ESI Beauty Expo 2023 Speaker Line Up and Education

ByGreg Robins

Get ready to immerse yourself in the latest trends and techniques from world-class brands, top educators, and innovative thinkers in the beauty industry.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the latest trends and techniques from world-class brands, top educators, and innovative thinkers in the beauty industry. The ESI Beauty Expo has been a well-established event for over 20 years, bringing together the best in the business to help you take your salon or spa to the next level.

Join us on February 26th and 27th, 2023, for two days of inspiration, learning, and networking. Discover new products, techniques, and strategies to help you grow your business and stay ahead of the competition.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • A curated selection of world-class brands, showcasing the latest and greatest in beauty products and services
  • Expert-led workshops and presentations from top educators, sharing their knowledge and experience
  • Networking opportunities with other salon and spa professionals, allowing you to build relationships and grow your network

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your salon or spa to the next level. Register now and secure your spot at the Ultimate Beauty Experience for Salons & Spas.

Ready to take your salon or spa to the next level? Register now!

Save $10 off the ticket price below if you are an active member.

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Check out the many training opportunities you can take advantage of.

Times may change – be sure to check the ESI site for changes.

Caylee Augé

How to Increase Salon Profits WITHOUT Selling More (Sun 2pm & Mon 1pm, Room 218)

The Salon Model is Broken! And How to Fix It (Live during expo)

Caylee Augé, award-winning hair salon owner and John Maxwell Certified Coach, is back to share her 25 years of experience in the beauty industry. Learn how to increase your salon profits without selling more and discover your main profit leaks. Plus, find out what’s really going on in your business and gain clarity, income, and financial success.

Caylee will also tackle the issue of the broken salon model and help you choose the best model for your business, whether it’s commission-based, chair rental, salary, or team-based pay. She’ll show you how to confidently present your chosen model to your team and stop getting bullied.

Join Caylee for two must-see presentations at the expo.

Don’t miss out on the chance to become a leader in the industry and take your business to the next level!

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Corey Bakon

Textured Barbering 101 – Part 1: Fading with Clippers and Scissor Cutting, Sunday 11:00 am, Sunday 4:00 pm Room: 219

Textured Barbering 101 – Part 2: Beard Trims, Line Ups, General Maintenance and Styling (Live during expo)

Corey Bakon, a seasoned barber with 30 years of experience, started his career in a Brooklyn barber shop and later attended barber styling school. He’s mentored over 1000 new barbers, expanded his skills and became an educator for Paul Mitchell and Andis Clippers. He’s now educating and doing hair for film and TV.

This course is great for anyone who wants to get detailed information on barbering textured hair, with curl patterns from 3A to 4C.

Come join his Textured Barbering 101 class at the expo! Part 1: Learn about fading with clippers and scissor cutting. Part 2: Get detailed info on beard trims, line ups, and styling. Bring your attention and questions for live demonstrations on a model.

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Robb Cass

The Unlimited Potential of Hairdressing, Sunday 3:00 pm, Monday 2:00 pm. Room: 218

It’s How We Make You Feel, Sunday 9:00 am Room: 217

The Spa LeaderSHIFT, it’s time for change, Monday 9:00 am Room: 217

Spaformation & Salon Prophets, led by CEO Robert Cass, offer top-notch consulting, marketing, and training services to the spa and salon industry. With 50 years of experience, they’re a trusted choice among industry leaders across North America. They take a customized approach, tailored to each business’s unique needs.

Robert Cass, an author and keynote speaker, educates and raises standards for spas and salons. No project is too big or too small for Spaformation & Salon Prophets, they’re all about “building business”.

Come to their lectures at the expo:

  • “The Unlimited Potential of Hairdressing” for hairdressers looking to boost their earnings and client loyalty.
  • “It’s How We Make You Feel” for spas looking to create a memorable guest experience.
  • “The Spa LeaderSHIFT, it’s time for change” to learn about adapting to the evolving spa world. Get tips for growing your team and business.
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ANTONELLA CALANDRA

The Lost Art of Empathy
30 Day Video Acccess

Antonella started her career in the spa industry on a global level working closely with senior management teams within destination resorts such as Four Seasons Hotel Tunis and Ritz Carlton, Paris. Her role was instrumental in the implementation and execution of intricate management software and booking platforms within operations.  She was recruited by Fairmont Hotels to launch Willowstream Spas across their luxury hotel portfolio.  While developing the Willowstream brand she was Spa Director in Bermuda and then Sonoma, California. 

