Principals
Daniel Pritchard
Director of Education
Daniel Pritchard, currently the co-owner of Daniel Christopher Salon has been leading change in the beauty industry for more than 30 years. As an entrepreneur, Daniel has developed five successful salons and has built his business acumen with strengths in leadership and community engagement. He has created new beauty concepts and has instilled them into other hair stylists as a platform educator across Europe and North America, and has judged numerous hair styling competitions. Daniel works to challenge the status quo of beauty education and create career opportunities for new stylists by sharing knowledge and providing responsible leadership.
Awards & Achievements
- Established five successful hair salons
- Global salon award nominee two consecutive years
- Recognized for top retail sales in Western Canada five consecutive years
- Platform Artist
- Journeyperson Hairstylist Certification, Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trades Certification Commission
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
Creative Advanced Design & Color 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 give 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."
Jenny Kleefeld
Colour, Design & Floor Educator for Guest Services
Jenny has been involved in creative industries for as long as she can remember! From playing piano for large crowds to competing in visual art competitions, Jenny has always had a passion for all things creative.
Jenny was drawn to a career as a Hairstylist as it is an industry where she can combine artistic and creative abilities. “I have an innate drive to create. Working in the industry gives me an outlet to be creative and earn an income, while I do something I enjoy. I feel passionate about helping other creative individuals, such as myself, find an outlet for their creativity.”
Jenny finds it very rewarding to be able to help her clients look & feel their best! Jenny feels very fortunate to have worked under & with so many great stylists over the years.
“My canvas has become the guest. My paints have become colour & makeup. My love of sculpture translates into my hair cutting & design.”
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.
Joe Duarte
Floor Educator for Guest Services
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.
Angela Braden
Floor Educator for Guest Services
Angela, a Richards Beauty College Alumni, is a Red Seal Journeyperson hairstylist with over 12 years of industry experience. She has taken Redken, Joico, and Matrix classes as well as additional styling training. After 8 years of working in Regina, Angela moved east to Toronto, where she worked as a colourist in a salon specializing in ethnic hair.
“I believe the key to success is leaving your comfort zone. Hair is my passion. I love working on a diverse clientele with different hair textures. I feel blessed that I am able to share my talent and passion with the students at The Style Academy.”
Spa & Makeup Education Team
Adria Austin
Esthetics: Skincare Educator
Adria’s love for the spa industry started when she was working for Sahara Spa. Beginning as a receptionist she quickly learned she had a passion and wanted to be on the other side of things. Adria enjoyed everything from set up, to sanitation, to intent of delivering an amazing treatment for her client and sharing her knowledge. "In my almost ten years with Sahara, I was able to build relationships and gain leadership skills delivering training on protocols and product knowledge."
306 Salon & Spa was the next step in her career path. Taking on the roll as spa/salon manager, and learning the salon side of things. This was a great experience that introduced her to exciting opportunities on photo shoots and TV, including being able to help with makeup behind the scenes at Sask Fashion Week. "I had the best time working with like minded creative artists."
The next step for Adria was branching out on her own, moving into her own studio as Esthetics By Adria. "This was a dream. Designing my space, preparing treatment protocols, researching product lines, curating my retail space! When you love what you do its not work!"
"I knew fairly early on that my goal for the future was to become an esthetics educator. I am beyond excited to join The Style Academy team sharing my skills and passion helping others to achieve future goals in this exciting and ever changing industry."
Candace Umbach
Esthetics Educator
Candace Umbach, trained as both a Hairstylist and Esthetician has been working in the beauty industry for over 15 years. Throughout her time as a beauty professional, Candace has worked as an educator, service provider as well as on set of television and film sets.
Candace has advanced her education in skincare traveling to Germany and Paris for training. She has also completed her life coaching and facilitation certificate and most recently has been trained as a Eyelash Technician. Candace hopes in the future to continue her own education by completing a Bachelor of Human Science
“My passions include inspiring healthy living, sharing my knowledge and experiences through teaching new beauty professionals, as well as spending time with family.”
Kristine Aldred
Esthetics Educator
Graduated from Richards (TSA) in 2010 with a Diploma in Advanced Esthetics & Nails. Since then, Kristine has taken numerous classes and courses to expand her knowledge including sugaring, and some medi esthetic services. She has also attended over 30 Dermalogica classes to become one of the first Dermalogica Skin Care Experts in Regina!
“I would like to share my knowledge and experiences with students helping them to gain the same passion as I have for my chosen career.”
