The operations team
When you join the association, you are greeted by our friendly team. We’re here to serve everyone in the personal services industry: salons, stylists, colour technicians, barbers, estheticians, nail techs, lash techs, hair removal techs, apprentices, and front desk staff. As our Executive Director, Greg Robins, says “people who make up the beauty business amaze me. They’re creators, magicians, chemists, and entrepreneurs. We do our best to celebrate all of those wonderful qualities each and every day.”
Greg Robins
Executive Director
Greg oversees the association from tip to tail and is the glue that binds the many parts together. He puts the right people in place — from the super-talented ground team to the dedicated board of directors — to give members the best experience possible and carry out the purpose of BeautyCouncil: to help professionals succeed, grow and enjoy their careers in beauty. As the founder of Salon Magazine and the Contessa Awards, Greg puts an emphasis on fact-based information while celebrating the achievements of members from every corner of the country.
Reach out to Greg to talk big-picture ideas for BeautyCouncil and our industry: greg@beautycouncil.ca
Sabrina Eubank
Director of Member Experience and Operations
Sabrina is our resident BeautySafe and Member expert. Need more information about the program? Want to set up a group rate? Looking for support with technical issues, payment or your digital credential? Sabrina has you covered. With over 10 years experience as a hair stylist and salon operations manager, Sabrina knows the biz. When she’s not sharing her expertise with our BeautySafe students, you can find her cooking up a storm — just ask her for her famous vegan cauliflower mac & cheese recipe!
Connect with Sabrina on anything and everything: sabrina@beautycouncil.ca
Suzana Aktar Mim
Association Data Services
Suzana works tirelessly to help update our programs, check data entries, and keep BeautySafe up to date. When Suzana is not learning how to cook a new dish, she’s busy perfecting a new skill. We’re a huge fan of her attention to detail and accuracy.
Cher Thorsen
Member Concierge
When someone with an especially cheery voice calls to welcome you to our association, it’s Cher. She may also reach out by email to see that you’re happy and are dialed in to all the benefits we have to offer. Cher went from years in Post Production in the Film Industry to Certified Holistic Nutritionist, when she’s not trying to sneak liver and probiotics into her kids’ food, you can find her tending her garden or reading books by candlelight.
The Board of Directors 2022 – 2023
Estrellita Gonzalez
Estrellita is the owner and operator of Vancouver’s Derma Bright Clinic and has been in that role since 2012. Her prior experience is from the corporate world with a focus on marketing and human resources – valuable qualities to bring to the Board.
For the past 5 years, she has 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.
Estrellita is the author of several books, including Pursuit 365: Celebrating Women Who Lead by Example!, Confidence Secrets, Women of Worth – 15 Influential Women Share Empowering Stories on Life & Leadership and Face Your Acne.
Simon James
Raised by two stylists, Simon James is an award winning hair stylist, colourist and educator based in Vancouver, BC.
Spending much of his time developing educational programs and mentoring stylists, he truly believes in the art of our craft. Simon believes education and community to be the cornerstone of success for our industry. In a post COVID workplace, Simon believes there is a unique opportunity to continue to tighten the bond of hairstylists and to further elevate the craft.
Matthew Koivisto – Board Chair
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.
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.
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.
Connect to Matt via email here.
Lana Lamoureux
Lana has over 30 years experience in the beauty industry, the last 20 years included being an Executive Master Educator and Back Stage Manager for one of the few award-winning hairdresser run brands. She has also held similar positions on other association boards, and a strong comprehension of what makes a board run effectively and efficiently. Lana is the owner of Lana’s Hair Design in Surrey, BC.
Dana Lyseng
Dana leads a team of 30 in her successful North Vancouver location, Supernova Salon. She attributes her success through education, growth and development of everyone in her company. This is accomplished via structured associate programs to grow young talent hairdressers as well as working on creative salon based projects, photoshoots and shows.
Dana has won 3 Contessa Awards, 2 Mirror Awards and 5 prestigious Wella Awards, and is a Wella Top Stylist within Canada and the USA, as well as platform artist with their Global Team.
She has 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 the cosmetology exams with the Cosmetology Association of Western Canada, and has been a successful hairdresser full time in 3 salons.
Paige Morris
Paige is a hairstylist and manager at Vancouver’s Bangtown Salon. Paige says she wants “to help guide the future of our industry with a group of great like-minded people.”
Paige was an educator for Summit Salons and worked on their semi-annual committee meetings to discuss and share the best ways to effectively mentor new talent. Paige is most passionate about shaping industry artists by sharing her knowledge and guiding them to a space where they can thrive.
Natalie Wolfe
Natalie is 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.
She is an 11 times certified Lash, Brow and Spray Tan Artist. Natalie’s passion for the industry has paved her 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 a team of four staff.