Her strategic business and financial planning skills lead her to the position of Regional Business Director for Stogryn Premier Resources, national distributor of multiple professional beauty brands.

Antonella has recently joined SpaFormation as a Consultant and Coach.  Her extensive background in the industry combined with her passion for business and team development are instrumental in creating unique solutions for businesses across the industry.

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ELGHA CENTENO

Understanding the science behind light-based technologies
30 Day Video Acccess

When prescriptive retailing becomes “S.O. E.A.S.Y.”
30 Day Video Acccess

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation dissected
30 Day Video Acccess

Tranexamic acid; a hero ingredient in brightening solutions
30 Day Video Acccess

Elgha Centeno, founder of ProFusion Coaching by Elgha Centeno and specialized coach in esthetics and medical esthetics, brings more than 15 years of experience in the field. Having been an esthetician, light-based technology technician, massage therapist, body treatment technician in her own business, she understands the reality of entrepreneurs in the industry. Furthermore, she worked as a business consultant and clinical trainer for international corporations like Dermalogica and Alma Lasers, which allowed her to gain experience in industry-specific marketing, financial and business strategies. 

Passionate about helping her peers increase their profitability and recognition as true professionals, and to help elevate the standards in the industry, she has developed her own ongoing training model. The training revolves around an entrepreneurial mindset, business topics and technologies in the esthetics field, to name a few. On top of coaching, she offers consultation, seminars and specialized content writing services. She collaborates with Spa Canada magazine as the technology expert. Elgha has also co-founded the Facebook group “Les Pros de la Peau & Co.” that shares business tips, educational posts and networking opportunities for serious professionals of the industry in Quebec. 

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ALICIA CHOWEN

Natural Hairstyling with Alicia Chowen
Sunday 3:00 pm Room: 219

Alicia Chowen has worked in the hair industry for 8+ years and has developed her skills and techniques for the perfect styles on any hair-type. She loves helping people embrace their natural curls and texture.

Her vast experience in the Vancouver film industry for the past 6 years has further enhanced her styling abilities, allowing her to continuously work closely with some of well known talent in the entertainment industry including: Jordin Sparks, Tawny Cypress, Christina Milian, Tina Knowles and Michelle Williams – just to name a few.

The Texture Workshops started in 2019 when Alicia saw the need for more knowledge in the hair industry when it comes to curly, coily and textured hair. Since then it has grown year after year. Alicia can’t wait to see what the future holds for the workshops

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MORAG CURRIN

The Psychological Influences of Essential Oils on the Psyche
30 Day Video Acccess

The Appropriate Handling of your Client Diagnosed with Cancer
30 Day Video Acccess

Morag Currin is a dedicated spa educator commitment to exploring new modalities and research which can empowers salon/spa professionals through innovative training beyond the norm of regular esthetics.  Morag pioneered the Oncology Esthetics® training in 2007, and this modality has become an accepted modality in our industry now.  She is currently working on new trainings dealing with trauma and mental health which every esthetician should include in their repertoire of knowledge and skills.

Morag also offers equine therapy, art therapy, movement and other holistic modalities through individual or group sessions for people with mental health issues in different sectors. Her specialization is in building therapeutic relationships to help clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD resulting from a cancer diagnosis.

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LYDIA GAUTHIER

The Secret Life of Sugars!
30 Day Video Acccess

What is Hiding Under Psoriasis?
30 Day Video Acccess

Eczema or allergic reaction: do you know how to recognize them?
30 Day Video Acccess

Do you really understand skin aging?
30 Day Video Acccess

Truly passionate about skin and cosmetic products since her experience as a cosmetician at the age of 18, Lydia Gauthier became the first Dermocosmetologist in Canada. It was after a bachelor’s degree in bio-organic and medicinal chemistry, a first master’s degree in tissue engineering at LOEX (on psoriasis) and a second master’s degree in industrial cosmetology in France in the world’s No.1 program, that she also obtained the title of European formulator.

