“Colour will always be my focus. My work is known for simplicity. Editorial. I like clean, beautiful shapes. I prefer not to overstyle the hair and let the colour and shine be the focal point.”
Michelle Pargee
What country are you from, and where do you reside?
A small coastal beach community called Sechelt is on the west coast of Canada.
Title of what you do and if you are aligned with a brand or company.
I was an artist with Goldwell for 15 years. I am still affiliated with Goldwell but am now an independent artist.
Education background (school, salons, self-taught)?
I have spent forty-two years as a hairstylist/colourist. Went to Vancouver Vocational Institute for 2 years in salon apprenticeship after my Mother’s salon. I have always believed in education. I took all the classes I could afford to. I still love education!
What is the first creative project that you remember?
I entered a love haircutting competition when I was still an apprentice. Placed 2nd. Loved it. I was hooked. The salon I was at also did local hair show events in places like pubs for the community. That’s where I first realized how creative we could be.
Without creative outlets, I would become bored with my career. They are the outlet we do for ourselves.
What is your signature style/artistic expression of your work?
Colour will always be my focus. My work is known for simplicity. Editorial. I like clean, beautiful shapes. I prefer not to overstyle the hair and let the colour and shine be the focal point.
What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or someone you have worked with?
Doing a segment of the Contessa show called “Tokyo After Dark” (it’s still on YouTube) was definitely a career-high.
Spending time with Sharon Blaine in her 4-day boot camp in 2015 was also a career-high. Best class ever.
Do you have a career turning point, big break, or person who has helped your career
Winning my first two Contessa awards in 2009 changed my career and life. I was 43. That year, I won Master Colourist and Canadian Colourist. I also won the opportunity to compete at what was then called Color Zoom with Goldwell.
It came at a time when I was very unhappy personally and professionally. I learned that year I can accomplish anything I am willing to work hard for. Fearlessly. I have never looked back.
What was the scariest and proudest moment in your career?
So many great memories and experiences. Despite any awards I have won, coaching others to achieve a goal or win an award will always be a high feeling. This past fall, I coached nine stylists in Canada and the US who won awards and Global Creative Awards in Chicago. I knew my mentorees had done well, but I never imagined we would win so many. That was a big night. Cried my eyes out. Later that fall, several people I coached became Contessa finalists, and two won. I have one salon team member and one who is a finalist for Hair Colour at NAHA. I’m very excited about that. Also, I am excited to be a current finalist for this year’s NAHA Master.
What is next for your career goals?
As a newly independent artist/mentor, I want to keep helping others achieve their goals. I will still work with Goldwell salons but also want to reach a larger group of stylists and colourists. This is my purpose. To teach others how to create winning collections.
What advice would you give to someone starting the hair business?
Find a mentor! Someone who gets you. Someone you admire. Volunteer to help with shows and photo shoots. Take all the classes you can afford (a reasonable budget is 10% of your annual income). Don’t worry about winning. Worry about improving. Let go of your ego and just take chances. There is no failure. Only lessons.
Instagram: @michellepargee
