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.