Beverly Ashdown began her career as a Nail Technician over 25 years ago. Through her commitment to excellence in esthetic services and continuing education, she has grown her business from a one-woman operation into Beverly Ashdown Day Spa and Laser Centre, Saskatoon’s premier day spa.
Under her leadership, Can-West’s education division has helped to educate and train hundreds of beauty professionals to her high standard. Through her commitment to continuing education, Beverly has raised the bar for esthetics services throughout the Prairies and beyond. Her reputation for quality education has taken her to the U.S. and the U.K., as she has been contracted by peer salon owners to offer advanced training to their staff. Beverly continues to enrich her own skills and those of her staff and is proud to add the latest services and technologies as the esthetics industry advances.
Bernadette is a former student of Can-West, taking her Nail Technology course in 2009. She became a Spa Manager in a reputable spa for 5 years, helping the spa in an expansion to British Columbia. She is a journeyman nail technician who specializes in gel nails and lash extensions and oversees the day to day administration of our education department and is the lead educator in our nail enhancement program.
She has trained with some of the leading gel companies in the industry and is always up to date on the newest trends and product.
Brittney’s passion for esthetics and all beautiful things is immediately apparent. She is in her third year in the industry, after beginning her career with Can-West’s sister company, Beverly Ashdown Day Spa. She is certified in eyelash extensions, gel nails, pedicures and manicures, and is always excited to grow and master new skills.
Christine has been an esthetician for 15 years, and comes to Canada from England with a wealth of education and experience. Christine has been a educator for many years and we are proud to have her as part of our team. Christine has completed her Skin Care Journeyman and currently works at our sister company, Beverly Ashdown Day Spa.
Nadine started working at our sister company, Beverly Ashdown Day Spa, in 2009. She performs nail and skin care services, as well as coordinating advance education and protocols at the spa. Nadine has completed her Skin Care Journeyman and teaches various esthetics courses.
Celina Rydén is a 30 year old nail tech from Stockholm, Sweden. She has been doing nails since 2005 but has also worked as a professional dancer and choreographer during that time. Three years ago she decided to work full time as a nail tech and has since then been working with a lot of Swedish singers, bloggers and also international artists such as Kesha and Becky G. Two years ago she also started to compete and received a bronze medal at her first try. This year she has been one of the top 12 competitors in the international reality based online competition "Next Top Nail Artist" (NTNA), arranged by Nails Magazine, where she is now one of the three finalists. Celina shattered the NTNA record for most wins in a season previously held by Lexi Martone of season two. With six wins under her belt, she is the one to beat. She's now an ambassador for Light Elegance and posts daily nail inspo on her Instagram with over 150 000 followers. We are excited to have such a multi talented person hanging out with CanWest!
LE Educator Darcy Olin is an expert nail technician and salon owner. She has been educating for Light Elegance for over 7 years. Darcy combines incredible technical abilities and an amazing knack for nail art. Her eye for color and ability to teach combine to make Darcy a rare gem in the classroom and a valuable instructor.
Darcy is also the LEU Dean of Students and spends her time working with the Light Elegance University Online program and helping students achieve their LEU Bachelor’s Degrees.
The Dynamic Duo from Ugly Duckling are not only extreme fun and talented but will leave you with an over all amazing and positive nail experience.
Take your nail career in a professional direction with every one of their classes.
Since her start with en Vogue, Joanne has become not only an award winning nail technician, but the International Master Trainer and Head of Education for en Vogue Sculptured Nail Systems in Langley, BC Canada. Joanne thoroughly enjoys teaching and passing on her knowledge and it shows. Her spirited personality and dynamic energy provides an informative and entertaining education session. When she is not in the classroom, Joanne is either at a tradeshow where she demonstrates her creativity through her nail art or traveling extensively educating nail technicians on basic to advanced methods of gel applications.
Megumi Hasegawa, a head educator at VETRO was born and raised in Japan. After attending nail school for two years and acquiring her 1st Class Certification with the Japan Nail Association, she has won numerous competitions in Japan while working as a nail technician. Upon moving to Canada in 2008, Megumi continued her profession as a nail artist working various beauty salons in Vancouver, B.C., in addition to doing freelance Japanese nail art lessons. She took a position as a lead educator at VETRO in 2014, and has held numerous classes in over 5 states in the US as well as in Canada. Megumi loves travelling for trade shows and classes to meet nail artists around the world. She is looking forward to continuing her journey as a nail artist and an educator, being inspired by other artists and also sharing her knowledge with others.
Once upon a time, while procrastinating in her second year Accounting course, Bee stumbled upon a nail art blog on tmblr. It changed her life forever.
Being one of the pioneers of nail art, not only in Vancouver but around North America, mention Bee’s name to any nail enthusiast and surely you’ll catch a glimpse of excitement in their eyes. With her natural attraction to balance, Bee, the curator and founder of Classy Claws rapidly grew a fan base around the world with her eye-catching, clean, elegant yet edgy style of nails.
The authenticity of her brand quickly sparked the interest of David Anthony, Leader of Team Valentino, a nail powerhouse. After joining forces with Valentino, Classy Claws has gotten to travel to cities like Miami, Hollywood, Los Angeles and Tokyo to work amongst some of the most talented nail artists this planet has to offer and bring techniques from all around the world back home to Vancouver.
Bee’s strengths include knowing the perfect shape and length to balance her clients hands, bridal nails that’ll have you notice the nails before your ring, and possibly her biggest secret of all….how she gets those darn crystals to stay on longer than your last relationship. oh and sass, Bee is never short of sass.
Keep a close eye on this young entrepreneur because her brain never stops and her hustle is unmatched.