BECOMING

Time is money! We all know this. However, I do not know about you, but when I think of ‘self-care’ I laugh despairingly. Who can relate to this? Everyone, I am certain! I mean, seriously, who has the time and money to holistically attend to all of our human needs. As you get to know me, you quickly learn that I like to push the boundaries, and I do not like to hear “you can’t do that!”; It’s the worst, so I am choosing to use the concept “wholistic". This is my practiced philosophy that is embodied in my salon.

A little about me, I started in cosmetology (hair, makeup, esthetics) at 20 years old, and the past 18 years, I have learned that I am obsessed with creative artistry, thinking, practicing, and communicating. In the beginning of my hairstyling career, I attended many hair shows, fashion shows, and modelled in shows. The experience made me realize that I am not about price-gouging, flashy techniques. In fact, the truth is I felt embarrassed by some of the silliness I observed performed that really seemed to bring in the big bucks!

With that said, it was evident that I embodied a different skill-set that was more dominant outside of my cosmetic artistry experiences. Significantly though, I learned that I am a very compassionate, caring, and empathetic listener. However, this dichotomous skill set I experienced was what actually carved out my motivation towards my path to become an entrepreneur. My personal values made it impossible to work in many salons. I really struggled with the focus on profit gains that contrasted my personal values. I have been in business now for around 10 years. In that 10 years, I became a certified addictions counsellor, a social worker, and a mother. After completing my masters, I realized that as a (new) mom my mental health was and is a privilege to get to care for. Further, I would even argue that like most women, I much rather tend to my hair, if I had to choose between an appointment with a counsellor or an opportunity to get my hair done. After all, does it not feel like a counsellor at times with your preferred hairstylist? I think it can feel like a two-in-one service!

So, I have decided to provide a professional two-in-one service!

With love,

Vanessa Lacoursiere

MSW, RSW

Addictions Specialist

Hairstylist.