Student of the Month: Carley Wood

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From collecting vinyl records to designing moto jackets, our Student of the Month is Carley Wood from the Fashion Program in Winnipeg! “Carley has come a long way…and she is always on top of her game. She is hard working and…is committed to the program and it shows in the garments she creates” says MC College Winnipeg Director, Anna McGregor.

 
Why did you choose Fashion as a career?
“I grew up with my mom sewing and it caught up with me…I always knew I wanted to be in the industry and took the fashion technology class in high school. Fashion as a career felt like it would always just be a dream. It was only last year that I decided to continue in fashion and actually work towards my dream!”


What do you like most about Fashion School?
“I love it all, especially designing and illustrating! When I started here, Illustrating was new to me but now I LOVE it… We are doing a merchandising course next month that I’m super excited about…I’ve created a white knee length skirt with gold lace, a cropped blouse, tailored jacket with pleated sleeves, corset, dress with deep v armholes and a tulle skirt. The most exciting project for me was the skirt…it turned out beautiful and I love the lace I used.”

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What do you love about MC College?
“I feel comfortable and at home here. Everyone is amazing. The teachers and my classmates are 100% supportive of everyone.”

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What has been the most challenging thing you’ve learned at MC College?
“Right now, it’s the business courses. It’s an eye opener and it’s hard, but in a good way. There’s a lot that goes into starting your own business.”

What has surprised you the most about Fashion School?
“It’s much more than just learning how to sew…you learn about the history, business, starting your own collection…also, everyone is helpful and happy all the time. You always want to be here. You don’t want to be anywhere else!”

Can you tell us about your collection for the New Designers Fashion Show?
“My collection is called Cityscape and I was inspired by Winnipeg…it’s a mix of new and old buildings.. There’s coats, knit wear and crop tops…a cropped bomber and a moto jacket with shearling lining”.

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Who is your favorite Designer?
“YSL and Versace. They make beautiful gowns!”

What is the best career advice you’ve received?
“Just continue working towards your dream. Always have a goal in mind and work towards it”.

 

What are your plans when you graduate?
”I keep switching but I know that I want to work in Toronto or London for merchandising or styling…or BOTH! I hope to gear my internship towards that.”

 

Follow her!!
Instagram: @car.31
Snapchat: car.31

Beauty Changes Lives: Kate Korpi Academy

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Image Credit: Modern Salon

Beauty Changes Lives. This is something I’ve always believed in and preached since I started my career in the Beauty Industry 7-ish years ago. Along the way, I’ve met some incredible Hairstylists, Fashion Designers and Estheticians who are using their career to make a difference in the community.

 
A few months ago, I stopped procrastinating and finally crossed the number one item on my bucket list: visit the Mother Land…Cambodia! From Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Takeo Province, I met family for the first time, visited Angkor Wat, learned more about the Khmer Rouge regime, bargained like a local at Orussey Market, and celebrated Khmer New Year in the country side, and much more. The trip was a complete culture shock and it was hard to turn a blind eye to the level of poverty. But, as a second-generation immigrant, it was a humbling experience as it could have easily been my life.


You’re probably wondering…how are the Beauty Industry and Cambodia related?
When I had returned from the trip, I read an article in the April Issue of Salon Today about 2 Stylists, Matthew Fairfax and Lauren Enbright, and their work in Cambodia. In 2009, they took a trip to Cambodia after hearing stories about the sex trafficking industry. “After 10 days of meetings, visiting with survivors of sex trafficking and pushing through the culture shock of third world poverty, our plan to change the world had begun” says Matthew (via Salon Today).

Instructing at KK

Image credit: Modern Salon

After raising $120,000, they opened Kate Korpi Salon and Training Academy in Phnom Penh. The school teaches Hairstyling to the survivors and those at risk of the sex trafficking industry. All of the students at the school are awarded a full tuition scholarship and are given 2 years of training from Hairstylists (aka: Guest Artists) from around the world. When they graduate, they are given the opportunity to work at Kate Korpi Salon with Matthew and his Team. The students have assisted with hair and make up for the Cambodian Drama, “Little Miss Vengeance” and at Phnom Penh Fashion Week 2015.

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Image credit: Kate Korpi Salon Facebook page

“What’s really special is that all of a sudden, I realized our students in Cambodia were truly changed. Now, they have vocational skills, business skills and a sense of belonging, hope and laughter” says Matthew (via Salon Today).

