From 2016

Interview with Laine Dagneau

July 24, 2016

Lets start with the basics. In a nutshell, can you tell us what you do?

I provide quality, high-end hair and makeup services throughout British Columbia and also world wide destinations, since 2006.

How did you get to where you are today?

Hard work, education, persistence and a lot of encouragement around me.

What is your favorite part about being a professional hair/makeup artist?

Helping others feel their best while hearing their stories. I enjoy the creativity, and the constantly evolving industry inspires me to continue to learn and grow as an artist.

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome as a hair/makeup artist?

Not spending all of my money on products – serious product junkie – it comes with the territory ha ha.

What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?

When clients feel comfortable enough to share their story in a safe environment – often crying, but when they leave smiling saying they feel and look their best. When they let me know I have found a solution to an issue in their life – that is the best complement received. Exceptional service is going above and beyond just a skill – when the clients are genuinely cared for, that makes a difference and good changes happen.

If you could give your younger self any advice for going after your dreams, what would it be?

Be efficient without lacking quality- this takes persistence, patience and perseverance (and A LOT of practice). Always keep evolving and learning new techniques – never stop growing in your creativity.

Photo Credit: LINDSAY SKEANS PHOTOGRAPHY

As individuals, we’re defined by so much more than our careers and professions. What kinds of things do you do in your spare time?

Shooting hoops (basketball), working out, growing spiritually, spending time with my niece, family and friends. I eat A LOT and love learning new recipes.

What do you value most about your career as a professional makeup artist/ hairstylist?

Helping others in every way possible- looking at the big picture and overall experience. To be reliable, intuitive, calming and give exceptional quality of service.

Original Image: ROYCE SIHLIS PHOTOGRAPHY

What is your biggest/proudest accomplishment in your career thus far?

My biggest accomplishment would have to be in the whole process of the journey. Obtaining 5 years of education in different trades becoming a “Jane of all trades” but still remaining hungry to learn more. I’m a Licensed Hairstylist, Certified Makeup Artist, Administrative Assistant (bookkeeper), 1 year Counselling and Caregiving, and have my Social Media Strategist Certificate (to name a few). It was a very humbling experience my first year back in Kamloops being nominated for two Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the community.

Okay and finally, what are your top 3 favorite beauty products?

Skincare is so important for a good makeup foundation. Often with trials I recommend a daily routine to my brides so their skin is prepped for the wedding day. My daily routine always includes Clinique All About Eyes eye cream, Anastasia Dipbrow and NARS tinted moisturizer.

Say hello to Laine:

www.facebook.com/Laine-Dagneau-Hairstylist-Makeup-Artist

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England Travel Diaries

May 29, 2016

Hello my sweet friends! I’m finally back from my England holiday and let me tell you, two weeks away from blogging was WAY too long! There are so many exciting things that I want to share with you about my trip, so if you’re planning to travel to England or the UK, you do not want to miss the goods in this post!

How many times have you heard someone say, “I’d love to travel, but I just don’t have the time.” or “I really want to go on vacation, but I’m too busy.” I’ve personally said both of these statements and the truth is, there is never a perfect time to travel or go on vacation; you just have to book your flight and go with it. So that’s what we did last September when we found really cheap flights to England with WestJet. It was a “if we don’t do it now, we never will” kind of thing. And, boy am I ever glad we did!

Trip Summary

The whole reason we picked England in the first place is because it’s actually where Alex was born and grew up as a kid. (Yes, I have a cheeky British boy on my hands). He always wanted to show me the place he called home and visit all the stops along the way. 14 days later, we could have easily called England home forever.

We started our journey in London and spent about 4 days seeing as much as we possibly could before venturing onwards. (FYI: If you’ve never been to London before, the more time you can spend there, the better) From there we took the train into Yorkshire and stayed in Alex’s hometown of Halifax. The next day we rented a car (yes, we braved the mad English roads and survived to tell the tale) and visited a tiny little village called Hebden Bridge, which immediately stole our hearts. From there we hopped back on the train and headed for Manchester. As much as we loved this city, we were unfortunately among the 70,000 people evacuated from the Old Trafford stadium and sadly missed the match. From Manchester we took the train north, all the way into Newcastle and Sunderland. Both cities had the most gorgeous coasts and beaches – we could have stayed there forever. The last leg of our trip took us back to London, this time staying in Wimbledon.

