Student of the Month: Cinthia Tejeda

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”.

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A post shared by The Esthetician diaries. (@canadianesthetician)

 

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.”

 

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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.”

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A post shared by The Esthetician diaries. (@canadianesthetician)

 

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.”

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A post shared by The Esthetician diaries. (@canadianesthetician)

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.”

Follow her!!
Instagram: @canadianesthetician
Snapchat: canadianestheician

Microblading collab: MC College + Brows by G

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.

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A post shared by MC College (@mccollegegroup)

 

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

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A post shared by Brows by G (@browsbyg)

 

“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.

Up close & personal @mccollegegroup #MCCollege #microblading #browsbyg @gminenna pic.twitter.com/Zu5uYADsZM

— Anna McGregor (@Anna_MCCollege) March 3, 2016

 

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

 

Edmonton MC College Students to appear in TLC Network’s ‘Global Beauty Masters’ show

 

Survivor meets the Contessa’s (Canada’s largest Hairstyling competition) to the extreme! Nicolette Pirrott (instagram: @sharksloveteeth)  and Tao Ping, two MC College Hairstyling Students from Edmonton will be featured in TLC network’s “Global Beauty Masters” show, set to premier on March 17th 2016 at 4pm (MT).

“We’re pleased to have ‘Global Beauty Masters’ on TLC” says David Melia, TLC’s Vice President of Programming. “This is a fascinating world that our viewers will be excited to explore.”

This past Fall, the two Edmonton students traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the second annual Global Beauty Masters competition. The competition is a television series that unites Hairstylists and Hairstyling Students from around the globe who compete to win the coveted title of “Global Beauty Masters”.

From the Global Beauty Masters website: “After a rough start to their first trip to Las Vegas, Canadians Nicolette and Tao arrive without their team leader. To remain in the competition, they are matched with local student Natalie who volunteers to help them.”

Working together as the ‘MC Team’, Nicolette and Tao endured a week of intensive hair, makeup, nails and styling competition against teams from around the world, while being filmed for the show.

“It was an awesome experience that I’ll never forget. It was inspiring to be around people that have the same passion and feeding off their energy to create something amazing!” says Nicolette.

The show will premier on TLC on March 17 at 4:00 PM (MT).

Student of the Month: Afreen Merchant 💅

From full time single Mom to student, this woman is a super hero! 👑 Our Student of the Month goes out to Esthetician-to-be, ➡️ Afreen Merchant ⬅️ from the Calgary campus. “She has an incredible attitude about her studies, the school and life… and spreads her own special brand of optimism” says Calgary Director, Todd Maki.

Why did you choose Esthetics as a career?
“Both my Mom and Grandma were Beauticians. Unfortunately, God felt that he was missing two Angels and they are now with him, so this allows me to feel connected to them in some way. Beauty has always been something I have found an interest in, and when I was at my lowest and didn’t know what to do with my life, Esthetics was there for me.”

What do you like most about Esthetics so far?
“I love the way people smile after they get their treatment done. It is the highlight of my day knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life no matter how big or little.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/-2qx7BGL-m/

What do you love about MC College?
“I love my instructors!…My learning experience has been easier because they have been so understanding….Everyone is supportive here. They are always there for you and help you when you make a mistake. It feels like another family to me, we are always together”

#proud came a long way pic.twitter.com/7uxGhkjpeu

— A (@merchant_afreen) February 9, 2016

 

We understand, the struggle is real…so what has been the most challenging thing you’ve learned at MC College? Why?
“I am a full time Mom. My son will always come first so it was very difficult taking care of him, balancing school, and studying for tests and quizzes. There are days where I wake up at 7am to get my son ready so that I can drop him off to day care before going to school, and staying up till 3 or 4 in the morning studying and finishing assignments after I have put him to bed.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBSCKIOGL1_/

What is the best advice you’ve received about the industry, beauty school or career?
“Beauty will never go out of style”

Unit 3 photo shoot: Mother Nature

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an Esthetician?
“It isn’t just a job, or just a hobby. It’s a full time commitment. The instructors are really helpful and they ensure that you will succeed. The most important thing to remember is that it’s okay to ask questions.”