Natalie believes that having an Indigenous woman in business would be beneficial and an asset to the BeautyCouncil Board. Her 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
The Board of Directors 2021 – 2022
For the record, here are the board of directors for 2021 – 2022
RICK ATKINSON (retired from board, November 29, 2021):
Rick spent a 35 years with BC Ambulance and retired in 2014. A short while later he entered the London School, Old School Barbering Program, in pursuit of a new career. Graduating in 2015 Rick continues to work as a barber in Parksville, Vancouver Island. Rick brings experience in many areas of professional development, health and safety, political action, and adult education: “I believe that only the members can make an association grow and thrive.”
VINCENZA CELENTANO:
Vincenza is one of Vancouver’s most trusted and talented makeup artists. Her work is seen on popular movies, including The Flash, Main the the High Castle, Stargate, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. She also owns Haus of V in North Vancouver, BC where she provides services such as makeup, facials, lash extensions, and more. Graduating from the Blanche MacDonald Makeup School in 2005, Vincenza will add a “valuable and unique voice to the board of directors”
SIMON JAMES
Raised by two stylists, Simon James is an award winning hair stylist, colourist and educator based in Vancouver, BC. Spending much of his time developing educational programs and mentoring stylists, he truly believes in the art of our craft. Simon believes education and community to be the cornerstone of success for our industry. In a post COVID workplace, Simon believes there is a unique opportunity to continue to tighten the bond of hairstylists and to further elevate the craft.
LANA LAMOUREUX
Lana has over 30 years experience in the beauty industry, the last 20 years included being an Executive Master Educator and Back Stage Manager for one of the few award-winning hairdresser run brands. She has also held similar positions on other association boards, and a strong comprehension of what makes a board run effectively and efficiently. Lana is the owner of Lana’s Hair Design in Surrey, BC.
PAIGE MORRIS
Paige is a hairstylist and manager at Vancouver’s Bangtown Salon and an Institute Instructor at London School. Paige says she wants “to help guide the future of our industry with a group of great like-minded people.” Paige was an educator for Summit Salons and worked on their semi-annual committee meetings to discuss and share the best ways to effectively mentor new talent. Paige is most passionate about shaping industry artists by sharing her knowledge and guiding them to a space where they can thrive.
AMORE TOLFREE:
Amore calls beautiful Fernie, BC, home and is where she has owned and operated her lash studio, Lashed Training and Distributing for over a decade. An educator at heart, Amore holds a diploma in Aesthetics from Marvel College and has multiple certifications in Lash Lift and Tint, Classic, Volume, Russian Volume and Mega Volume lashes. Today, Amore takes pride in sharing her knowledge and experience as an educator and mentor.
STARLETTE TOLVER, BOARD CHAIR
Starlette brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the board of directors. Starlette has engaged in many important aspects of the industry: cosmetology service and education delivery, beauty school and supply store ownership, corporate trainer and platform artist, accreditation auditor, and apprenticeship subject matter expert. “I am a collaborative team player who is always searching for opportunities to impart valuable insights. With these qualities, I am able to facilitate positive change and impacting outcomes”.
The Board of Directors 2020 – 2021
For the record, here are the board of directors for 2020 – 2021
Our dedicated directors provide more than just governance to the association. Members of the board pitch in on creative ideas, help move projects forward, the provide innovative leadership in diverse ways. These board members all provide guidance to the team who operate the association and bring the concerns of association members to light at regular board meetings.
RICK ATKINSON:
Rick spent a 35 years with BC Ambulance and retired in 2014. A short while later he entered the London School, Old School Barbering Program, in pursuit of a new career. Graduating in 2015 Rick continues to work as a barber in Parksville, Vancouver Island. Rick brings experience in many areas of professional development, health and safety, political action, and adult education: “I believe that only the members can make an association grow and thrive.”
VINCENZA CELENTANO:
Vincenza is one of Vancouver’s most trusted and talented makeup artists. Her work is seen on popular movies, including The Flash, Main the the High Castle, Stargate, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. She also owns Haus of V in North Vancouver, BC where she provides services such as makeup, facials, lash extensions, and more. Graduating from the Blanche MacDonald Makeup School in 2005, Vincenza will add a “valuable and unique voice to the board of directors”
KERRY CONSTABLE:
Kerry started as a “shampoo girl” when she was just 13 years old. Her industry experience since then is incredibly diverse, becoming a nail technician, a hairstylist, an esthetician, a theatrical makeup artist, and finally, a director at London School in Vancouver. She also co-founded the annual Battle of the Barbers, with her fellow board member, Silvana Francis. With a performing arts degree and a minor in promotions, it’s no surprise that Kerry is passionate about supporting events, shows and classes — essentially, any opportunity to connect in person as a community. She believes we, as an industry, are better together: “We need a hub, a place to connect, and the BeautyCouncil is set up for that — we need to create a community.”
