To All the Boss's I've Loved Before

Over the course of my life, I've had many bosses. Some of which I recognize as true leaders, and some I maybe learned more lessons on what NOT to do from. Honestly, no matter my experience with them, I am always thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow from those around me, regardless of the example they may be setting. Watching people in leadership rolls over the years has really helped me to hone in on the type of leader I aspire to be.

I think the first time I had a boss whom I really looked up to, was when I was pumping gas at the local Co-op back in my home town. The woman who hired me was one of the first examples of a "bad bitch" I think I've ever seen, She was someone who was so confident in who she was, and had the gall to "shoot the shit" with all the middle aged white men in our area - a skill I wasn't super great at as a young, closeted boy. I mean, this woman could help you pick the right oil filter for your car, mix up paint for your renovation, pump your gas, or jump start your car, all while maintaining a perfect manicure.

Klay and Kara at SFW in 2016

Kara Fucking Firman. If you have followed me on social media at any point in the last 8 years of my life, you'll know this particular boss is incredibly special to me. Kara has taught me many of the things I now know about the beauty industry. She is an educator, a salon owner, a stylist, she sits on the trade board back in Saskatchewan, and she also owns Saskatoon's most popular Suite Rental location for professional creatives. I also need to mention this woman has done all of this well before age 40. She is one of the savviest business women I have ever came into contact with. The amount of respect I have for her is disgusting. Kara is almost like family to me - we joke that I'm like a third child to her and her husband, Dave - even though they're more similar in age to my cousins. I think my favourite story to tell about Kara is the one where she asked me to help her move an old washing machine. It sounded simple enough. She made it look simple too, even though this bitch literally carried that washing machine up the rackety old back staircase of that salon, in Ivanka Trump stilletos (pre MAGA), WHILE GOING BACKWARDS, in one of the most restricting pencil skirts I have ever seen. She also once got her platform boot stick in her steering wheel while air guitaring and almost killed 2/3 of the Guide Hair Salon staff on the way to a hair show, but I'll save that one for later. Our relationship has never been strictly business, and for that I am so grateful. to have a mentor you can trust like family, and laugh with like a friend is something I'll never take for granted. Kara, you're the fucking bomb.com.

And I honestly have to say, Feliccio - the man I am working for now at LaMache, has totally surprised me. Before I came to Montreal, Feliccio and I had no idea each other existed. He is someone I never planned on meeting, but am so happy I did. He might be the craziest motherfucker I have ever met, (one of my favourite things about him), but he is incredibly talented, genuine, and inspirational to be around. He built LaMeche from scratch and works with a number of famous celebrities as a stylist. I have learned so much from even just watching him during my downtime at the salon. Feliccio also happens to be incredibly French. When I first started at LaMeche we could barely understand each other, but I like to think we both are getting better now, even though mon Francais est tres mauvais. Feliccio has quickly become a friend I truly hope I never lose contact with.

Marie-Anne Labrie. My time with "Pink", owner of PinkLaBlonde Club in Montreal was short. I was drawn into the salon firstly because of the aesthetic, I'll be honest. But after taking a closer look at the Instagram of the salon, the team, and specifically Marie-Anne, I realized this girl had incredible vision. Working alongside Pink, taught me how to brand myself. This girl is a God when it comes to creating a brand. I did also develop and grow as an artist with the new foiling patterns, and techniques I learned during my time at PLBC, but the lessons in branding they taught me were unexpected, and priceless.

Over the Years, I have been so fortunate to be influenced by such a diverse group of individuals. I have always been of the mindset that you can learn something from anyone around you. If we are to grow as business people, artists, and as service providers for our guests we need to be receptive. There is this absolutely bogus "put your head down, mind your business, and work your ass off" movement happening in our industry right now. I call BS. I say keep your head up, be nosy, and learn from the people around you. Even the assistant who just started last week, because who knows - they might have something to teach too. Even the people who are doing the wrong things - watch them. Those usually happen to be the best lessons. The minute we decide we are specialists, and we know everything there is to know in our industry - we are toast. Always be open to knowledge and stay humble. It's the only way to keep up.

Over and out,

Klay, for Apollo