What are your must have Bernard Cassiere or OPI products?
“Honey oxygenating line…I have sensitive skin and my face never reacts badly to it” 

when we schedule a meeting to tell @merchant_afreen she’s student of the month & she thinks she’s in trouble!! 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/obwtd9Hc0W

— MC College (@mccollegegroup) February 5, 2016

 

SHOW HER SOME LOVE! 😘
Instagram: @afreen_rayyan
👻: afreenm
Twitter: @merchant_afreen

 

Getting your taxes done is easy as mixing color!

With a busy day booked with appointments and keeping on top of hair trends, the last thing on your mind is how to claim your expenses and taxes. This year, we teamed up with Canada Revenue Agency to make this tax season as flawless for you as possible. Here are a few tips:

Expensing Supplies and Tools
a). Whether you’re a salon/spa owner, part time worker or paid via salary or commission, you’re considered an employee on a payroll. You can deduct the cost of supplies you purchased for work. Hairspray, shampoo, waxing strips, cotton balls…the list goes on.

For more info, visit: http://www.cra.gc.ca/employmentexpenses.

b). You could also deduct the cost (up to $500) of eligible tools, such as: curling irons, blow dryers and UV lamps for gel nails. What’s considered an eligible tool? Click here to find out: http://bit.ly/17fbY0l

For this expense, you’ll need your employer to authorize that the tools were purchased by you and used for your work.

For more info, visit: http://www.cra.gc.ca/trades.

Tips and Gratuities
As a Hairstylist or Esthetician, the majority of your income comes from tips and gratuities. Talk to your employer if any or all of the tips you earn will be included on your T4 slip. If it doesn’t, it’s your responsibility to keep track of it and report them on line 104 of your income tax and benefit return.

Business Expenses
Whether you’re renting a chair, working from home or own a salon/spa, you can deduct any applicable business expenses. This includes: chair rental fees or supplies such as hair colour, shears, microdermabrasion tips, nail polish and much more!

• Is your salon or spa based out of your home? If so, you can deduct household expenses such as insurance and heating. Who knew!!? For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/1AP8cH

Apprenticeship Job Creation and Tax credit
Are you a salon owner who recently hired a Red Seal apprentice Hairstylist? If so, you can claim the apprenticeship job creation tax credit. This tax credit is equal to the lesser of $2,000 or 10% of the eligible apprentices’ salaries or wages. You can carry the whole credit amount three years back or carry it forward for up to 20 years!

For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/1DnjwvX

Where do you file your taxes?
You can file your taxes with various income tax software, such as: Netfile or Turbo Tax. Don’t want to do it yourself because ‘ain’t no body got time for that’?! Visit your local H&R block and they’ll help you out!

Owning a salon or spa is more than just cutting hair, doing chemical peels, marketing or hiring employees. As a salon or spa owner, you have to ensure that employee contributions, premiums and tax amounts are properly deducted and sent to the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more info, visit: http://bit.ly/1ABN5JA 

The deadline to file your personal income tax and benefit return is April 30, 2015. If you, your spouse, or common-law partner is self-employed, the deadline to file is June 15, 2015. BUT, if you’re self-employed and have a balance owing for 2014, you still have to pay it on or before April 30, 2015.

Alumni Profile: Alicia Soulier

Alicia graduated from the Hairstyling Program at the Saskatoon Campus in 2005. Since then, she has:

• been the lead Stylist at Saskatoon’s Fashion Week
• Won ‘Saskatchewan Salon Stylist of the Year’ at the 2014 Mirror Awards.
• Styled hair at Spring/Summer 2015 New York Fashion Week.
• Been nominated for ‘Saskatchewan/Manitoba Hairstylist of the Year’ at the Contessa Awards.

Currently, she is the owner and educator at Capelli Hair Studio, one of Saskatoon’s most prestigious salons.