Since 2015, through her company, she communicates and shares her passion through her conferences and high-level training on the skin and cosmetic products to companies, school boards (CFP) and professionals working with the skin. Her commitment to excellence opened her doors to Laval University as a lecturer in 2 programs of the Faculty of Pharmacy.

Very recently, she announced the creation of a brand new model of innovation in the care and global treatment of skin problems which will be delivered at the Institute for Research in Dermatology-Esthetics of Canada (IRDEC) of which she is the president and founder. , its opening is scheduled for April 2023.

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LANA HODGES

Airtouch Money piece
Sunday 1:00 pm Room: 219

Lana began her hairstyling career in 2009 in the Ukraine studying at a Sassoon-based academy! She has been training and learning ever since, taking full advantage of each opportunity that comes her way. In her career up to this point, Lana has worked with Harper’s Bazaar Magazine for Ukrainian editorial photo shoots & fashion weeks.

She was also a part of the Toni & Guy Toronto team for 4 years before eventually settling down in Vancouver!
Lana’s hair philosophy is do not follow the trends! Choose what shows the best part of you and makes you feel happy, beautiful, and confident!

Lana is a big fan of performing colour services especially when using Air Touch techniques and achieving an ombre look!

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FALLONE JEAN

Succeeding in Business: A Matter of Mindset
30 Day Video Acccess

Fallone Jean is the founder of the Freeminity program for visionary women.

Fallone is a pragmatic woman of her time. His strength of character is contagious. With her, her clients are propelled through the richness of their excellence. She juggles between her dream life and the power of the tools she offers to offer the authenticity and rigor that guides her path. Guardian of the balance between personal achievement and harmony of life. She is a model of discipline and healthy choice in the service of her wildest dreams.

Passionate about human potential, it is with the greatest that she creates wealth towards the achievement of the full individual and collective potential.

Her mission: to inspire and propel all the people who cross her path

She is committed body and soul to the people who choose her

You dream of an extraordinary life… Fallone teaches you how to make your dreams come true!

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SUNNY KAMBO

Complete Client Consultation and Barber Haircutting Techniques, Beard Shaping (Trimming, Fading and Straight Razor Work)
Sunday 2:00 pm Room: 219
Monday 1:00 pm Room: 219

Sunny Kambo specializes in alternative, simple and creative cutting techniques. He serves as an educator and a platform artist for Wahl, the largest and oldest clipper manufacturer in the world.

Having over 15 years of experience, Sunny is able to equip his students with skills to thrive in this booming industry. With raw old school techniques remixed with today’s urban trends, plus the extensive knowledge of various tools, Sunny knows exactly how to execute a perfect haircut in a time-efficient manner. He also values proper cutting techniques to help reduce wrist and back strain for a long haircutting career.

As an alumnus of the prestigious London School, Sunny had the honor to be part of the teaching team in London. His education career extends to classes in other schools and distribution centers, as well as private lessons. Sunny also hosted classes for the barber association of British Columbia.

Having been around since the barber boom, Sunny is proud of the industry and the respect it’s finally got back. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge to help the industry explode. At the same time, Sunny is committed to life-long learning to keep up with this growing and dynamic industry.

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MARY KIARIE

Wig Application with Mary Kiarie
Monday 2:00 pm Room: 219

Since her move from Toronto to Vancouver, Mary has taken the wig industry by storm. She specializes in making and installing natural looking wigs that her clients love.

Mary is a natural in styling African American hair, which includes conrows, Metowi Method microlinks and sleek ponytails. She has also had the pleasure of learning her skills from celebrity hairstylists in the United States.

When she is not working full time in her studio, you can find her teaching students how to braid at JCI Insitue in Vancouver, as well as teaching wig installs and conrows at various salons, all through The Texture Workshops.

Mary has been featured on Etalk Canada and Your Morning and has worked on set of films with actresses such as Monique Coleman and LisaRaye McCoy.

