by Heidi Hackman & Colleen McNamee, District Career Coordinators, SD 63 | photo by Janis Jean Photography –
The presence and power of “Sister Solidarity” may not have been born at La Boutique in Sidney, B.C. but the graduating students of the VIU/SD63 Hairstylist program are proving every day that this kind of power is very much alive and well in our own backyard.
Elyse Barkley, co-owner of La Boutique, took the program in 2009 and continues to be a strong supporter of it by giving back and teaching classes to the new hair students. Elyse says: “Starting the hair program at the age of 17 gave me the ultimate jumpstart into my adult life and career. It gave me drive and a purpose for when I was leaving high school when typically you can feel a little lost. I am so proud to now take students, like Courtney and Cece, from this same program and provide education to them and support them into their journey of becoming whoever they want to be. I have watched this program give students confidence, determination and most importantly help them achieve their wildest dreams.”
Courtney Cooper and Cece Pringle both graduated from Stelly’s in 2021 and took different paths to get to where they are today. Cece did her program in her Grade 12 year as a dual-credit student and is now working on her youth apprenticeship. Courtney started her youth apprenticeship program after finishing high school and then took the program as an adult. The youth apprenticeship program, through Skilled Trades BC (formerly the ITA) allows school-aged students to earn credit while learning a trade.
With Elyse and the other staff members cheering her on, Courtney graduated in January of this year, with her co-workers making the loudest noise as they all celebrated her accomplishments. Courtney says: “Working at La Boutique I was able to work with skilled senior stylists in such a positive environment. I am extremely grateful for the enriched education I received and working with the most supportive girls. I adore the positive and engaging atmosphere at La Boutique where each day is a combination of fun and work. Enjoying the work I do and the people I get to work with has made my experience nothing less than amazing and beyond what I ever could have imagined.”
Her advice to anyone wanting to take the hairstylist program is to “always engage yourself. The program offers a wonderful, hands-on experience and it is important to utilize these opportunities to the fullest extent. The in-depth course content will provide you with everything you need for a career in the beauty industry, and it is up to you to be fully committed to your own success. My time spent during the program and in the salon has shown me that there is no end to learning, and to always take the opportunity to further your knowledge.”
There are recent pictures on La Boutique’s Instagram page that shows a photo of their four new employees and they are referenced on the post as “littles … our official little sisters.” This is the kind of love, support and engaging environment that Courtney and Cece talked about, and wanted to work in – a family kind of environment that prepares them well. They are all going to be young women to watch.
