The most two important days in your life are the day your born and the day you find out why.
– Mark Twain.
Finding out what you love to do in life is one thing; having the courage to pursue your dream is another. When you have a great support group, it can make it a whole lot easier.
Regan Wasson
Hair Artist
Instagram: @reganthehairkitten
Glow Hair Studio | Ottawa ON
(Update: Following the closure of the Dalhousie location of Texture Hair Salon, Regan is now co-owner of her own shop.)
What drove you to pursue a career in the beauty industry?
The beauty industry has always inspired me, I love the creativity and art behind it.
When I was younger I always used art as a form of expressing myself. As I got older and started looking through fashion magazines, I began to notice that hair was an art form on its own. The hairstyles used color and shape to create something stunning. It was a no-brainer for me after that.
I knew I had to be a part of this industry.
The only source of knowledge is experience.
– Albert Einstein
You work at a salon with a very strong brand and culture. How has this experience helped shape you as an artist?
It has been such an amazing opportunity for me, I am surrounded by such passion and love every day, we really are like a family at Texture.
It has made me think differently about what I’m capable of since I have been at Texture I have accomplished so much.
I have people who believe in me and push me.
It’s unreal the amount of talent we have under one roof and I’m blessed to be a part of it.
Instagram: @reganthehairkitten
Over the years, do you find social media has inspired clients to think outside the box when it comes to hairstyles?
Definitely. I think it gives people a chance to be inspired by hair. They see someone rocking a hair color or cut and say “I want that”. I love how it gives people an eye into what I do for a living, they get to see endless possibilities with their hair.
Instagram: @reganthehairkitten
You have competed in Sebastian Professional’s What’s Next and Wella Professionals’ TrendVision – both very different approaches to hair artistry. Which one do you most identify with?
Trend Vision hands down! It is the chance to have a complete artistic vision and you get to see it come to life right in front of you. It is the competition that has slowly shaped me as an artist and made me realize everything is possible. You get to work with these insanely talented mentors that only want to see you succeed.
It is the most amazing experience, I look forward to it every year!
Instagram: @reganthehairkitten
How did it feel to be named as a finalist for Canada in the 2017 North American TrendVision Awards (NATVA)?
It was an indescribable feeling.
At the semi-finals in Toronto, I remember looking at all the talent in that room. I thought there was no way I was going to make it to the next round. I had two team members with me in my category. When the finalist got announced, we all got called up one after the other!
We were all walking up to the stage looking back at each other thinking how crazy is this?
It was an unreal feeling!
It is one of the things I am most proud of in my career as a stylist. I still look back at it and think “wow – I really did that” it’s crazy.
You were able to experience NATVA with three other members of your team. Did having them there help ease the nerves?
Yes, I don’t know if I could have done it without them. We actually ended up having most of the Texture team there. Even my parents came along for the ride to see me compete nationally for the first time.
I had quite a big support system cheering me along and it definitely made the experience a lot easier. Having my team, my family, and my mentors there definitely made a huge difference to me!
Instagram: @reganthehairkitten
Participating in competitions allows you to network with other Stylists in the industry. Do you find these experiences help you grow as an artist?
Absolutely! When I got to L.A, my jaw dropped at the talent I saw. Just getting to watch these amazing artists work is reason enough to want to be there. I practically bowed to Puerto Rico when I watched them style their models, it was incredible to see first hand.
It was definitely a huge learning experience being with the best stylists in Canada – the room was bursting with creativity. I evolved as an artist once I stepped into that room.
….anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.
– Misty Copeland
Your Father has been very supportive of your career; he even flew down to LA to cheer you on at the NATVA. What has his support meant to you?
When he found out I was a finalist he said “so when are they giving you your trophy?”
His support means everything to me, I love him so much. He is definitely my biggest supporter and my #1 fan. My dad has always supported me 100% and never doubted my decision to pursue my dreams.
I can’t forget to mention my mom – she hand sewed the outfit for my model at the live competition. She is the most amazing selfless person in the world. I am so unbelievably proud to have parents like them, they have even become like family to the Texture team.
They give me the courage to compete and do what I love. I pick up my scissors everyday to make them proud and do what I do best.
Instagram: @reganthehairkitten
Do you have a daily beauty routine?
Moisturization is key for me lately with the winters in Ottawa. As a hair stylist I probably shouldn’t say this but I have to wash my hair every day or I don’t feel complete.
What are some of your personal hair and make-up must haves?
For my hair | I need my Evo Fabuloso Platinum Conditioner. My hair is fine and blonde so I don’t use too much product in it other than my Nioxin Diamax Spray at the roots to keep it looking full and healthy and my Kevin Murphy Smooth Again on the ends to protect it from my hot tools.
For makeup | If I don’t have my lashes done I need mascara, I won’t leave the house without it.
Instagram: @reganthehairkitten
How would you describe your personal style?
Chances are if it has a pom pom on it or is soft and fluffy I own it. My wardrobe has a lot of pastels and black, and I don’t mind a little bit of sparkle here and there.
If I could raid anyone’s closet it would be the “Chanels” from Scream Queens I think their style is so cute and classy.
What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?
I think it’s a tie between getting my lashes done and getting a pedicure at the spa.
Finally – what three words describe you best?
Witty, creative and funny. Anyone that knows me will tell you I love to joke around and have fun, I don’t take myself too seriously!
HAIR. BEAUTY. FASHION.
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