Principal
Candyce Bakke
Director of Operations
Candyce thrives as a high-performing entrepreneur who has pioneered multiple sustainable businesses with engaged teams. Her unique approach to leadership is built on nearly two decades of experience, a deep investment in herself, building tools to support her teams, and a tenacity to triumph over tragedy and setbacks.
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.
While inspired to build and sustain Saskatchewan’s creative industries, she has blazed entrepreneurial trails with a solid track record of investing in people, supporting communities and advancing an industry she loves.
In her newest venture My life Planner she proudly shares the tools birthed from the commitment to enjoy all life has to offer while continuing to achieve success as an entrepreneur and mother of two young boys. She inspires others with her passion as she shares the stories of the strength she has gained through her vast life experiences.
Awards & Achievements
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 Wilke
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)
Joe Duarte
Floor Educator for Guest Services & Hairstyling Educator
Joe has been a stylist for almost 20years. Currently working as a part of the team at Eau Salon here in Regina where he loves entertaining both staff and salon guests with his passion for the job that he loves to do. He loves all aspects of cutting, has worked directly with leaders in the color industry and has had multiple pieces of his work posted internationally and on worldwide sites.
He is also currently an educator for The Style Academy here in Regina and enjoys passing on his passion for the industry to the future stylists as an instructor and mentor. Lots of laughs can be overheard from his station, but the most important thing is the happy guest and the bond thy have with Joe. In his personal life he enjoys spending time with his dog, Emily and his family. Always balancing both sides of his happiness.
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
Cynthia (Cyndi) Fiori
Esthetics Educator
Cynthia began her career in the spa industry in September 2001 as a receptionist for En Vogue Day Spa in Regina. After a few years of building client relationships and earning the title of Spa Manager, Cynthia pursued esthetics certifications and began working directly with clients on a daily basis while still maintaining the day to day spa duties.
After the birth of her second child, and almost a decade in the industry, Cynthia stepped away to pursue other roles that continued to ignite her passion of working with people. These roles included a fundraising coordinator/event planner for The Kidney Foundation of Canada and starting a home-based daycare/preschool program. During this time she still offered esthetic services and in October of 2019, she enrolled in a Classic Lash course at The Style Academy. This crossing of paths brought her to start working as a part-time Floor Educator for Guest Services, and in August, Cynthia accepted a full-time position as the Team Support Manager. Since taking on a full-time position, Cynthia has added to her resume Laser Safety Technician and specializes in Laser Hair Removal and Radio Frequency treatments.
"I am so grateful for the opportunity to take on a vital role for The Style Academy and for being a part of such a dynamic team!"
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!"
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.”
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.
