New 2022 Directors have been chosen for the 2022-2024 Board

Voting is complete as of midnight PST (23:59:59) June 18, 2022, and the new board of directors has been determined by votes cast by members. The new board members (who join as directors at tonight’s AGM) are Matthew Koivisto, Dana Lyseng, Natalie Wolfe, and Estrellita Gonzales. Retiring directors are Starlette Tolver, Vincenza Celentano, and Amore Tolfree.

Below are all the candidates who ran for the board.

Estrellita Gonzalez

I am delighted to submit to you my consideration for a seat on the BeautyCouncil Board of Directors.

I am interested in applying to the position for several reasons but two stand out. Firstly I have operated and managed my own business, Derma Bright Clinic, at its current location since 2012. As a skincare clinic and wellness centre that has grown organically in the last 10 years, I have learned a lot about running a small business! My prior experience is from the corporate world with a focus on marketing and human resources so a very different dynamic when compared to running the day to day operations of a small business.

My second reason is that for the past 5 years I have been an elected School Trustee responsible for the governance function of the Vancouver School Board. This time has been invaluable for both the skills and experience gained and the impact one can have when working together with board members. I have decided not to run again in the upcoming election and I am now exploring different ways that I can put my governance, operational and financial skills to use and what better way than serving the industry that I call home!

I bring with me experience, governance know-how and a collaborative spirit to get things done. I hope you will consider my application for the role of Member of the BeautyCouncil Board!

Matthew Koivisto

Matthew began his journey in Barbering in Kamloops in 2007. At 35 years old he made a career change after a serious medical condition left him unable to work for nearly 18 months. Upon returning to the workforce he found himself in a Barber Shop, where he learned under the guidance of the 5 barbers there.

A combined 170 years of experience between them gave Matt a great basis for learning the trade. A constant and lifelong learner, Matt is not a good bystander. He moved to Salmon Arm in 2013 to open his own shop and quickly became involved in the local business community. Joined the Chamber of Commerce, became the President in 2015 and served for two 1-year terms.

In 2020 the world changed. Having just hired additional Barbers in his shop, Matt was faced with the inevitable task of laying them off when our industry was shut down. Matt used the time of the shutdown to renovate his shop and reopened with a larger, more welcoming business able to fully accommodate the additional Barbers. Matt also used this time to upgrade his skills and certifications, and he became the first Barber in British Columbia to be certified by the British Master Barber’s Alliance as an International Master Barber.

Matt looks forward to continuing to learn from and serve others in this craft he has found a passion in.

Dana Lyseng

My name is Dana Lyseng and I have been in the hairdressing industry for over 30 years. As a person and a professional my core values are education, teamwork and leadership. Through these values I am committed in my company to developing confident, creative and collaborative team members. In my 30 years I have completed a full apprenticeship certified with the Ministry of skills and labour from the Province of British Columbia, attended Vidal Sassoon Los Angeles Academy, completed my cosmetology exams with the Cosmetology Association of BC, and have been a successful hairdresser full time in 3 salons.

I have experienced being a commission paid employee, an independent chair renter, I have owned 3 salons of which 1 was an independent salon and 2 have been team based commission salons. For the last 8 years I have built a profitable business from 3 employees to over 30 employees focused on education, growth and development of everyone in my company. In my business I have structured associate programs to grow young talent hairdressers as well as work on our own creative salon based projects, photoshoots and shows. We as a team have presented at Show it Off and my self have won 3 Contessa Awards, 2 Mirror Awards and 5 prestigious Wella Awards.

My self and my leadership team at the salon design and educate our team in our associate program as well as work closely with the Vancouver hair schools with work experience and student programs. I have strong connections with the schools and feel confident in their curriculum.

I am a Wella Top Stylist within Canada and The USA as well as platform artist with their global team. I have had the opportunity to work and travel developing my craft, being inspired and sharing my love of hairdressing around the world.

Sepideh Mashkuri

It seems that I have been in the industry for most of my life. I grew up in Iran until I was 12 where my mother had salons. I have her scissors mounted on my wall.

As an immigrant, my parents expected me to go to university to become an engineer. That was not my life passion path and I enrolled in the Winnipeg School of Cosmetology in 1985 when my mother left for Iran.

I have worked in premier spas and Clinique Cosmetics. I opened my first private aesthetic business in southern Alberta in the early 90’s. One of my clients pursued me to become an educator for Canadian Airlines and the experience made me want to continue learning to further my ability to teach. This led to teaching as a guest speaker at a local college and then being hired by a Canadian skincare companies to become their sales associate and educator.

After moving to the Okanagan in 1999, I opened an aesthetic distribution company and brought a variety of products and well needed education to the Okanagan, especially since the industry had become deregulated. Selling the distribution company in 2008, I opened another private skincare salon which I still enjoy working at.

I value education and have attended many conferences and education seminars over the years. I also enjoy volunteering my time in the community for those in need.

I look forward to an opportunity to serve the membership as a member of the Board of Directors.

Launie Morgan

I, Launie Morgan come with 38 years truly invested in the Cosmetology industry. Starting my Career with school, As an Esthetician working in a Salon/Spa. Refining my skills and traveling throughout Canada I shared my knowledge and skills with inspiring individuals who have participated in this industry as professionals of the trade.

During my continuing years I have seen myself fill the shoes of many industry positions that have shaped who I am today. Working as the professional in my trade, teaching in schools throughout Canada, proudly gaining my Provincial Instructors Diploma, Teaching 25 years in BC. Managing the operations of a Cosmetology school with years of success. I proudly hold a seat on the Board of Directors with the BC Career College Association for the past 5 years.