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MARY KIARIE

Suki’s Signature Classic Styling, with Lyle Kieselbach and Christina Tocaj
Sunday 5:00 pm Room: 219

With an affinity for texture services, including razor cutting and chemical perms, Lyle Kieselbach has built a successful career over the last 8 years accentuating the natural flow of hair. Lyle’s passion for the hair industry has led him to seek education opportunities globally where he continues to broaden his knowledge of the art of hair.

Lyle is not only flourishing behind the chair, but he is also an educator at Suki’s for the fundamental and advanced portions of the school.

The reason Lyle continues to thrive in the hair industry is his unconditional passion to create, collaborate and inspire anyone around him.

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DARIAN KOVACS

Upping your Social Media Game
30 Day Video Acccess

The Most Important Social Media Channel – Google My Business
30 Day Video Acccess

Darian Kovacs is the Indigenous founder of Vancouver based SEO company Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and digital marketing course, Jelly Academy. He brings 15 years of marketing experience and a passion for education, and creativity.  He is the host of the podcast Marketing News Canada.

Darian specializes in mixing PR with digital marketing and has worked with numerous internationally renowned brands on developing and executing their digital marketing and PR strategies. Darian lives in Fort Langley, BC with his wife and four children and likes to mountain bike, watercolour and read in his free time.

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KATIE MARES

CustomHER Experience: The Influence of the Female Consumer; The Decision Maker
30 Day Video Acccess

Empower HER in the Workplace, Create a FE + MALE Work Environment
30 Day Video Acccess

Transform Your Brand Experience: Five Steps to a Five Star Experience
30 Day Video Acccess

As a brand experience expert, Katie knows firsthand the challenges organizations encounter as they strive to design a sustainable and effective CX program tailored for the female consumer. Using her experiences as a Chief Inspiration Officer, building company infrastructure, and designing customer experience programs, she is now a leading voice for positive, actionable change in the organizations with which she partners. Katie has a master’s degree in Adult Training and Development from Schulich School of Business and a Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP) certification.

As a highly sought-after speaker, Katie has inspired audiences around the world to think differently about the female consumer, customer experience, and leadership. She has worked with globally recognized brands, including Honda, Celebrity Cruises, and Canada Post.

Katie and her fiancé have seven children (a Brady Bunch sorta thing), and she lives in three countries. When she is not with her kiddos, she has her toes in the sand and a fly rod in her hand. Katie really believes in living life to the fullest so she and her family can have their cake and eat it too!

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JAYNA MARIE

Makeup Tips for a Younger Looking You!
30 Day Video Acccess

5 Hacks to Help Your Makeup Last and Last
30 Day Video Acccess

As an award-winning hair and makeup artist with over 10 years of experience in the business of beautification, Jayna Marie is happy to be doing what she loves. Since graduating from Blanche Macdonald, she has worked with celebrities such as Lady Gaga and has built a reputation as one of Canada’s top bridal makeup artists and hair stylists.

Booked over a year in advance, with close to 200 weddings a year, her passion, dedication to her craft and upbeat personality have had clients lining up to book her, flying her all around the world.

Since she believes that the knowledge she has gained is meant to be shared, Jayna Marie is honored to have been asked to rewrite the bridal curriculum at Blanche Macdonald. If you plan on attending one of her classes, please bring a notepad and be ready to laugh… she doesn’t hold back!

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BRUCE PETERS and JANINE CANNON

Tools and Strategies for Recruitment and Staff Retention
Live During Expo

Bruce Peters has been the owner and operator of several award winning locations of Zazou Salon and Academy located on Vancouver’s North Shore for over 30 years. Zazou’s mission is to be community focused and globally minded. Bruce is a European trained hair stylist with an appreciation for the rich tapestry of the salon culture and he’s excited to help provide education to elevate continue to help elevate this beautiful industry. Bruce will present alongside Janine Cannon, the Brand and Business Development Lead for Zazou. With a background in business and marketing, Janine has worked in this industry for over 15 years with a focus on the growth of the business and the team through hiring and marketing campaigns.

