Melissa Duguay, Contessa 2016 Atlantic Hairstylist of the Year, shares her styling influences and the next milestones she wants to achieve.
Salon Magazine: When did you first know you wanted to be a hairstylist?
Melissa Duguay: I would say I truly started saying I was going to be a hairstylist at around 12-13 years old! Maybe even before! I was determined this is what I was going to do, and here I am!
SM: Who are your styling influences?
MD: Vivienne Mackinder, Sue Pemberton… there could be so many more but I have been following these two for a few years now and I’m still amazed with everything they have achieved and accomplished! Amazing women!
SM: Where you do find your inspiration?
MD: I find inspiration everywhere and anywhere! It could be outside in plain nature or from the many hours i spend online browsing and searching.
SM: What’s your secret weapon?
MD: Joico, all the way! From colour, right down to the finishing touches.
SM: What’s the next milestone you want to achieve in your career?
MD: I honestly feel like I’m just getting started! Although I have been in the industry for over 12 years, I want to keep growing and learning as an artist. I want to keep pushing myself further and obviously keep competing! It is truly a passion!
SM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone entering the Contessas for the first time?
MD: I think your team is the most important part. Make sure you have people that truly understand and can see your vision.
SM: What are your top tips for working with a team, both in and out of the salon?
MD: Communication! I believe communication is key in every aspect of life.
SM: What’s your process for planning a collection?
MD: I always make a point to meet with my photographer a couple times before I’m ready for a shoot: there is so much to go over! We throw around ideas and start building from there. When we have an idea of what we want to do then we start the model search. I then meet with my makeup artist to go over some ideas in that department, then we set dates et voila! It’s a long process but every minutes is worth it.
SM: Who’s the first person you called when you found out you were a Contessa finalist?
MD: Aside from my boyfriend of course, it was my team! My photographer, makeup artist and models.
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