From a young age, Karla understood the transformative power of a good haircut. Since our interview, her career has undergone a few changes, but her passion for hair remains as strong as ever. Here is our interview with Karla Fredeen.
Karla Fredeen
Hairstylist and Makeup Artist
When did you first realize you wanted to become a hairstylist?
Oh, right from as far back as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to be a hairstylist. I remember getting my hair done as a kid and just looking in awe as she would cut away. There was something about the sound of the scissors cutting the hair that intrigued me, and of course the cool chairs that spun around in circles! Lol. I remember seeing people come in and then leave with a different sense of confidence. It was amazing to see the transformations. That’s what got me.
Where did you start your career?
My first salon job was where I got my prom hair done actually! It was at an amazing salon in the east end of Ottawa called Salon Elegance. I figured I would ask while I was there just on a whim, and to my surprise, they hired me on the spot! I had explained to them that I was going to be starting hair school at Versailles Academy in a month, so they put me on full time until I started school, and then supported me on part time while I went to school. They were amazing! They started training me on colors, shampooing, and the basics right away. I’ve always appreciated them for that.
How important is it for a Stylist to keep up their education and be on top of all the latest trends?
It’s everything! In my opinion, its what defines a modern day stylist from just a day to day hairdresser. Hair is part of the fashion industry, and fashion is constantly evolving into something new and different. How can you educate somebody on something that you haven’t been educated on yourself? It’s like a doctor never learning about new medications, or new diseases. The world is always changing, and we need to change too.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the industry who would it be and why?
That’s a tough one! I would have to say my hair idol would be Fabio Sementilli. He just has this passion for hair and the industry in general.
He is always smiling, and positive, and for myself, that’s what really gets through to me.
He’s a very inspirational person, and has so much knowledge in the hair industry that I know I would learn a ton. GO FAB GO!
You’ve changed your look over the years – do you find clients are more willing to be adventurous with cut and color, when they have a Stylist that likes to experiment with their own hair?
I find most people in general come in knowing what they want, they sometimes just need a little help in the right direction. My hair has definitely been an inspiration for some though, that’s for sure! I hear often enough, I want your color, or I want your type of curl! That’s when I get excited for the change and just consult on tweaking things to suit their skin, eye color, and face shape.
You’ve traveled to New York City, Toronto, Las Vegas and Montreal with the Texture team. What is the best part of those trips?
Well the learning experience would be first for sure! It’s always very inspiring going to places like these and learning from the best of the best! I always come back recharged and excited to recreate what I learned. Next would be the bonding experience that I had with my family, because these guys aren’t just my coworkers, they really are my family. We are all so different, but somehow fit so well together. We’ve got each others backs! I’m tearing up just telling you about it! I LOVE YOU GUYS! Lol.
Wella Professional’s Trend Vision Awards is an elite hair competition. How excited are you about being name a Canadian semi-finalist in the 2014 Trend Vision Awards competition? What inspired your look?
Ah soooo excited! You have no idea! It’s almost surreal to think I made top 15 in all of Canada! That’s crazy!!! Lol. What inspired me was the futuristic, alien-like look behind the Borderline Beauty trend. I tried to envision where I thought hair was going to be 50 years from now, and BAM, that’s what I came up with.
What is the best thing about going into work every day?
Hands down, making people feel good about themselves. Not only with the hair, but sometimes just letting them vent, or have an uplifting conversation.
I love showing people the beauty in themselves no matter what it is.
I don’t think people do this enough. It’s amazing how something as simple as a compliment can make someone’s face light up. It’s contagious. I love that feeling. Also, I love seeing the people I work with. I’m so lucky I get to work with my best friends daily. How many people get to say that.
Since we are fashion and beauty blog, would you mind answering a few personal questions?
Not at all – ask away!
Do you have a daily beauty routine?
Oh yes! It always starts with a healthy breakfast and I try for 3 days a week of exercise! When your healthy, your beauty shines through! Then, a nice fresh shower followed by my makeup first. I’m obsessed with the TIGI makeup line right now! It’s amazing stuff! Then I save the best for last! The hair. I blow dry round brush style my hair everyday. Lately I’m into putting some clip in extensions in for the days I want longer hair, or I just rock my bob, depending on my mood. That’s the fun with hair, you can look however you feel like that day! It’s so versatile.
Let’s hear some of your favorites:
piece of clothing you own: jeggings
place to shop for clothes: anywhere!
hair product: Sebastien Whipped Crème
make up must haves: Every M.A.C. lipstick color alive! Personal favorite classic for years though – Ruby Woo.
Do you have any beauty or fashion pet peeves?
Girls with long dead hair that don’t cut it! I used to be one of those girls holding on to the length even though it was dead and stringy and full of split ends! Not anymore though, it looks awful! CUT IT!! Lol It will grow back healthy, and in the mean time, that’s what extensions are for.
How would you describe your personal style?
Well my style icon right now would be Lana del Rey. I love mixing girly things, with a little bit of a, how do you say, street edge. I love my hoop earrings with almost everything!
If money was no object – what designers would be in your dream closet?
Honestly, I’m not much of a brand name kinda girl. I’m just all about if I like the style or not, I don’t really care who made it.
What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?
I love going to the Nordic Spa with my bestie! Shout out to Suzanne Pack! I think we’re overdue!
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
Probably Sweden. I have Swedish blood and I would love to experience the true culture and meet family I have never met before. It’s always cool to see where your ancestors came up from.
Finally give us three words that describe you best.
Honestly, this was the hardest question yet! I had to get a friend to help me with this one, but I think I would go with: artistic, curious, and loyal.