonstrations to outline product capabilities and purpose. They created the most amazing anecdotes as reference for each product, which was a combination of food, drinks, and games. Guests got to eat their way through each activation, taking away bitesize bits of knowledge while having lots of fun.

KPAK Back bar System

Activation 1 – Clarifying Shampoo (step 1). To removed mineral and product build up which clears the canvas to start any service.

Activation 2 – Cuticle Sealer (step 2). PH Neutralizer to smooth the cuticle layer

Activation 3 - Deep penetrating reconstructor (step 3). Repairs any chemical and mechanical damage. Which is the internal reconstruction of the hairs 19 amino acid.

Activation 4 – Intense Hydrator (step 4). Locks in any and all moisture and provides external hydration.

It was definitely a JOI’ous evening. We left the building with full bellies, product samples and a list of some new friends. Thank you Joico for a fabulous night.

EFE Partners

EPISODE 2 NOW AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE PODCASTS

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