 

How can you help?
They are currently looking for Guests Artists and Advocates to volunteer a minimum of 3 weeks to teach Hairstyling and build confidence in the students. The Guest Artists come from around the world and are important in adding variety to the students’ education. If you are interested, please visit: http://www.justiceandsoul.org/

 
Read about Kate Korpi Academy here:
http://www.salontoday.com/news/salon-business-news/justice-and-souls-kate-korpi-salon-debuts-cambodia

http://www.modernsalon.com/news/salon-business-news/justice-and-soul-offers-hope-cambodia
http://www.seattlemet.com/articles/2015/8/4/how-a-seattle-stylist-is-disrupting-the-overseas-sex-trade

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katekorpisalon/?fref=ts

Student of the Month: Cinthia Tejeda

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Growing up in Mexico, Cinthia always believed that everyone deserves a chance. “I worked as a volunteer for an orphanage in Mexico City. In a city with at least a million kids living [on] the streets, it was hard for me to ignore that growing problem…”. After studying law for a year and immigrating to Calgary from Mexico in 2008, Cinthia decided to follow her passion and start her career towards becoming an Esthetician. “Cinthia has impressed us at the campus with her open and positive personality. She is an extremely hard worker that consistently goes above and beyond the call” says Calgary Director, Todd Maki.

Why did you choose Esthetics as a career?
“I love making people feel happy. When they come here, they might be stressed out from life but I get to help them feel their best and I love that feeling…I always knew I wanted to be an Esthetician but it took me awhile to realize it. For so long, I wanted to be a lawyer. I studied law for a year in Mexico…but I wasn’t passionate about it….I love beauty products and making people happy. When I came to Calgary, I started investigating Esthetics”.

 

What do you like most about Esthetics so far?
“Facials and body treatments! I love the theory behind why facials are good for your skin and body. I can’t wait to learn about advanced facials…It’s so interesting!! I also like working closely with customers. They trust you with their looks and their secrets.”

 

 

What has surprised you the most about beauty school?
“How much you can do and learn in one month. After one month in school, I learned how to do facials and manicures. To me, this is amazing that we could learn so much in just one month.”

 

What do you love about MC College?
“Everything about MC is OMG. Everything is amazing. Destiny (Esthetics Instructor) is amazing! She makes the place shine and she is entertaining, passionate and knowledgeable. Everyday we learn something new and everyday is different. I have been given so many tools to learn different things.”


What has been the most challenging thing you’ve learned at MC College? Why?
“Balancing life at home with school. I love all of my instructors and classmates but at the same time, you get stressed out because you see them more than your family.”

What is the best advice you’ve received about the industry, beauty school or career?
“Follow your passion. Put your heart into it and try your best and always work hard…for so long, I wanted to be a lawyer. But when I moved to Calgary, I realized that it wasn’t my calling.”

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Follow her!!
Instagram: @canadianesthetician
Snapchat: canadianestheician

READY TO SHINE 6: A Cut Above the Rest

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From bougie dresses to blouses channeling Coachella vibes, Fashion Studies students from 7 Edmonton Public High Schools got the chance to show off their designs at Kingsway Mall’s Ready to Shine event. Now in its 6th year, the event challenges High School students to design and construct garments for evening, career and casual wear. They also made garments out of unconventional materials such as recycled newspaper, shopping bags and bubble wrap.

 

As a proud sponsor, year after year, we were excited to see the designs of Edmonton’s next top fashion designers. The garments were modelled on the runway by High School Students and local celebrities such as: Nicole Crosbie (95.7 Cruz FM), Kimberley Wynn (CTV), Stacey Brotzel (CTV), Dana Giesbrecht (Shaw TV), Nancy Carlson (Global TV) and Ami Amato (Up 99.3 FM). The show did not disappoint….it was LIT!!

 

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Last years’ winner of our scholarship and current MC College Fashion Student, Aike Zhumaglova, was on location to announce the winner of this year’s scholarship recipient.
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Congrats to the participating High Schools: Harry Ainlay, Ross Shepard, WP Wagner, McNally, M.E Lazerte, L.Y Cairns and Jasper Place High School.

 

Did you miss the live segment on Dinner Television? You can watch it here: http://www.kingswaymall.com/ready_to_shine.asp
‘Ready to Shine’ is a fundraising partnership with Kingsway mall and the Edmonton Public School Foundation to showcase young fashion designers and their creative minds. This year, the event raised $20,000 for the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation’s full day kindergarten program in schools located in vulnerable social communities.

 

Alumni Profile: Victoria Kakuktinniq

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Victoria was born in Rankin Inket, Nunavut. Growing up, sewing traditional garments and beading was an essential part of her life. She was inspired to start a career in Fashion after designing and creating a parka as part of the Ilitaqsiniq-Nunavut Literacy Council’s Miqqut Program, which teaches traditional Inuit sewing and design. “I learned about the traditional designs first, and I incorporate the curves of the Amauti style into my designs.” says Victoria (via Elle Canada)

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Since graduating from MC College, she has moved to Iqaluit where she has launched: Victoria’s Arctic Fashion.

