My Complete Story

From dreaming young artist to Vancouver’s most decorated master stylist—discover the 26-year journey that led to Cannes Film Festival, international awards, and the creation of Salon Era.

Begin the Journey

The Beginning: A Vision Takes Shape

Picture this: a young artist with scissors in hand, dreaming of transforming the world one perfect cut at a time. That vision began over two decades ago, when I first discovered that hair wasn’t just about styling—it was about revealing the authentic beauty and confidence within every person.

The early years were about learning, absorbing, perfecting. Every cut was a lesson, every client a teacher. I knew that to create true artistry, I needed to master not just technique, but the deeper understanding of how precision cutting could frame faces and enhance natural features.

“Even then, I knew this wasn’t just a career—it was a calling to help people discover their most confident selves.”

London Calling: The Vidal Sassoon Academy

The opportunity to train at Vidal Sassoon Academy London was a dream come true—and a turning point that would define my entire approach to hair artistry. In those prestigious halls, I didn’t just learn cutting techniques; I absorbed a philosophy.

Sassoon’s principle was revolutionary: precision cutting that works with natural hair movement. Every angle calculated, every line intentional. This wasn’t just hairdressing—this was architectural artistry applied to human beauty.

Precision
Mathematical Cutting
Movement
Natural Flow
Structure
Geometric Form

Building the Craft: Years of Mastery

The foundation was set. Now came years of refining, competing, and pushing boundaries.

Early Competitions

2010-2015

First forays into international competition. Learning that precision cutting wasn’t just about technique—it was about storytelling through hair. Each competition taught me to push creative boundaries while maintaining technical excellence.

Colour Mastery

2015-2018

Discovering that precision cutting and hand-painted colour were perfect partners. Developing the signature techniques that would later earn international recognition. Every brushstroke became intentional, every highlight purposeful.

The Breakthrough: International Recognition

2017 marked the first major breakthrough—winning the Shu Uemura Gallery of Style Competition for Canada. This wasn’t just a competition victory; it was validation that years of dedicated craft development were paying off.

The momentum continued through the years, with finalist positions in prestigious competitions across three continents. Each recognition taught me something new about pushing creative boundaries while maintaining the precision that had become my signature.

Key Breakthrough Moments
  • 2017: First major international win
  • 2019-2022: Consistent international recognition
  • 2023: Canadian Colourist of the Year
  • 2023: IBI Global Award Winner

Founding Salon Era: A Vision Realized

Success in competition was fulfilling, but the real dream was creating a space where precision artistry could flourish daily. Salon Era was born from a simple vision: What if every client could experience master-level artistry?

Building Salon Era wasn’t just about creating another hair salon. It was about establishing a destination where precision meets luxury, where every cut tells a story, and where Vancouver’s most discerning clients could experience truly transformative hair artistry.

“Salon Era represents everything I’ve learned about combining technical mastery with genuine client care. It’s where my competition experience meets everyday luxury.”

Cannes Film Festival: The Global Stage

2025 brought an opportunity that felt like the culmination of decades of dedication: styling hair at the Cannes Film Festival. Standing on that red carpet, creating looks for the world’s most celebrated artists, was surreal.

Cannes wasn’t just about prestige—it was about proving that the precision and artistry developed in Vancouver could shine on the world’s most demanding stage. Every technique learned, every competition entered, every client served had prepared me for those moments of creating under the brightest lights.

Global
Recognition
Red Carpet
Artistry
World
Stage

Two Decades of Recognition

A journey marked by consistent excellence and international acclaim

2023 – The Banner Year

  • International Beauty Industry Award – Winner of Best Hand-Painted Colour
  • Canada Contessa Awards – Canadian Colourist of the Year Finalist
  • Canada Contessa Awards – Men’s Stylist of the Year Finalist
  • Canada Contessa Awards – BC Stylist of the Year Finalist
  • Europe AIPP Award – Best Colour of the Year Finalist

2022

  • UK Fellowship Award International Images Of the Year Finalist
  • Canadian Contessa Awards – BC Stylist of the Year Finalist

2020

  • AIPP International Awards – Commercial Collection Finalist

2019

  • Canadian Contessa Awards – BC Stylist of the Year Finalist

2017 – The Breakthrough

  • Shu Uemura Gallery of Style Competition – Canada Winner
  • AIPP International Hair Award – Men’s Collection Finalist
  • Canadian Mirror Awards – BC Stylist of the Year Finalist
  • Canadian Mirror Awards – Men’s Stylist Finalist
  • Canadian Mirror Awards – Multicultural Stylist Finalist

2016

  • Canadian Contessa Awards – BC Stylist of the Year Finalist
  • Canadian Contessa Awards – Men’s Stylist Finalist
  • Canadian Contessa Awards – Multicultural Stylist Finalist

2014

  • Canadian Mirror Awards – Avant Garde Style Finalist

2013

  • Canadian Mirror Award – Avant Garde Style Finalist

2010 – The Beginning

  • Canadian Contessa Award – Avant Garde Style Finalist

My Philosophy: Beyond the Cut

After 26 years, thousands of clients, and international recognition, I’ve learned that great hair artistry goes far beyond technical skill. It’s about understanding the person behind the hair—their lifestyle, their confidence, their unique beauty.

Understanding

Every consultation begins with truly seeing you—your face shape, hair texture, lifestyle, and personal style goals.

Precision

Vidal Sassoon training meets modern innovation. Every angle calculated, every line purposeful, every cut architectural.

Confidence

The ultimate goal isn’t just beautiful hair—it’s helping you feel like the most confident version of yourself.

The Current Chapter: Artistry Continues

Today, the journey continues at Salon Era, where every day brings new opportunities to create precision cuts and hand-painted colour that transform not just appearance, but confidence.

From Vancouver’s luxury salon to international competitions, from Cannes red carpet to daily client transformations— the story continues to evolve. Each precision cut carries forward 26 years of dedicated craftsmanship, and each client becomes part of this ongoing artistic journey.

“This is just the beginning. The best chapters of precision artistry and client transformation are still being written.”

The Work Speaks for Itself

A glimpse of 26 years of precision artistry and creative mastery

Be Part of the Story

Experience 26 years of international artistry, Vidal Sassoon precision, and award-winning colour techniques. Your journey to confidence begins with a consultation.

Experience Master-Level Artistry

Book your precision cut and balayage consultation at Vancouver’s award-winning Salon Era