From 2016

Interview with Laine Dagneau

Laine Dagneau Makeup Artist - FemmeSquad Interview - www.femmesociety.ca

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.

Laine Dagneau Makeup Artist - FemmeSquad Interview - www.femmesociety.ca

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.

never stop growing in your creativity - Laine Dagneau

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

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

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

___

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!

you are beautiful

Eyelet and Mesh Shift Dress - Gap | www.femmesociety.ca | Photography by Royce Sihlis

There’s something so awakening with the feeling of spring. Everything feels so much more vibrant and alive. One of my absolute favourite things about spring is seeing all the gorgeous cherry and magnolia trees in bloom.

In addition to my previous blog post about my favourite ways to welcome and feel rejuvenated this spring, I thought that spring should also be welcomed with a little beauty of our own; self-love. With busy work schedules, families, kids, and everything in-between, how often do we stop and take time for ourselves once a day, once a week, or even once a month? I had the pleasure of spending some time last week at a workshop hosted by a lovely woman by the name of Jenny McKinney. Some of you in the Okanagan may know her as a makeup goddess but I’ll tell you, she taught us so much more than the power of false lashes and contouring. Jenny made us feel welcomed but beyond that, she made us feel important. She congratulated us on taking a few hours that day to pamper ourselves by attending the workshop and for investing time and love in ourselves. And most of all, we celebrated the beauty of a group of women coming together, who are more alike than different.

Whether it’s an afternoon pedicure, an evening bubble bath, sipping a glass of your favourite pinot noir, or even a kids-free trip to the grocery store, set side some time this week to do one thing that is just for you. I want you to tell yourself that you are beautiful, that you are deserving and most of all, loved. For me, showing myself love was purchasing this little white dress simply because it made me feel beautiful. 

When was the last time you did something just for you? Even if it was yesterday (in which case, keep it up!) I want you to set aside some time this week to do whatever it is that makes you feel beautiful, intelligent, safe, alive, loved, and all the adjectives in between. Practice doing more acts of self-love in your weekly and daily routines to sustain your self-confidence and your inner light. Want some ideas for acts of self-love? Email me at hello@femmesociety.ca and I’d love to give you some inspiration.

Spring love | www.femmesociety.ca | Photography by Royce Sihlis
ROYCE SIHLIS PHOTGRAPHY