BRUCE PETERS:
Bruce is a third-generation hairstylist, so the beauty industry is in his blood. After getting an early start sweeping hair, Bruce travelled to Germany to complete his training and eventually opened his first salon in 1992. Today, he owns and manages Zazou Salon & Academy in North Vancouver with over 50 staff. Bruce decided to join the BeautyCouncil board to pay forward what he’s learned — to help businesses realize their potential and become the success stories they should be. He believes the more people that are invested and involved in the association, the higher we can elevate the beauty business: “Many hands make light work, and collectively, we will make a better, stronger industry.”
MARION SHAW (Board Chair):
Marion is the current chair of the BeautyCouncil board, and we’re lucky to have her wealth of knowledge! With experience in a myriad of roles — as a stylist, salon owner, colour technician, distributor and teacher — Marion has an intimate understanding of our community. She recognizes beauty professionals as creative, artistic and bold individuals, and her goal is for BeautyCouncil to be a source of support for the business side of things. She’s passionate about raising the professional standard of the industry she loves: “I’ve spent my whole working life in this industry, so I care about it deeply — I want to see it survive and thrive. That’s our job at the association.”
AMORE TOLFREE:
Amore calls beautiful Fernie, BC, home and is where she has owned and operated her lash studio, Lashed Training and Distributing for over a decade. An educator at heart, Amore holds a diploma in Aesthetics from Marvel College and has multiple certifications in Lash Lift and Tint, Classic, Volume, Russian Volume and Mega Volume lashes. Today, Amore takes pride in sharing her knowledge and experience as an educator and mentor.
STARLETTE TOLVER:
Starlette brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the board of directors. Starlette has engaged in many important aspects of the industry: cosmetology service and education delivery, beauty school and supply store ownership, corporate trainer and platform artist, accreditation auditor, and apprenticeship subject matter expert. “I am a collaborative team player who is always searching for opportunities to impart valuable insights. With these qualities, I am able to facilitate positive change and impacting outcomes”.
The Board of Directors 2019 – 2020
For the record, here are the board of directors for 2019 – 2020
KERRY CONSTABLE:
Kerry started as a “shampoo girl” when she was just 13 years old. Her industry experience since then is incredibly diverse, becoming a nail technician, a hairstylist, an esthetician, a theatrical makeup artist, and finally, a director at London School in Vancouver. She also co-founded the annual Battle of the Barbers, with her fellow board member, Silvana Francis. With a performing arts degree and a minor in promotions, it’s no surprise that Kerry is passionate about supporting events, shows and classes — essentially, any opportunity to connect in person as a community. She believes we, as an industry, are better together: “We need a hub, a place to connect, and the BeautyCouncil is set up for that — we need to create a community.”
KIRSTEN ENGEL:
Kirsten joined our board to help support her industry through the challenges of COVID-19. With 17 years of experience in salon and spa management and ownership, and now with a wholesale and distribution company of her own, she knows the kind of support small businesses need. She believes in BeautyCouncil’s mission to provide continued education, up-to-date certification and ongoing business support, and she’s happy to serve a collaborative community of dedicated professionals: “Being a member shows professionalism, a commitment to your career, and a higher-level understanding of your craft.” Kirsten is also passionate about her mentorship program for female business owners in the beauty industry — stay tuned for exciting developments to come.
SILVANA FRANCIS:
Silvana represents the barbering community on the board, and we couldn’t have a better example! With 35 years of experience under her belt, she teaches at the London School of Vancouver in the barbering program — a course that she helped develop. She also owns Lynn Valley Barbershop, an institution originally opened by her father in 1967, and she is co-founder of the annual Battle of the Barbers. Silvana truly lives and breathes the industry, which is why she is proud to serve as a voice for barbers: “It’s important to be part of a community that you can look to for guidance, advice, and education. BeautyCouncil has a lot of offer if you’re dedicated to your profession.”
BRUCE PETERS:
Bruce is a third-generation hairstylist, so the beauty industry is in his blood. After getting an early start sweeping hair, Bruce travelled to Germany to complete his training and eventually opened his first salon in 1992. Today, he owns and manages Zazou Salon & Academy in North Vancouver with over 50 staff. Bruce decided to join the BeautyCouncil board to pay forward what he’s learned — to help businesses realize their potential and become the success stories they should be. He believes the more people that are invested and involved in the association, the higher we can elevate the beauty business: “Many hands make light work, and collectively, we will make a better, stronger industry.”
MARION SHAW (Board Chair):
Marion is the current chair of the BeautyCouncil board, and we’re lucky to have her wealth of knowledge! With experience in a myriad of roles — as a stylist, salon owner, colour technician, distributor and teacher — Marion has an intimate understanding of our community. She recognizes beauty professionals as creative, artistic and bold individuals, and her goal is for BeautyCouncil to be a source of support for the business side of things. She’s passionate about raising the professional standard of the industry she loves: “I’ve spent my whole working life in this industry, so I care about it deeply — I want to see it survive and thrive. That’s our job at the association.”