Kristine has had the pleasure of working with some extremely experienced, and knowledgeable estheticians from various locations around the world. These talented persons have shared their beauty industry lessons, experiences, and knowledge with her. This has provided Kristine an opportunity to share their experiences and things learned with The Style Academy students so they can grow as well.
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.”
Becca Gurski Educator
Make-up Artistry
Becca Gurski has an incredible passion for the beauty industry that started from a young age. She always thought she would become a hairstylist, but Becca decided launch her beauty career as a nail technician! After doing nails for awhile, Becca found her true passion and dove head first into makeup.
Her makeup career started at Sephora and sky rocketed from there, where she became one of their SOS (Science Of Sephora) trainers, traveling across western Canada. The groups that she taught ranged from 25-45 people, with topics varring from selling techniques, makeup, to skincare. Sephora continued to grow Becca by sending her for 360 training in Vancouver, which included high fashion makeup trends and looks, intense knowledge on skincare and ingredients, and a history of fragrance.
Shortly after, Becca was given the opportunity to join Sephora back in Vancouver to attend a session called Color Brand Encore, which lead her to meeting national brand educators and pro artists such as Erik Soto who is Kat Von D’s global artist.
Becca shares her experience “I got to learn from the following brands; Kat Von D, Cover FX, Sephora Collection, Nars and last but not least my absolute favorite brand Makeup Forever! Over the three years I worked with Sephora, I met so many incredible educators and got to learn tips and tricks that are executed during New York Fashion Week.”
Becca left Sophora and continued her Makeup Career with Slayed Esthetics lounge, working brand support with Cover FX and Benefit Cosmetics and has been involved in Sask Fashion Week the last 2 years.
“To say the least, I love sharing everything I can about the makeup industry and the amazing opportunities there are within!”
Stephanie Man Educator
Make-up Artistry
Stephanie’s role as Makeup Educator is a true marriage between her two passions - makeup artistry and teaching. Her warm and patient demeanour has allowed her to excel in both professions.
Stephanie brings over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She developed her skills in Alberta working in various cosmetic retail settings as well as contracting and mentoring under many of Calgary’s best makeup artists. Stephanie also has experience as a selling specialist and makeup artist for some of the biggest brands in the industry. These brands include NARS, Shiseido, Bobby Brown and Dior. She has been featured in Cosmetics Magazine and has had her work published in Summit Magazine. Today, Stephanie continues to freelance, with the bulk of her work, in bridal and make-up for photography.
Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Calgary. She continued to pursue her studies and graduated with an Education degree from the Masters of Teaching Program in 2010. Stephanie is committed to student success and has a desire to get to know each of her students both as people and as learners. She believes in creating a connected classroom culture ideal for collaboration. The classroom becomes a place where not only does she teach but also where she will learn from her students. "The master becomes the student, and the student becomes the master." This environment of mutual respect allows for optimal student success.
Fashion Education Team
Support Staff
Janis Procyk
Salon Coordinator & Fashion Design Educator
Janis grew up in Fillmore, SK and went on to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Lethbridge and later a Diploma in Fashion Design from the Blanche Macdonald Centre in Vancouver, BC. Janis has worked for a number of years as an event coordinator and manager at a variety of non profit organizations in both Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Since moving back to Regina, Janis has been heavily involved in the local fashion industry where she worked as an assistant designer and pattern drafter at Dean Renwick Design studio in addition to launching and managing her own label, Prahsik. Janis launched Prahsik in 2014 and has since shown full clothing collections in a variety of fashion shows across Western Canada. Prahsik’s design portfolio includes tailored and sophisticated ready-to-wear clothing collections as well as bespoke designs as requested by clients.
Awards & Achievements
2013, Overall Achievement Award – Blanche Macdonald Centre
2014, Fast Forward Emerging Designer Award – Saskatchewan Fashion Week
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!"
Jadi Engele
Admission & Sales
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.”
Abby Rutko
Student & Guest Service Manager
Abby Rutko, raised in Watrous SK, came to Regina to pursue post-secondary education at the University of Regina. After completing her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Paul J Hill School of Business, Abby joined the team in 2017. Abby has had several years of student service experience working in a variety of areas around the University. She has also shares passion and experience in event management as well as human resources, which was the focus of her studies.
As the Student & Guest Service Manager, Abby is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to the TSA Team. With a passion for people and student success, Abby is happy to assist you in finding the best services as a client and reaching your goals as a student.
"I am excited to be part of an organization that is on the cutting edge of the salon experience and education opportunity for students!"
