Principal
Candyce Bakke
Principal & Executive Director
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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
Administration Team
Cameron Klein
Director of Operations & Finance
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Cameron has been an integral part of The Style Academy for the past two years. As our Director of Operations, she oversees multiple areas of the school, including administration, admissions, marketing, events, and daily operations. Her strong leadership and organizational skills ensure that every aspect of The Style Academy runs smoothly and efficiently. Cameron plays a key role in supporting our staff, students, and guests while fostering a positive, professional, and inspiring environment where creativity and growth thrive.
With over eight years of management experience and a decade in retail and customer service, Cameron brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. She thrives both independently and as part of a team, consistently demonstrating leadership, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
Growing up with a passion for the beauty industry, Cameron is proud to work at The Style Academy, where she can merge her skills with her lifelong interest of hair, esthetics, lashes and makeup. Her creativity, interpersonal strengths, and commitment to excellence reflect her deep belief in empowering others and helping them succeed in their educational and professional journeys.
COMING SOON...
Director of Admissions
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COMING SOON...
Director of Education
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Allison Curtis
Director of Salon Services & Student Success
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With over 22 years of experience as a hairstylist, Allison has built a thriving career dedicated to helping others feel their best. As the owner of her own salon, Allison brings her passion for hair care directly to her clients, including serving as the trusted hairstylist at several care homes where she is privately contracted for her gentle touch and warm personality.
As the Director of Student Success Allison brings a dynamic blend of educational expertise, industry knowledge and a passion for empowering future hairstylists, nail techs and spa industry students.
With 22 years of experience in the beauty and education sectors, Allison is dedicated to guiding students from enrolment to graduation, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed to thrive in their careers. Allison combines her love of hair care, teaching, and family, creating a life full of purpose, joy, and connection.
Beyond the salon, Allison wears many hats! Growing up on her family farm, in a small town community, Allison learned the values of hard work, compassion, and community from an early age. She is the proud mother of three children and has spent the last five years working as a substitute educational assistant and part-time preschool teacher, nurturing young minds with the same care and attention she brings to her styling chair. Known for her kind heart and natural people skills, she cherishes family time, lake life at her cabin, whether relaxing by the water or enjoying an evening around the campfire.
Madison McFadden-Carver
Social Media and Engagement Manager
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Emily Elberg
Team Support Manager
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Emily is a proud graduate of The Salon Professional Academy (formerly The Style Academy), where she completed the Makeup Artistry and Esthetics program in 2020. Since graduating, she has continued expanding her education in the esthetics industry while gaining hands-on experience working in a salon environment. Her passion for beauty goes beyond treatments. She loves helping clients recognize their confidence and embrace the beauty they already possess.
When she’s not in the beauty industry, Emily is an avid traveler who enjoys immersing herself in new cultures and experiences around the world. She’s also a proud dog mom to her Shepherd, Hazel, and has a soft spot for animals of all kinds.
Known for her kind and approachable personality, Emily believes that sometimes the most meaningful part of her work is simply being a listening ear or a helping hand. Whether she’s welcoming students, supporting clients, or connecting with those around her, she strives to make everyone feel valued, comfortable, and confident!
Esthetics Education Team
Megan Mailhot
Esthetics Educator
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Leanne Brown
Advanced Nail Tech Educator
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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.”
Madison McFadden-Carver
Makeup Educator
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Hairstyling Education Team
Gena Kropinak
Hairstyling Educator
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Gena’s 32 year hair journey in the beauty industry began in 1993 when she took her first steps into Richards Beauty College, and left as a proud graduate in July of 1994. After spending 17 years behind the chair, she felt a deep calling to give back to the industry she loved. “I wanted to share my passion with others,” she says—and in 2011, she got that chance when she returned to Richards as an educator.
She spent two formative years under the mentorship of seasoned professionals Carol Scott and Siobhan Loos. Carol, a 30-year veteran at Richards, brought a wealth of experience in men’s and women’s haircutting, having trained extensively under Ciclila Leatherberry, judged as a Platinum Master, and worked with Skills Canada.
With their guidance, Gena was trained to teach texture, design, and cutting techniques—skills she now brings to life as an educator in The Style Academy’s fundamental Hairstyling program.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Gena has completed advanced design and colour training with Redken educators Jorge Jaio and Sean Godard. She is also a Wella-accredited senior colour specialist, a trained waxing technician, and a Red Seal Journeyperson. Today, she serves as The Style Academy’s Academic Advisor, guiding students not only in skill but in mindset.