Both Bruce and Janine believe in growing people and providing an exceptional experience both for their external guests and internal guest…the team! Their ultimate goal is to help elevate the industry and the communities they work in. By sharing best practices they hope to continue to help others grow and be the most successful version of themselves. Zazou has been honourably mentioned for Best Employer, Service Excellence and Sustainability. 

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DORI SOUKUP

Is Your Bottom Line Deflated? Plump It Up!
30 Day Video Acccess

Marketing Myths and Realities
30 Day Video Acccess

Dori Soukup is the founder and CEO of InSPAration Management, a firm specializing in medi-spa and spa development, advanced education, and business tools. Over the past 19 years, she has contributed to the success of companies worldwide. Dori’s passion is developing innovative, effective educational programs and business strategies leading to exponential growth and profits! Her Success Library and Leadership seminars are delivered in a clear, concise manner providing industry leaders with implementation blueprints to ensure success.

Dori is an author, global speaker, mentor, executive coach and a mastermind group leader. We invite you to visit InSPArationManagement.com to explore all the tools available to help you start a successful business or transform your current one!

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SIMON ST-HILAIRE

Pamper Your Customers
30 Day Video Acccess

Advise… Persuade… Sell!
30 Day Video Acccess

Simon St-Hilaire is already in his 27th year as a full-time speaker and trainer in strategic selling, customer service, retail selling, and sales management. He has been a headliner at the Spa Show since 2001.

More than 1675 organizations have retained his services for private seminars and conferences, including several manufacturers in the aesthetics industry and numerous spas, aesthetic and medical clinics.

He is always on the lookout for new ideas; he devotes an average of 10 hours per week to reading works concerning his field. He is passionate about information: nothing escapes him! He has been a columnist for numerous TV and Radio shows in recent years.

His humor, charisma, audacity, and remarkable skill with groups place Simon St-Hilaire in a class apart. Undoubtedly, he possesses the qualities that allow him to distinguish himself as much as a trainer as a lecturer.

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CHRISTINA TOCAJ

Suki’s Signature Classic Styling, with Christina Tocaj and Lyle Kieselbach
Sunday 5:00 pm Room: 219

Creative, personable and passionate about her craft, Cristina Tocaj has established herself as a successful stylist in Vancouver over the past 6 years. Cristina specializes in precision cutting, styling and updos at Suki’s busy Downtown location.

Cristina’s work is thoughtfully crafted and personally tailored to every client, making every visit to her chair an experience to look forward to.

Cristina is not only an exciting hairstylist, but she is also an educator at Suki’s, teaching the next generation of stylists to be their very best. Cristina believes if you have great hair, you can conquer the world.

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MELISSA WOLOSCHUK

Special Event Styling Foundation Techniques
Monday 11:00 am Room: 219

Melissa has been working her magic in the hair industry for 18 years now! After adopting the hobby of fixing her friends terrible at-home colour jobs, Melissa decided to attend Marvel Beauty College in Saskatoon. She was quickly intrigued by the constant change & artistry in our industry!

Melissa started her career in 2005 in Saskatoon. She’s had always had a passion for event and wedding styling, focusing on vintage looks early in her career. She relocated to Jasper Alberta where she was able to immerse herself in weddings, being such a beautiful destination for tying the knot. She then went on to work with a group of female entrepreneurs, and fell in love with vivid hair coloring techniques. After returning back to Saskatoon, she networked with many local artists while working on photoshoots and fashion shows for local events. Melissa has even had her editorial work published in magazines across North America! She has Master color education with Schwarzkopf professional, and has extensive training with Davines and Kevin Murphy.

Melissa’s hair philosophy is that every person that sits in your chair has the right to create their own beauty standards. Melissa considers herself privileged to have the opportunity to make them feel welcomed in her chair, and allowing them to trust that she can help them create their vision.

Melissa adores working on blended blondes & pastels. She also loves bright reds, vivid colours, and precision cutting (Bobs & Lobs). However, there is nothing that Melissa enjoys more than working on editorial & event styling! There is nothing quite like helping people feel their best for a big moment in their life!

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