Accomplishing further education in Student Aid BC, gaining a greater understanding of inner workings of the student experience in schools. It is those students who are the future of this industry with pride they take in their field of studies that will continue to see the industry thrive. Previously having a position with BeautyCouncil Board of Directors, my passion for this industry does not waver. Those connections I have made networking within the Cosmetology trade, and the Education sector, is what engages my campaign with continued aspiration and efforts for all professionals in the Cosmetology trade. To know they are among professionals and the recognition as such.

Being a part of an organization that engages with and recognizes Professionals, is important to the growth of our future, which I am proud to be a part of.

Marion Shaw

As a long-term industry professional, my goal is always to help salon owners, stylists and apprentices to improve their success and reach their goals.

I have written 2 books for the industry, which have received great recommendations from many top professionals and have helped both salon owners and stylists improve their income.

My business training and teaching skills enable me to work with many aspects of our industry. I enjoy working within or leading a team and encouraging others to develop their ideas and creativity that will bring them to their full potential.

Chair Rental and Apprenticeships are specific goals to work on. I recognize that our industry has changed and the young potential stylists need tools to stay in this industry, earn a great living and enjoy their profession.

Amanda Straith

I’m a personable hair stylist and business owner with 35 years of experience in the industry and am open to learning more about the beauty council and my industry. I have the drive and focus to learn and take on new roles.

I am interested in joining a team of peers to make the BeautyCouncil interesting and exciting for all members young and mature to be proud to join. My main goal would be to turn out new stylist with a more rounded education and to create programs that are contemporary but incorporates the skills of a seasoned stylist.

I feel it’s important to keep the old-school techniques while evolving. Encourage hair stylists to get out there and keep learning as well as offer programs that have mentorship for all ages and levels of skill. I would like to see more international artists coming to showcase their talents. Create hair shows without it being about the big manufacturers, and have the new and seasoned stylists work side by side to create ideas.

I really feel strongly that we do not offer enough education that is not based on product selling. If the BeautyCouncil is looking to go in this direction I would appreciate being considered for a seat on the council.

Natalie Wolfe

My name is Natalie Wolfe I am an Indigenous woman in business and owner & operator of The Lash & Glow Bar Kamloops (previously Lashed & Waxed by Natalie) located on the Secwepemc Territory in Kamloops BC.

I am 11 times certified Lash, Brow and Spray Tan Artist. My passion for the industry has paved my road in the direction of Lash Educator for Lash Up Pro as a contractor, a studio owner of an award-winning Lash Studio and Spray Tan studio with 4 amazing staff.

I believe in continued education In the Beauty Industry and I am committed to continuing to grow my knowledge of best safety practices and procedures.

I believe that representation matters and that having an Indigenous woman in business would be beneficial and an asset to the BeautyCouncil Board. My interest in being a part of the BeautyCouncil board is to continue to bring forward the most up-to-date information in a growing industry.

Amore Tolfree

My name is Amore Tolfree. I have been an Aesthetician for fifteen years and a Lash Artist for eleven years. I graduated from Marvel College in 2005 with my full Aesthetics diploma. I have multiple certifications in Lash Lift and Tint, Classic, Volume, Russian Volume and Mega Volume lash training.

I strongly believe that knowledge is power! I have owned my own Lash studio in Fernie BC for a decade now. I am a Lash educator and I love sharing my knowledge with my students in class as well as mentoring them throughout their lash journey.

The Beauty Industry has been an enormous part of my life and being part of the board of directors for Beauty Council would be a dream come true. Five years into my career I was frustrated and concerned about the lack of regulation and governance in the quickly evolving industry. It was at that time I realized that becoming an educator was my passion and purpose. I wanted to provide the support and guidance I felt I would have benefited from when I first started my career. I believe that quality guidance and support is truly missing in our unregulated industry.

Post Covid-19 I feel very strongly that our Personal Service Industry needs regulation and guidelines now more than ever.

Dawn Walsh

I feel that I would be a huge benefit to the Council because of my extensive experience in business, beauty (especially lashes) and community. My company currently works with over 25 charitable foundations and community programs.

I currently assist and consult a substantial amount of local, lash and beauty companies on how to operate a safe, clean and successful environment. Our establishment currently serves 400-600 patrons per month which have allowed for us to develop strong systems (hands-on). As of 2021, we have taught over 1000 Students to date which has resulted in many of the local, lash businesses being trained by us.

Because of my passion for lashes, I reached out to the BeautyCouncil a few years back to inquire about writing a BeautySafe class for Lashes. This is where I met the wonderful Sabrina and helped create BeautySafe for Lash Extensions. I feel that I could bring to the table my extensive knowledge in not only the industry but, in fundraising, finances and future development. I respect the BeautyCouncil and the availability of knowledge to keep businesses in this industry “safe”. I hope that you will consider me to assist the BeautyCouncil. Thank you

How we ensure a fair voting process

This year we are using a new tool to processing voting. It is the same system was have tested and successfully used for other tasks on our site. Made by an industry-leading developer, Fluent Forms and Fluent CRM , the tools allow us to capture votes while verifying the authenticity of the person voting and tracking how often they may have voted. This is combined with our member management system, Paid Memberships Pro, to insure votes we collect are from active members, and double-checked with an automation too, Uncanny Automator to record actions taken by members.

All our tools run on a secure, encrypted web site and we use no third-party tools to store data.

While members may vote more than once, our system automatically tracks these actions and will flag the previous vote or votes and we will discard them. As noted on the voting page, only the most recent ballot counts. We chose this method because tracking votes by IP or Cookies is unreliable and prone to fraud. Our method is very simple and relies on a simple “one-ballot-per-member” system and is reviewed by our staff to be sure the machines are doing their job.

Below is a list of anonymous tracking numbers for all votes captured and any member who voted can compare the same number they received by email with the list to verify their participation. In the case of a duplicate vote, only the last ballot is counted and will be shown below.