Why MC College?

Styling her Barbie dolls hair and making friends with Hairstylists was an early indicator that Alicia would start a career in the Beauty Industry. After taking Cosmetology classes in High School and receiving a scholarship, Alicia decided to accomplish her dream to become a Hairstylist. Her entrepreneurial spirit, need for hands-on education and word of mouth led Alicia to enroll and graduate from MC College Saskatoon. “MC College will teach you the fundamentals to becoming the best Hairstylist in the world…they give you a great foundation for the real world” says Alicia.

Soon after graduating, Alicia was set on becoming a salon owner. After realizing that one of Saskatoon’s premiere neighborhoods lacked an upscale hair salon, she pounced on the opportunity and opened ‘Capelli Hair Studio’. In 2012, it placed top 5 in Contessa’s ‘Salon Interior of the Year’ award and was named as the best hair salon in Saskatoon by Fine Lifestyles magazine.

Advice from Alumni

“Be humble. Be Passionate. Be respectful of your Mentors. Be passionate about what you do”

As an award winning superstar hairstylist, salon owner, educator and a board member of the Saskatoon Fashion and Design Festival, Alicia credits her success to her mentor, Kim Regier of Chel SalonSpa and her need for continuous learning. “Never think you know it all. Always strive for more education and inspiration” says Alicia. She is known for mentoring her staff, new Hairstylists and students so that they can become successful in their career.

Today, she continues to enter hair competitions and currently styles hair in photoshoots and fashion shows. She has done hair for Edge Agency and fashion houses such as White Dhalia House of Fashion, Hillberg and Berk, , Pyer Mossto and  Concept Korea to name a few.

MC College in the Community

This December, MC College students got into the Christmas spirit by using their skills for the benefit of others. In addition, these events allow our students to network with potential clients and expand their technical experience. Here are a few of the events that MC College students volunteered at in December:

Help Portrait- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Using their skills to help others, students from Saskatoon’s MC College did haircuts, styles and makeup at the annual Help Portrait event on December 8^th. Students and staff gave over 50 people mini makeovers to get them ready for their family portraits. Help portrait is a movement among photographers, hairstylists, makeup artists and volunteers, who transform, capture and deliver portraits of people who are not able to afford family portraits.

Cops for Cancer Head Shave- Edmonton, AB

Every year, MC College partners with students from the Emergency Response Career Pathway program at Centre High, to support Cops for Cancer. On December 12, between 10am-12pm, students from the Edmonton MC College campus shaved and pinked over 100 heads!

Via Twitter: “Huge s/o to @mccollegegroup for helping out with the @CentreHigh head shave for cancer.”- @trifattytri

 

 

Christmas Manicures- Red Deer, AB

On December 19th, students from Red Deer MC College brought an early Christmas gift to the residents of Symphony Senior Living’s, Aspen Ridge.  Students did Christmas themed manicures on seniors and participated in the facilities bean bag toss game! Esthetics student, Brooklyn Remple said “I really like visiting with them and they are so grateful for us to be there”.

 

Women’s Transition House- Vernon, BC

On December 19^th, students and staff from Vernon MC College visited the Vernon Women’s Transition House society to give free cuts and mini manicures to the residents and staff.  The Vernon Women’s Transition House Society is a nonprofit organization that offers 24 hour emergency services to women who are dealing with issues of abuse and violence.

Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree- Edmonton, AB

Between December 19 and December 22, students at the Edmonton MC College campus did hair and make up for the performers in the Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree. Every year, MC College students and staff are invited backstage to do hair and make up for local artists and get to experience what it’s like to work at a live event! Accompanied by an orchestra and a 150 person singing Christmas tree, the Edmonton Singing Christmas tree highlights local talent and donates 100%  of all proceeds to local charities, organizations and children in need.

