Principal
Candyce Fiessel
Director of Operations
Candyce Fiessel is Richards Beauty College graduate and the owner and operator of Shear Escape Salon and Spa, founded in 2005 in Regina, SK. Candyce has achieved success as business professional and visionary, with a commitment to education, leadership & mentorship. She is a founding director for Saskatchewan Fashion Week, through which she is inspired to build and sustain Saskatchewan’s creative industries in design, beauty and cooperative imagination. Candyce Attended the Salon Summit Business College in Tampa, FL, becoming an industry leader, incorporating Summit’s cutting-edge business model into Saskatchewan’s salon industry. Candyce is also an advocate for empowering and mentoring women, with initiatives that benefit and engage the community.
Awards & Achievements
- 2011, Founding Director, Saskatchewan Fashion Week
- 2009 Dale Carnegie Leadership for Managers Award
- 2007 YWCA Young Women of Distinction Award
- 2006 Paragon Award-Young Entrepreneur of the Year nomination
- 2003, Red Seal Journeyperson Hairstylist Certification, Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trades Certification Commission
Hairstyling & Barbering Education Team
Siobhan Loos
Vice Principal & Lead Educator
Beginning her career as a Richards Beauty College alumni in 1985, Siobahn has 30 years of industry experience! She has been an educator for 18 years at Richards Beauty College and a competition mentor for Skills Canada Saskatchewan for 14 years. She is considered to be a Hairdressing Expert by the National Technical Committee of Skills Canada.
Awards & Achievements
Gena Kropinak
Basic Design & Hair Cutting Educator
Gena began her career as a Richards Beauty College Alumni in 1994. She worked behind the chair for 17 years. “I wanted to share my passion for the industry with others.” She was given the opportunity to become an educator at Richards Beauty College in 2011. Gena spent two years mentoring under Carol Scott & Siobhan Loos.
Carol Scott was an educator at Richards for 30 years, in which she taught both men’s & women’s haircutting techniques. Carol attended many Cicilia Leatherberry advanced haircutting classes, was a Platinum Master Judge & a trainer for Skills Canada.
Under the mentorship of Carol & Siobhan, Gena was groomed to teach texture, design & haircutting. She now shares her wealth of knowledge with her students in her current role as The Style Academy’s 101 Hairstyling program.
Gena has taken advanced design & colour classes from Redken Educators Jorge Jaio & Sean Godard. She is a Wella accredited senior colour specialist, as well as a waxing technician. Gena holds her Red Seal Journey Person and is The Style Academy’s Academic Advisor.
“As an Educator I am committed to helping each of my students achieve success. Teaching 101 skills to my students can be challenging for them at first, but watching them grow as they journey through their program is amazing! This is a very rewarding industry, but it takes a lot of hard work and determination."
In the end, I want my students to think to themselves, "because of you, I never gave up."
Candace Wilkie
Floor Educator for Guest Services
Candace Wilke, a graduate of The Academy Hair Design, Moose Jaw has been an active Stylist for over 25 years both as an employee and salon owner. She has an immense passion for her industry and clients, “I often thank clients for letting me play with their hair, as it rarely feels like work!”
With advance education in colour and cutting courses, Candace found herself participating in local competitions, competing in cutting, colour evening & fantasy categories. She also has volunteered many hours for non-profits including Dress for Success and Beautiful Lengths (cancer wig program)
Candace is excited to be part of The Style Academy team where she support students in their guest services experience. “I love it at the school, the staff and students are an inspiring group. It’s exciting to see first hand all the potential and growth in the new era of our industry!”
Candace also offers professional services at The Style Academy.
Ryan Desjarlais
Floor Educator for Guest Services
Ryan Desjarlais born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan brings over 26 years of experience behind the chair. In 2000 Ryan moved to London England to expand his creative and educational opportunities in the world of Hairstyling. After 20 years of working abroad Ryan has returned to Regina to inspire and guide the next generation of stylists.
"I decided to move back to Canada to be closer to my family and hopefully share some of what I have learned with the hairstyling community who I intern am excited to learn from as well!"
Ryan’s England highlights include:
-London/Paris Fashion Weeks
-Music videos
-Movie sets
-Celebrity hair for the cover of a top British magazine
-Burberry Lookbook
-Wigs for Westend Musical London (Miss Saigon)
Nicole Ruttig
Floor Educator for Guest Services & Hairstyling Educator
Nicole has been a Journeyperson Hairstylist since 1996, and a successful business owner for more than half her career. Having worked as a stylist for over 25 years, she believes that when you allow your passion to become your purpose, one day it will become your profession.
Nicole has competed in several competitions and as a student was fortunate to be a part of the Canadian Student World Hair team in 1992.
"I have an insatiable need to create, teach and help others grow. With my vast understanding of diversity and individual needs, I provide each one of my clients with an extremely personal experience. I attack each day with passion and immerse myself fully into every situation."
Not afraid to try new things, regularly attending workshops to update her skills, Nicole believes the more knowledge she obtains and the more she can grow in her own craft, and the better equipped she is to help others embark on their journey.
