Love your Life. Love Your Hair. Love Your Planet.
These nine words sum up the philosophy of Dana Lyseng, the multi-award winning stylist and owner of North Vancouver’s stellar Supernova Salon. As a National Artist for Wella Professional and with a handful of Contessa and Mirror Awards in her personal trophy cabinet, Dana knows what makes a successful stylist. Which is why it makes perfect sense that her Salon’s gravitational pull has attracted six Blanche Macdonald Pro Hair graduates into the team.
“I love Blanche grads,” explains Dana. “The extra time they’ve spent learning really shows. Learning to be a hairdresser can be challenging, so the more time they have to learn the better. Blanche graduates have skill as well as a strong understanding of salon life and the industry.”
I love Blanche grads. The extra time they’ve spent learning really shows. Blanche graduates have skill as well as a strong understanding of salon life and the industry.
We asked the Super Six to sum up why they love their jobs. Here’s what they told us.
Hair is an extremely rewarding career. You get to meet so many different and amazing people.
Travis Battaglia (Master Stylist)
Hometown?
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
Why choose hairstyling as a career?
I like to help people have the confidence to feel as beautiful as they are.
Favourite memory from your time at Blanche Macdonald?
How warm and welcoming all the staff were and how much they wanted me to succeed. The Blanche name alone opens up a lot of opportunities when it comes to getting hired at high-end luxury salons and getting into different industries. It helped me become an educator for three global companies Wella, Nioxin and Sebastian.
Favourite things about working at Supernova?
The education and how it feels like a family, not just co-workers.
One hair product you couldn’t live or work without?
Sebastian Shaper Zero Gravity Hairspray. Instant dry, no weight. It’s great in my personal life and a must for competitive photo shoots.
Dream celebrity client?
Gillian Anderson. I’m an X-Files geek! A woman sat in my chair with long golden blonde hair and we started talking about what she did for work. She said, “I’m an actress.” I did a double take and realized it was the Gillian Anderson. Like her, most of the celebrities I have worked with have been so humble. I’ve worked with Pamela Anderson, backstage at Lady Gaga concerts, at the Vancouver Olympics and with the Whitecaps and Canucks. It’s all been a blast!
Best advice?
Hair is an extremely rewarding career. You get to meet so many different and amazing people. You never stop learning so it’s hard to get bored. And you get to build so many long-term friendships!
It’s a career that will give you things you never thought possible.
Hometown?
Vancouver, BC
Why choose hairstyling as a career?
I was looking for a fulfilling profession that was fun and different every day. One where I could hone in on my artistic side and creativity.
Favourite memory from your time at Blanche Macdonald?
Watching the consultation video that ultimately led me to Supernova. Dana was in it and I wrote her name down on a sheet in my binder. I did my second round of work experience here, and the rest is history.
Favourite things about working at Supernova?
The educational environment that Dana has created. I feel inspired every day.
One hair product you couldn’t live or work without?
OLAPLEX! I live for colour corrections and Olaplex allows me to push the boundaries of hair.
Dream Clients?
This will sound cheesy, but my current clients are my dream clients. I work hard at living in the moment and being grateful for the reality I have manifested.
Favourite Instagram account for hair inspiration?
@behindthechair_com. I enjoy the variety of work they share.
Best advice?
Stay humble every step of the way. Once you envision the hair life you want, it’ll take time, but you will get there. It’s a career that will give you things you never thought possible, but don’t forget where you started.
Get a job in a salon as soon as possible, even if it’s just sweeping or answering phones. There’s nothing like real life experience and the sensation of working on a busy weekend.
Hometown?
North Vancouver, BC
Why choose hairstyling as a career?
There was a month long hairstyling section on a makeup program I was taking. I enjoyed it and felt like learning hair was coming naturally to me. I applied to the Pro Hair program at Blanche and never looked back.
Favourite memory from your time at Blanche Macdonald?
Meeting people: teachers, students, everyone!
Favourite things about working at Supernova?
There’s no competition here. No one would ever say, “This is my client!” Everyone helps everyone. All the Master and Senior Stylists are educators and help the newer staff. That creates a relaxed vibe for clients and employees. Also, Dana is one of the most thoughtful people I’ve had the pleasure of working for!
One hair product you couldn’t live or work without?
Anything from Kérastase!
Favourite Instagram account for hair inspiration?
Best advice?
Get a job in a salon as soon as possible, even if it’s just sweeping or answering phones. There’s nothing like real life experience and the sensation of working on a busy weekend.
Hairstyling is very much about the relationships you build and I have amazing clients that I adore.
Hometown?
Campbell River, BC
Why choose hairstyling as a career?
I needed a career after being a stay-at-home Mom for eight years. Hairstyling was creative, flexible and had my love of beauty at the forefront. Hairstyling is like playing with grown up Barbie dolls; you fix people’s hair and help them feel better when they walk out the door.
Favourite memory from your time at Blanche Macdonald?
The instructors and the people I met!
Favourite things about working at Supernova?
We’re very much a family at Supernova. I love the people I work with. We’re all friends. We collaborate and help one another but mainly we all support and are there for each other. Being a team makes going to work each day so much fun.
One hair product you couldn’t live or work without?
Anything from Kérastase. Their Chronologiste line is my one true love when it comes to products and the Blond Absolu is a close second.
Dream client?
My chair is filled with so many dream clients already. Hairstyling is very much about the relationships you build and I have amazing clients that I adore! At the same time, I’d love to do Blake Lively’s hair because it’s gorgeous!
Favourite Instagram account for hair inspiration?
@hairbychrissydanielle. She does the most beautiful blondes.
Best advice?
Be patient and open to learning. It’s a business that’s about growth, whether it’s growing your skills over time or growing your client list. There’s always something new to learn.
Everyone is incredibly supportive and willing to guide you in the right direction while still allowing you to make your own choices.
Hometown?
Red Deer, Alberta
Why choose hairstyling as a career?
I loved the idea that I could help someone to feel like the best version of themselves by simply giving them hair tailored for them.
Favourite memory from your time at Blanche Macdonald?
The extensions class taught by Crystal [Morgan]. She was incredibly thorough but also fun. We always jammed to good music while we learned the intricacies of braiding and extensions.
Favourite things about working at Supernova?
The team environment! Everyone is incredibly supportive and willing to guide you in the right direction while still allowing you to make your own choices.
One hair product you couldn’t live or work without?
R+Co’s Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Spray!
Ultimate style icons?
Gigi Hadid and Zendaya.
Favourite Instagram account for hair inspiration?
Best advice?
You have to be willing to constantly be learning. Being a hairstylist can be creative, collaborative and fun, but the moment you decide you know it all, it becomes stagnant. Always try to be your best self and keep pushing yourself forward.
If studying hair is something you've thought about for a while, just do it!.
Hometown?
North Vancouver, BC
Why choose hairstyling as a career?
I’ve always been interested in hair and loved experimenting with my own. A hairstyling career is a way to blend my creative personality with my love of working with my hands.
Favourite memory from your time at Blanche Macdonald?
The creative photo shoots we got to do were probably my favourite moments, but I was part of a wonderful class where I made great friends and had a lot of fun.
Favourite things about working at Supernova?
The camaraderie! There’s a commitment to education and fostering growth in new talent.
One hair product you couldn’t live or work without?
Dry Shampoo! It’s great for extending the life of your hair between washes or adding some grit and texture back into clean hair.
Ultimate style icon?
Miley Cyrus. She can do anything!
Favourite Instagram account for hair inspiration?
Best advice?
If studying hair is something you’ve thought about for a while, just do it! There are so many directions you can take it. You’ll never know unless you try!
