Quebec-based hairstylist Kelly Héroux may be only 19 years old, but she has the drive and talent to rival some of the most experienced hairstylists. Working at Salon Espace C in Brossard, Que. with Contessa award- winning brother/sister duo Pete and Ann-Marie Goupil, Héroux has been motivated to push her craft and explore her creativity. And although she loves competitions, this was her first time entering the Contessa Awards, with a collection that was all about simplicity and purity. “I was super happy [to be named a finalist] and mostly surprised because the competition was really fierce,” says Héroux. “Just being a finalist during my first time participating was like winning, so I’m extremely proud of myself.”
Sharing Knowledge
Despite her age, Héroux is open to learning as she goes and taking chances. “I’m not afraid to try and see what my limits are,” she says. “It’s a bit intimidating to compare myself to others, especially given my age, but I try not to look at it like that. I work well under pressure, so I think a little stress is good for me and it just inspires me to see how far I can go.” Although she has a good head on her shoulders, she’s surrounded by people she can learn from and is not afraid to ask for help. “It’s very motivating to have [Ann-Marie and Pete] because they’ve been through this and can help me learn how to handle it all,” she says. It’s important to have mentors in the industry, and Héroux credits Ann- Marie for helping her throughout the creative process.
Precision is Key
Héroux’s collection showcased three different yet very cohesive looks, inspired by fashion week and Yves Saint Laurent. “I think it’s about time that trends for men are more about length and texture, so it was important to me that this wasn’t a clipper cut,” she says. “I really like cropped looks and cuts with a more natural finish, so I went for a mix of the two. I created this cut with a combination of blade, feather, and scissors. My model had a beautiful pale complexion and blue/green eyes, so it was obvious that I was going to do a more copper colour.” And while her Salon Espace C mentors have and continue to inspire and help her along the way, Héroux says that she looks for lessons from everyone around her. “Hairstylist or not, I love to learn from just about everyone.”
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