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Victoria with the Minister of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Premier of Nunavut at the Northern Lights Conference in Ottawa.

Inspired by her grandmother and her Nunavut background, she incorporates Inuit culture & tradition (beading, embroidery, seal skin, fur and large hoods) with modern touches such as corset backs into her designs. “I just incorporate tradition into my pieces, but I also bring a more modern style…A lot of the embroidery I do is just floral, but I’d like to eventually incorporate other Inuit symbols…it’s really a way to keep our culture alive” Victoria says (Via Nunatsiaq Online)

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In 2015, Victoria won ‘Business of the Year’ at the Nunavut Trade Show. She has been featured in Elle Canada, Nipiit Magazine, Up Here Magazine and various newspaper articles.

Winipeg Free Press: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/exploring-the-arctic-233904331.html

 

MC Alumni Profile: Sid Neigum

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Image credit: Elle Canada

Sid was born in Drayton Valley, Alberta. After a year in a Bachelor of Science program and working part time in retail, he decided to enroll at MC College to pursue Fashion Design as a career. At the beginning of the program, he had only ever sewn one garment. After the program he’d put together around 30 garments, including complicated designs such a leather jacket.

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In 2009, he graduated from MC College and then moved to New York to intern at Yigal Azrouel.

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Since the launch of his career, he has won several awards, including: Western Canada Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Award (2009), Toronto Fashion Incubator’s New Labels Award (2012), Mercedes-Benz Start Up Award (2014) and the Swarovski Emerging Talent Award (2015).

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Sid’s work has been featured in Vogue Italia, Flare, Fashion Magazine, Elle Magazine and Business of Fashion to name a few.

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His garments have been worn by celebrities such as: Coco Rocha, Yasmin Warsame, Jennifer Aniston, Jada Pinkett Smith, Stacey McKenzie, Fergie, Jully Black and MTV’s Jessi Cruickshank.

https://www.instagram.com/p/8295krSAPP/

MC Alumni Profile: Andrew Van

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Image credit: @chinkthebarber

Some know him as Andrew while others know him as “Lord Chink”. As a 2010 Graduate from the Hairstyling program at the Winnipeg campus, he is the face behind the Instagram account with 10,000+ followers, @chinkthebarber. “I’m just an everyday Barber….I’m not trying to get famous. I’m just trying to master my craft and share it with others. Just chase your dreams.” he says.


From Winnipeg to Toronto and Edmonton to Montreal, Andrew has traveled across Canada to compete and learn with the best of the best. Since graduating, he has:

  • Won first place in ‘Best Design’ at the Golden Gloves Barber Battle in Winnipeg
  • Placed in the top three in ‘Trendsetter’ at the Heavy Hitters Barber Battle in Toronto.
  • Competed in the ABA’s Battle of the Barbers and Major Fade’s Barber Battle to name a few.
  • “Blessed heads” (cut hair) of celebrities such as Redman and Evander Kane (NHL hockey player)

 

Today, he is a Barber at Blacklist Boutique.

 


His career in Hairstyling started when he was going through a turning point in his life. His mentor and friend, Scott Ramos (one of Canada’s most famous barbers) introduced him to the world of fades and razor parts. “Scott Ramos introduced me to Hairstyling and I thought it looked fun…he convinced me to be a Hairstylist after seeing me at my worst” says Andrew. “Thank you [Scott] for being my inspiration, if it wasn’t for you, I’d be a deadbeat by now” he continues.


He decided to enroll at MC College after our graduate, Guy Lemieux, referred him to the school. “This is embarrassing..roller sets was my favorite part…it taught me how to manipulate hair just by heat and very little products” says Andrew.


What’s been your biggest eye opener since graduating?
“Being a role model for students and seeing how far you can get from being a stylist/barber”
What’s been most exciting?
“Being recognized for what I do in Winnipeg and other cities by random people…instead of telling people who I am or what I do…I can finally say I made it!!”


What advice would you give to MC College students?
“Keep networking and take in as much education. The hair industry is never ending. Go bless some heads!”

Student of the Month: Danae Desjardins

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You may recognize her name from our Instagram. From purple balayage to granny hair, she is slaying it in the colour game. Our Student of the Month goes out to Danae Desjardins from the Winnipeg campus! “Danae works extremely hard and is a great role model to all her peers …her technique is out of this world…she has the drive and dedication. She wows the teachers; she wows all of us!” says Anna McGregor, MC College Director.

