Name and position: Candace Wilke, floor educator for guest services

A little background on your career in the industry: I’m a graduate of The Academy Hair Design, Moosejaw as well as a Journeyperson. I transitioned from owner/stylist for 25 yrs, to being part of The Style Academy for the last 3 years.

What made you choose this career? My interest in pursuing hairstyling as a career was really sparked in high school. Enrolled in a program to job shadow at 3 different businesses with different career options.
1. Lakeview Gardens ( now Dutch Growers), Horticulture.
2. “Focus 91”, Photography
3. “Rocky’s Salon” (now “Strands”), Hair Stylist. I was inspired by each work placement. But the daily variety of being in the salon was my top pick! My teacher for the class, Mr. Turgeon, even had me cut his hair! I did hair for friends & family, for a wedding & grad, and hair trims. I was chosen at a model call for a local hair show. Got to model for Laddie James from Revlon. So much fun! Ironically years later got to meet him again, here at the school. As he teaches advanced cutting classes!

What’s the most valuable thing you have taken away from your education? You’re getting a good foundation for learning basic skills. Keep building on those, as learning is ongoing.  Practice Practice Practice!