"I am extremely excited to be part of The Style Academy as teaching has been a dream of mine for a long time. I look forward to mentoring others by sharing my passion and helping them be the best version of themselves."
Joe Duarte
Floor Educator for Guest Services & Hairstyling Educator
Joe is a passionate Guest Services Educator & Mentor for The Style Academy’s Hairstyling students. He has been part of the Rumors team since 2004. His attention to detail and dedication as a stylist has made him irreplaceable. Joe has competed in provincial competitions and has worked directly with leaders in the colour industry.
Spa & Makeup Education Team
Leanne Brown
Advanced Nail Tech Educator
Leanne Brown is a Richards Alumni, graduating in 2003 from Cosmetology, Advanced Esthetics & Nails. Leanne is a creator, designer, innovative trendsetting nail artist and self proclaimed “Nail Nerd”. Having worked in the industry for more than 13 years, Leanne is trained in many gel and acrylic lines. Being recognized by the nail community, many of her couture looks have been published in Nail magazines. Leanne continues to grow as a nail artist by updating her education and staying on top of new products and techniques.
“I am so excited to dedicate my time to contemporary design & art through the wonderful nail industry. I have high hopes of sharing my passion and love of creativity through the art of nail design. I have the ability to think outside the box and bring knowledge of the industry in every aspect from, helping students acquire the technical, creative and work ethic skills they need to be successful nail techs & entrepreneurs in the workplace.”
Tasha Rhead
Medical Esthetics Educator
Tasha Rhead is a Medical Esthetics Educator & the owner of Tabella Studio founded in 2011.
The pursuit of her career started as a Richards Beauty College alumni and she has gained over 20 years of industry experience.
Tasha is a familiar expert in the Medical Esthetics Field and her core exposure include laser, IPL, radio-frequency, microdermabrasion & chemicals.
Her advocacy for mentorship and development has led her to build a strong voice of empowerment in the beauty industry and she is always seeking opportunities to develop herself.
“I have realized that building a solid clientele requires patience & persistence and I believe that personal growth really comes from helping others to evolve as well. I will continue to impact the industry through mentorship & education.”
KRISTA BRAITHWAITE
Esthetics Educator
Krista, a graduate of Richards Beauty College, completed her Advanced Esthetics and Nail education in 2004. Throughout her time at Richards, Krista took the time to volunteer at various events through the school. She took that attitude of community and continued to grow her support and her community through participating in Sask Fashion Week, Hillberg & Berk fashion shows/product launches, other local fashion shows, and several trade shows.
She recognizes the importance of advanced education having taken additional classes in advanced nails and nail art, skin care and product lines. Not only has Krista advanced her knowledge, she has shared by educating at “Tech Talk” local classes for nail technicians to advance their skills. She has extensive customer service, retail, and management experience.
Janessa Rath
Makeup Educator
Janessa is a Richards Beauty College alumni, graduating from Advanced Esthetics & Makeup in 2010. She worked for many years in local spas in Regina before moving to management at MAC Cosmetics. Janessa has also obtained her Office Administration certificate. Education is an important part of self growth and she continues to make continuing education a priority, previously she travelled to Portland, Oregon for a week long training session with some of the makeup industry’s most profound influences. She was able to take part in this course for 3 years. As well as take courses for both Lash Lifts and Lash Extensions in her spare time. Janessa continues to freelance as well as work in an office environment doing account management.
Janessa has had the opportunity to be lead makeup artist for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Cheerleading Calendar for 4 years. She was involved as an artist for Saskatchewan Fashion week for 3 years as well as a Key makeup artist in 2018 and 2019. She has worked on set for both commercial and TV productions and continues to collaborate with photographers for fashion shoots. Janessa specializes in bridal and event makeup in Regina and surrounding areas.
Vanessa Fahlman
Makeup Educator
Vanessa is a Regina based freelance makeup artist with over 13 years of experience in the beauty industry.
She trained at ‘Artists within School of Makeup’ in Calgary, Alberta and immediately began working for MAC cosmetics. This is where she was able to advance her makeup skills and lead the MAC management team for 8 years. Now as a full-time freelance artist, co-owning the Beauty loft Makeup Studio, Vanessa has become an accomplished artist with experience in a variety of fields across makeup including; fashion, commercials, advertising, corporate, television, film and guest education. In 2018, Attending the “I’m going to Class” training in Portland Vanessa had the privilege of learning from some of the worlds industry-leading professionals.
Alongside her freelance work, her latest endeavours have been the assistant makeup Artist of the film “cage fighter’, key makeup Makeup/FX artist for the indie film “The Wild”, and now she is looking forward to taking on a role at the Makeup Educator at Style Academy.
Vanessa’s passion for makeup has enabled her to establish amazing relationships both professionally and alongside her clients. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge, professionalism, and skills along with building new relationships with the students and the educators at the Style Academy.
“I love being able to help make someone feel a little more confident. I am all about enhancing natural beauty, never hiding it.”