“As an educator, I’m committed to helping each of my students succeed. Teaching foundational skills can be challenging at first, but watching students grow and thrive is incredible. This industry is rewarding—but it takes dedication, resilience, and heart.”
Gena hopes her impact lasts far beyond the classroom. “In the end, I want my students to think to themselves, ‘Because of you, I never gave up.’”
Nia Dorn
Hairstyling Educator
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Allison Curtis
Hairstyling Educator
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With over 22 years of experience as a hairstylist, Allison has built a thriving career dedicated to helping others feel their best. As the owner of her own salon, Allison brings her passion for hair care directly to her clients, including serving as the trusted hairstylist at several care homes where she is privately contracted for her gentle touch and warm personality.
As the Director of Student Success Allison brings a dynamic blend of educational expertise, industry knowledge and a passion for empowering future hairstylists, nail techs and spa industry students.
With 22 years of experience in the beauty and education sectors, Allison is dedicated to guiding students from enrolment to graduation, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed to thrive in their careers. Allison combines her love of hair care, teaching, and family, creating a life full of purpose, joy, and connection.
Beyond the salon, Allison wears many hats! Growing up on her family farm, in a small town community, Allison learned the values of hard work, compassion, and community from an early age. She is the proud mother of three children and has spent the last five years working as a substitute educational assistant and part-time preschool teacher, nurturing young minds with the same care and attention she brings to her styling chair. Known for her kind heart and natural people skills, she cherishes family time, lake life at her cabin, whether relaxing by the water or enjoying an evening around the campfire.
Casual Hairstyling Education Team
Shaya Henry
Hairstyling Educator
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Chantel Hameluck
Hairstyling & Extensions Educator
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Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Chantel Hameluck is a proud alumni graduate of 2017 with a strong foundation in hairstyling. With a passion for lived in hair colour, curly hair, and extensions. Chantel brings creativity, precision, and enthusiasm to every aspect of her craft.
Chantel has always aspired to be an educator, believing that the best way to grow is to share knowledge with others. Now a dedicated instructor, she continues to evolve in her career by teaching and learning every day. Her mission is to inspire the next generation of stylists with the skills, confidence, and passion they need to thrive in the beauty industry.
When she’s not at The Style Academy, you’ll find Chantel behind the chair working full-time with her loyal clientele. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing at home with her fiancé and their two adorable kitties.
Hanna Davidson
Hairstyling Educator
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Born and raised in Regina, Hanna has always had a passion for making people feel beautiful. Inspired by childhood memories of getting her hair styled by her best friend’s mom, she knew early on that she wanted to be part of an industry that helps people feel confident in their own skin.
After earning her Journeyman Hairstylist certificate, Hanna built a loyal clientele through years of dedication, hard work, and genuine connection- something she considers one of her biggest career milestones. Now, she’s proud to be part of the Shear Escape family, where collaboration and creativity make every day exciting.
Her specialty? All things blonde. Whether it’s a brighttransformation or a subtle, lived-in melt, Hanna loves the artistry and precision of blonding services. The foiling process, she says, is as therapeutic as it is transformative- and she tailors every approach to the unique vision of each guest in her chair.
Clients often say that visiting Hanna feels like catching up with a friend- and that’s exactly the vibe she strives to create. With a deep love for customer service, she ensures everyone leaves not just looking their best, but feeling heard, cared for, and comfortable throughout the process.
When she’s not at the salon, you’ll find her enjoying life with her husband, daughter, and their beloved fur babies. They’re homebodies at heart, but never turn down a good road trip. And if you’re a fellow Harry Potter fan? You’ve already got something in common- she’s watched every film more times than she can count.
Sherylee Vervalcke
Hairstyling Educator
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Sherylee was born and raised in Regina, and completed her cosmetology course at Avant-Garde Beauty College in March 2003. Her interest in beauty and fashion started at a young age, constantly changing her own hairstyles. On her first day of cosmetology school in the spring of 2002, she knew she had finally found her passion in life. After graduating from cosmetology, Sherylee has always believed that continuing her education is the key to satisfied customers and a successful career. Over the past 9 years she has taken a variety of Redken courses throughout Saskatchewan and Ontario. Her defining moment was in 2005 when she participated in a 5 day hands-on course at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Toronto, Ontario.
