Related Photos

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  Durham Hairstylist Academy student Victoria Tomorchio shows off her skills during the Female Freestyle Showcase at the “About That Cut” hairstyling and barbering event at G.L. Roberts CVI.
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  Professional Hairstylist and Durham Hairstylist Academy OYAP Level 1 graduate Star Jackman showcases her talent at the first ever “About That Cut” hairstyling and barbering event.
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  Durham Hairstylist Academy Instructor Mykaël Jackman and G.L. Roberts CVI Teacher Annalise Bourke organized the first ever “About That Cut” hairstyling and barbering showcase and conference.
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  L-R: G.L. Roberts CVI students Aliviah Williams, Sierra Gunn, and Aurion Meers say they attended “About That Cut” to learn more about how to dye hair without damaging it.

DDSB students get an inside look into what it takes to pursue a career in barbering and hairstyling

“We have approximately 200 attendees, which includes elementary and secondary students and staff from across the Durham District School Board (DDSB),” Mykaël Jackman, Durham Hairstylist Academy (DHA) Instructor, says proudly.

Jackman and Annalise Bourke, a teacher at G.L. Roberts Collegiate Vocational Institute and DHA Instructor, teamed up to organize a hairstyling and barbering industry showcase and conference entitled “About That Cut.” The first ever event was hosted at G.L. Roberts CVI on November 4^th and was open to all interested students and staff in the DDSB.

“We want to Ignite Learning about hairstyling, and to make sure students see living proof that they can be really successful in the trades, and specifically in barbering or hairstyling,” adds Jackman.

From 10 am to 2 pm, attendees heard from guest speakers who are industry professionals, watched intently as barbers showcased their talents on stage, had their pressing questions answered, and much more.

In the Female Freestyle Showcase, five barbers showed off their skill and talent in barbering short hair. Victoria Tomorchio, a DHA student, says that at first blending shorter hair into longer hair was challenging, but thanks to the Academy she can now do it easily. She has become an expert.

One of the many inspirational guest speakers was Omar Anderson, owner of “O” Cuts Master Barbers in Ajax. Anderson has been in the barbering business for 25 years, and has styled the likes of Damon Stoudamire (also known as Mighty Mouse) and a few other notable Toronto Raptors players. Anderson’s overall message to students was, “It’s all about the positive energy. When you have someone sit in your barber chair, and you make them look good on the outside, they’re going to feel good on the inside. You’re making their whole day.”

He adds, “This is a business, and you can definitely make a great living doing it.”

Over the course of the day, topics such as building a hairstyling business, direction for the future, gaining clientele, and the art of barbering were addressed.

DHA also had a booth set up just outside of the lecture theatre, where interested students could access more information about pursuing the program.

DHA (located inside G.L. Roberts CVI in Oshawa) offers a Hairstylist Apprenticeship program to Grade 12 DDSB students, as well as adult hairstylist apprentices. Chosen applicants can complete an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) or Adult Apprenticeship.

Jackman concludes, “Many times, this is how it starts for students. You see something that sparks an interest in you, and you think ‘I could do that.’ I hope they gain another option to take home with them.”