CREDITS
2010 & 2011 - CFL Commentators Makeup (Regina & Calgary)
2014 - Tourism Saskatchewan Commercial
2014- Roughriders Commercial
2014, 2018, 2019- SaskTel Commercials
2014 & 2019 - Saskatchewan Fashion week
2018 - T.V. Series I Lived with a Killer
2019- Cage Fighter Movie
2020 - Published in MOB Magazine Volume 7
2020- Published in Skye Magazine – Volume 9
2020 - The Wild Film
Support Staff
Cydney Frank
Marketing & Communications
Cydney Frank is an honours graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design’s Bachelor of Design / Photography program. As a creative mind and award winner photographer, Cydney has always had a passion for the beauty industry, having worked as a beauty expert in boutiques.
Cydney has won photography awards and had her work featured on Applied Art’s magazine cover. Over the years her passions have led her to a world of graphic design and communications. After interning at The MacKenzie Art Gallery, she was able to secure a position on their Communications team.
Upon joining the TSA team Cydney facilitated the visual rebrand of Richards Beauty College to what TSA is today.
"I love the energy at The Style Academy and the opportunities for collaboration. Being a photographer, these professionals are who help bring ideas to life, and I love when students are able to experience that!"
Thane Gaveronski
Student & Guest Services
Thane Gaveronski was born in Moose Jaw, raised in Regina, and attended The Alberta College of Art in Calgary. Thane joins us as an Alumni of The Style Academy Hairstyling program. Thane, always having an interest in the beauty and hair industry, decided to make a career change in 2015 and follow his passion.
Thane’s background in drawing, sculpture, and textiles from the Alberta College of Art has helped in the creative hair and beauty industry. Over the years, he has been involved in many hair shows, fashion shows, live performances both in front and behind the curtains, whether it be with modeling, make up or hair styling.
Thane is currently working in the field as a hair stylist and colourist. As a fellow stylist, his knowledge of the hair and beauty industry is an asset as part of our front end team.
"I am excited to be working with the TSA team that was part of my education. I look forward to learning even more in the years to come from the amazing educators and staff at The Style Academy!"
Guest Educators
Jadi Engele
Lash Extension Educator
Jadi Engele, born and raised in Regina, a University of Regina Paul J. Hill School of Business student, joined the TSA team in 2017. With a strong background in luxury goods sales and marketing, paired with her passion for networking, Jadi is putting her knowledge to work in our new Admissions and Sales department. Through salon visits and school tours, Jadi is able to share the opportunities that The Style Academy offers to new students, current industry professionals, and service guests.
Jadi is trained as a Certified Eyelash Technician and understands the career potential that is available through continuing education. Jadi has grown her own education through the
Dale Carnegie Leadership Management Training, and a Public Relations Certificate from the University of Regina. Contact Jadi today to discuss education opportunities and find a class that compliments your skills! admissions@styleacademy.ca
“I am excited to be joining a team that is making a difference in the lives of business minded, creative individuals looking to make the most out of life.”
JASMINE GEMMELL
Piercing Educator
Jasmine started her journey into the life she has created at the age of 17. She liked the Austrian crystal earrings so much that she started getting the necessary materials and making them herself. As she began wearing them to high school her friends also liked them so her Dad said to her why don’t you start making more and sell them to your friends. That’s where it all began! Selling earrings out of her locker at school to her friends. Word spread and she started selling to friends and family. She added druzie earrings to her collection and those sold well too.
She has many stores and distributors selling her jewellery in the prairie provinces. In 2018 she took a piercing course in Toronto and started a piercing shop in her store which keeps her very busy. In 2019 she opened a store in Saskatoon which is almost the exact same replica as her store in Regina and she trained a piercer for the Saskatoon location.
Jasmine employs around 14 people in both of her stores. Lash services are also available at both stores. She also likes to invite local artists to display and sell their wares in both her stores which is appreciated by the customers and the artists.
She is a mentor for young entrepreneurs and promotes shop local and her community. Jasmine celebrated 6 years in business this year!
Halima Orellana
Ethnic Hair Specialist
Halima began her career at the Vidal Sassoon Academy for Advanced Cut & Colour in Toronto, but her passion for hair really started at 12, when she was already doing hair extensions and braiding. Halima has been in the industry for 9 years and recently became a co-owner of MillionHairs Salon last year. She is always furthering her education by taking advanced classes and volunteering for fashion shows and photo shoots. Halima earned her first award while attending school; she won 1st place at the National Wella Young Protege Fantasy Competition and since then, has won multiple awards at the ABA Competitions. Halima specializes in hair extensions and ethnic hair care and facilitates these classes at The Style Academy.
Ritu Bagga
Threading Educator
Ritu, with her, brings 20 years of industry experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in arts. She started off her career as an esthetician and makeup artist in 2000. Ritu is very passionate about her work.
She has also worked as a freelance platform makeup artist in various fashion shows in India. Ritu likes to stay current with industry trends and share her knowledge. Ritu also holds a certificate in medical esthetics.
Besides being a successful makeup artist and esthetician, she is also a mom of two daughters.
