Contessa 2019: Q&A with Session Hairstylist, Julie Vriesinga

We chatted with Julie Vriesinga, who took home the Session Hairstylist award at the 30th annual Contessa Awards.

Tell me about your collection. What inspired it?

For me it was more the fashion runways, like Gucci and Italian Vogue and French Vogue are huge for me. It was important that when you look at every detail. I always use the photographer, makeup artist and assistant as my sounding board, and I love coming up with more detail and the head to toe look I created. I spend hours gluing pearls on shoes, and it was much more detailed and I was looking at much more details. Typically we look at waist up so you don’t need to do that. I enjoy that I can tell a story or evoke a feeling.

This collection was very eclectic. It is so busy. I wanted that eclectic and the Gucci runway vibe. I tend to go very dark and moody and I like things that are a bit odd, it was very busy and different and brighter. I did feel that I wanted to do something that pushed me further. I wanted to be spend the hours and time doing those little things and finding those little details. I just wanted it to be interesting and detailed, but still having it feel like me. Everyone has a style but this still feels like me. It feels like me.

What does winning this award mean to you?

The first time you see your name up on that screen, there’s no other feeling, enjoy the moment and keep pushing. It’s so exciting for me. It’s important to me and when I started in a small salon in Sarnia, just to have my name beside some of these names is an honour. Just to be on the stage, my clients love it and they like to see people begin creative and it’s impressive for them, when they sit in the chair they are impressed. I remember starting to be at Entre nous, seeing the images of other hairstylists up at the salon and wanting mine there. I didn’t know this existed, and for me it’s my happy place. You find time to do the things you love, I like.

How would you describe your style when it comes to photo shoots? Any special rituals/how do you stay on track and keep the energy you need going?

On set, we have come to a place that is so chill. Sometimes we aren’t doing anything well because we are way too easy going. You know you just find those people who just fit me. I am very organized onset, so in there it is very cool and calm. Things change half way through sometimes, and we need to change things, we don’t do anything to make it so, we just find our comfort zone.

If you weren’t a hairstylist, what do you think you would be doing?

I’ve worked at a salon since I was 15 and I think I would be in a business of some kind in beauty. And I also enjoy fitness too, so maybe something in that area too.