Part 1: London

Oh London, where do I start? First off we stayed at the Marriott Hotel County Hall which was basically a dream. I highly recommend this hotel; the staff were incredible, the room and breakfast service were 10/10 and the history of the building really made it special. It was also right next to the London Eye and was walking distance from all the tourist hotspots. Because our time was limited, we had to pick and choose what we wanted to see and leave some things out. We checked out Piccadilly Circus, Downing Street, Regent Street, Oxford Street (BEST shopping ever), Buckingham Palace, St. James Park, Covent Garden, took Big Bus Tours to the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and lastly East London.

We also ventured into East London, which is boasting with unique and vibrant culture and is filled to the brim with street markets. Walking around in East London is like switching gears from designer bags and trench coats to a really eclectic yet trendy underground culture with building after building covered in the most amazing street art. We first checked out Old Spitalfields Market on Commercial Street, then Brick Lane where we discovered Dark Sugars truffle shop and Cereal Killer Cafe (also the same area as Jack the Ripper murders – crazy stuff!) then to BOXPARK Market Place in Shoreditch (which has the best Diptique boutique and if it wasn’t for baggage weight, I would have gone candle crazy), and lastly we had the most amazing curry feast at Zaza’s.

When we returned to London at the end of our trip, we stayed in Wimbledon and had so much fun exploring there. We highly recommend stopping in for a drink (or to eat if you make a reservation) at the Earl Spencer. Their ½ Pint of Home Smoked Atlantic Prawns were out of this world. They also have quite the impressive collection of British gins. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Wimbledon area.

Can you spot my squirrelly friend?

A Few Tips…

1. Make friends with the locals. Yes, even if they are squirrels. Disclaimer: I’m fully aware this squirrel could have bitten me… but he didn’t because I shared my granola bar with him. Win.

2. While in London, one must eat a 99 with a Flake

3. An umbrella should be with you at all times, no exceptions

4. Don’t forget to fall in love with the night

Thanks for reading everyone! If you have any questions about my stay in London, I’d love to answer! xo

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3 things I’ve learned from moving to a new city

April 24, 2016

At some point in our lives we experience the adventure of moving. Whether its across the globe for a job or even to a new neighbourhood within the city, people move from place to place all the time.

Personally, I love moving and find it quite exciting! I love having new surroundings and starting “fresh” in an environment that’s unfamiliar yet so inviting at the same time. Regardless if you LOVE moving or despise everything about it, moving can be a real shock to the system (especially if it’s a far one). It can take us out of our comfort zones, away from our circle of familiarity, and challenge our definition of “home”.

Having moved to a new city only a month ago, I’ve made a quick list of the top 3 things I’ve learned thus far in my experience. Although calling Kelowna home hasn’t been a walk in the park, these 3 tips have helped me in times of uncertainty while finding my new definition of home

1. take your time

This is probably one of the most frustrating parts about getting used to a new place. Learning all the streets, routes, one-ways, quickest way to work, where to get the best pancakes, what daycare to take your kids to and so on… Like how much better would it be if you could get a manual with all this stuff? Well until that happens, take your sweet time while getting to know this new place called home and you’ll eventually get there. In your spare time, go out and explore and make notes of what you see. Is this city family oriented? Are there inviting public spaces or sketchy places you want to avoid? What are the people like? In time you’ll be able to naturally flow from one day to the next without even thinking about it.

2. find likeminded people

Depending on what your definition of likeminded is, it can mean a lot of things. Likeminded in personality, interests, style, etc. If you don’t know a soul in your area and you’re an avid cross-fitter, try checking out the CrossFit gyms around town and you’re bound to find a group of people you can connect with. If you’re into coffee shop vibes and chilling out with a latte, scout out all of the coffee shops in the area and again, you’re bound to find one that fits with your personality. It doesn’t hurt to make friends with a barista either, just saying. Lastly, I recommend finding organizations that do day-trips to fun places (like wineries in the summer or mountains/ski hills in the winter) and go on a trip that interests you. Yes, by yourself. I’ve done this on a few different occasions and every time I’ve met a ton of new people and made friends I never would have met otherwise.

3. be yourself

I saved the most important one for last. This one is huge, people. Moving to a new place can mess with your head, for lack of a better term. What I mean by this is that in all the excitement of your new home and starting fresh, there is always pressure, to some degree, to fit in. Fitting in isn’t the problem, it’s conforming to the standards and expectations of your surroundings that can be harmful and may go unnoticed. No matter where you move to or find yourself, never stop being the unique, weird and quirky person that you are. You have a unique set of personality traits that should never be hidden away or suppressed. “It’s much easier to love yourself when you are being yourself.” (Dan Coppersmith)

3 things i've learned from moving to a new city

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Have you moved to a new city recently? What was your experience like? Do you have any tips for adjusting to a new home? I’d love for you to let me know in the comments below!

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