 

Why did you choose Hairstyling as a career?
“When I met my Hairstylist, she inspired me to get into it. It’s a good way to help people feel confident about themselves…that’s something that my Hairstylist helped me with…lots of people look at Hairstyling as superficial but they don’t know that we work hard and that there’s so many paths you can take.”

 

What do you like most about Hairstyling so far?
“Colours and barbering. Colours are fun ‘cause you can do a huge transformation. Sometimes it can be tedious and stressful but it’s so gratifying at the end. I like barbering because a lot of guys wait until they look like monkeys before they get cut. After you give them a cut, they look like a new person!”

What has surprised you the most about beauty school?
“How hard hair cutting is! You can’t just pick up shears and do whatever…Before realizing I wanted to be a Hairstylist, I thought it was just something people did for fun. It’s a huge thing and always will be. Before, I didn’t know about hair competitions or being a platform artist…there’s so many opportunities”

 

What do you love about MC College?
“The people are awesome and the clients and staff members too. It’s a welcoming atmosphere. The teachers are always there to help us and they make you feel excited to learn.”

What are your plans for the future after graduating?
“I want to enter the NAHA’S and Contessa’s. It’s so much fun to get out there and see what you can do…Come and watch my career. In five years, I’m going to have a business and I am going to make something big out of this”.

Danae recently landed her dream job at Sapphire Lounge.

What is the best advice you’ve received about the industry, beauty school or career?
“There are always going to be people who put you down for going to hair school…ignore them. If you’re passionate just go for it and it’ll never feel like work for you. Passion is what’s going to build your business and make you more successful than the people who bring you down”

 

Follow her on Social Media:
Instagram: @want.to.get.cut
Snapchat: want.to.get.cut
Facebook: Want To Get Cut By Danae DesJardins

Microblading collab: MC College + Brows by G

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Image credit: Brows by G

Brows by G Inc. and MC College Group Inc. are collaborating to provide the Microblading Technician Training Program (MTTP), across MC College campuses in Western Canada. The program teaches Esthetics and Beauty Industry professionals the innovative, semi-permanent eyebrow enhancing procedure.

“The program we have developed, and are rolling out in collaboration with MC College is the only one of its kind in the depth, breadth, and teaching techniques we use to develop qualified Microblading Technicians.” said Brows by G Inc. Founder and CEO, Giovanna Minenna.

 

The Microblading Technician Training Program (MTTP) will be offered at MC College campuses in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary and Kelowna in the upcoming months.

 

“We couldn’t be happier partnering with Brows by G to offer this exciting and innovative new course. This type of specialized service is becoming hugely important to our clients and the industry itself.” says Anna McGregor, Director of the MC College Winnipeg campus.

 

Brows by G. was established in 2015 as a brow bar and permanent makeup clinic by award-winning beauty artist Giovanna Minenna.Brows by G specializes in Microblading, Micropigmentation, shaping, tinting, waxing, and makeup services

For more info, visit:

http://www.mccollege.ca/microblading_program/

or

http://www.browsbyg.com

 

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Painting Alberta PINK for Hair Massacure!

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From the Edmonton Eskimos to the Calgary Roughnecks, pink hair and poodles can only mean one thing: Hair Massacure 2016!

 

Throughout February, our Hairstyling and Esthetics Squad at the Calgary and Edmonton campus “Pinked” hair and nails, and shaved heads as part of Hair Massacure’s official events. What’s “pinking” you ask? It’s getting your hair or beard coloured/lightened pink to raise awareness and funds for charities such as: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities Southern Alberta.

 

The official pinking event took place at our Edmonton and Calgary campus. From Freddy the poodle (don’t worry it’s just beet juice) and ShawTV to our very own staff, it was all hands on deck when it came to showing support for Hair Massacure. Dozens of people came through our doors to have their hair (and beards!) coloured pink.

 

#realMenWearPink. Our Director, Todd and Rona Inc slaying the pink nail game! (Calgary)

Did you catch us LIVE on ShawTV Calgary and Edmonton, and Global TV Edmonton?

http://globalnews.ca/video/2475404/edmonton-hair-massacure-helping-children-with-cancer

 

On February 24th and 28th, #BaldIsBeautiful and #NoHairDontCare was trending in Edmonton and Calgary during the Hair Massacure Shave Off Event! The event took place at the Ice Palace at West Edmonton Mall and at the Calgary Roughnecks game. From children as young as five years old to cancer Survivors and the Edmonton Eskimos, hundreds of people shaved off their pink hair. MC College students were on hand to assist with shaving heads and doing pink manicures.

 

For information about Hair Massacure, visit: http://www.hairmassacure.com