Via Twitter: “Thanks to the great hair and makeup girls making all @EdmSingingTree look great #yeg #mccollege”- @SophieSerafino

VERNON MC COLLEGE TO HOST BEAUTY WORKSHOP FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Tired of posting the same over-filtered selfies? Take your photos to another level and get featured on Instagrams’ popular page with MC College’s beauty workshop, “#MCTEAMFABULOUS”! This workshop gives students in Grades 9-12 the chance to work with the latest hair and make up looks straight from the runways of New York! The classes run on January 29, February 26 and March 26 between 3:45 PM and 5:45 PM, where you’ll learn how to pose in pictures, receive a complimentary makeover, be in a photo shoot and learn how to make your own spa products!

Cost: $50+ tax for 3 classes (January 29, February 26 and March 26)
Includes make-up and hair supplies, gift bag, photo shoot and makeover.

The classes will take place at the Vernon MC College campus at 3409 31 avenue. Legal parent, guardian or caretaker must register you into the classes.

To register, call Dawn- Marie Needham at 250-542-8393 or email dmneedham@mccollege.ca

Student For a Day: Esthetics Program

It’s been a year or two since I’ve stepped into a classroom but a few weeks ago I got the chance to be an Esthetics student at MC College. As part of their ‘Student For a Day’ program, my day started out with a tour of the campus: the Artego Creative Lounge (where students from the Esthetics, Hairstyling and Fashion Design program collaborate to create looks for a photo shoot), makeup room, classrooms and spa area. In the spa facility, there were several massage/facial rooms where students practice on each other and do services on clients.

In one of the spa classrooms, new students to the Esthetics program were practicing leg waxes on each other. In another classroom, student were working on nail art and capturing their work on Instagram and Facebook. During my day as a student, I was treated to a spa manicure where I was also shown the step by step learning and evaluation process that students go though for each service they do on clients.

After a morning of pampering, I was shown proper leg waxing techniques and was able to put my waxing “skills” to the test by waxing the Esthetic students’ legs and brows (I still can’t believe they trusted me to wax their brows!!). I was also able to speak to a few of the students about their experience at MC College and why they were interested in the industry:

 

‘Student For a Day’ is a program that helps prospective students learn about the industry and their future career path. In this one day program, Students take part in theoretical and practical learning, and get an insight of what life is life as a student at MC College. The ‘Student For a Day’ program is open to High School students interested in a career in the beauty industry and for those who are looking for a career change.

To register in the student for a day program, contact: Nikki McCrimmon [nmccrimmon@mccollege.ca]

Beauty Tips with Dawn-Marie: Choosing the Best Hair Color for Your Skin Tone

Wondering how to choose a hair color that works best with your skin tone? The best way is to determine whether you have a cool, warm or neutral skin tone. Here are a few tips to determine yours:

1). Hold up a piece of silver and yellow-gold jewelry against your skin. If the silver looks better against your skin, you have a cool skin tone. If the yellow-gold looks better, you have a warm skin tone. If both pieces of jewelry look equally as good, you have a neutral skin tone.

2). Look at the veins on the underside of your forearm. If your veins are blue, you have a cool skin tone. If your veins are tinged with green, you have a warm skin tone. If you have both blue and green veins, you have neutral skin.

People with a warm skin tone look best with hair colors that have a warm overtone. People with a cool skin tone look best with hair colors that have a cool overtone. If you fall under the neutral category, you look good with any hair color (lucky!).

Skin tone hair color matches:

Warm

• Gold
• Honey
• Caramel
• Copper
• Red
• Mahogany
• Strawberry Blonde
• Ginger
• Dark Brown
• Rust

Cool

• Platinum
• Ash-blonde
• Sandy Blonde
• Medium Brown
• Jet Black
• Fawn
• Mid-level blondes
• Wine
• Burgundy
• Mahogany

Tips:

• If you want to change your hair color or add highlights, don’t go more than two shades above or below your natural color.
•  Adding a few face-framing highlights will add dimension to your hair (especially if you have layers)!
• The key to having black hair is to add tons of shine because this shade can easily look dull or dry.
• If you naturally have fair skin, you’re best suited for a cool beige or platinum hair color.