In 2009 Sherylee showed her commitment to her industry and Shear Escape by becoming a Managing Shareholder in the company. This new journey lead her on a path to learn more about leadership and business which started with a Dale Carnegie Leadership course. This course vastly improved her public speaking, leadership and overall confidence skills.
In the summer of 2012 Sherylee and her husband Frank welcomed their first daughter Olivia and she has kept them busy ever since! Sherylee loves spending time with her family travelling, camping and hanging out in their backyard oasis!
Alison Borowko
Hairstyling Educator
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Alison is the owner and operator of The Room Hair Design. The Room was founded in April of 1986 and Alison took over ownership, in September of 2014. Alison was born and raised in Regina, Sk. and completed her cosmetology schooling in June of 2008 at Richard’s Beauty College. Alison went to high school in Regina at Balfour Collegiate and graduating in 2004. She also attended Bible School with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in 2005 in Perth Australia, carrying out humanitarian work in Cairo, Egypt.
Throughout her career Alison has invested countless hours into additional education both for her creative side and business side. She has attended Leadership and Management training through Dale Carnegie, The Schwarzkopf ASK Academy, Qnity for Aveda, and Aveda Business College. Not to mention countless courses and classes in hair cutting and colouring through Schwarzkopf, Aveda, Redken and The La Biosthetique Academy. Currently she is enjoying being a part of the High Performance Salon Academy, a community of Salon owners throughout Canada and the US pushing each other to grow and change the perception of the Salon and Spa Industry. Alison believes strongly in fostering the growth of the industry and building strong, career focused hair stylists, through mentorship, education and drive. Training and mentoring stylists to aspire to great heights in their career is what she is most passionate about. Alison has also worked at The Style Academy as a Guest Services Educator guiding and instructing up and coming new hair stylists.
Alison enjoys giving back to the community by participating in and coordinating events like ‘Soul Sisters’ raising funds for the YWCA, ‘Catwalk for Water’ in support of WaterAid and more.
Her love for hair started at a very early age, with dolls and barbies of course, but then moved onto experimenting with cutting and styling on pretty much any one that would let her! Her most favorite part of her job is the relationships that she has created with her guests over the past 15+ years and her staff over the past 10+ years. It hardly feels like work when you get to spend the day with such great people.
When Alison is not behind the chair or at the helm of the salon, she spends her time with her husband and two young boys, and will never turn down wine and chats with her closest friends.
Halima Orellana
Advanced Hairstyling Educator
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Jay Fay
Barbering Educator
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Casual Esthetics Education Team
Tasha Rhead
Advanced Esthetics Educator
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As a graduate from Richards Beauty College I have 25 years experience in the aesthetics industry, I’ve built a career rooted in passion, innovation, and resilience. I am one of Regina’s original laser technicians dating back to 2002. Im fortunate to have worked with advanced skin care technologies when they were still new.
For 11 years, I proudly owned and operated my own clinic until the chaos of COVID led me to pivot—bringing my business home and embracing a more personalized, boutique experience for my clients.
In 2024, I launched my own skincare line, TaBella Studio Skin, a brand born from decades of hands-on experience and a true love for helping people glow from the inside out. Alongside running my studio and product line, I teach part-time, sharing my knowledge and mentoring the next generation of skin professionals. My classes include Dermaplaning, Chemical Peels, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Skin Resurfacing (IPL) & Body/Face contouring using Radio Frequency.
While I’m proud of every milestone in my professional journey, my greatest success will always be my marriage and family. They are the heart behind everything I do!
Krista Braithwaite
Advanced Esthetics Educator
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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.
Sun Bright Saw
Esthetics & Advanced Waxing Educator
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April Lu
Lash Educator
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We Are Mentors. Creators. Industry Leaders
At The Style Academy, you’ll learn from more than instructors— you’ll be guided by a team of award-winning professionals who live and breathe the beauty industry. Our educators are active entrepreneurs, salon owners, spa managers, freelance artists, and event creators. They bring real- world expertise into the classroom every day, sharing their passions, specialties, and up-to-date industry insights to help you grow—not just as a student, but as a future professional.
We believe the best education comes from those still shaping the industry. That’s why many of our educators continue to work behind the chair, backstage, on set, or in business—ensuring our students stay current with trends, tools, and techniques. Your journey starts here—with a team committed to your success. Because the best way to learn the industry is from those shaping it.
