Downtown Victoria Staff
![]() KIRSTIN She/Her Elite Stylist & Brow Artist Kirstin is the owner and founder of Kharma Salons. She became an Aveda stylist in 2005 when she moved to Vancouver Island from the mainland-where she helped run salons and spas for almost 15 years. Soon after graduating from the Aveda institute, Kirstin began training to specialize in waxing. She has also been trained in treatments with state of the art equipment that range from laser hair removal, laser face resurfacing and non-surgical face lifts. Kirstin specializes in Brazilian bikini waxing and has a deep passion for diverse color, balayage, color corrections and razor cutting. She loves getting certified in new and in demand services to add to her long list of specialties to not only keep up with clients needs, but to also challenge herself and stay current in our exciting and ever changing industry. She loves educating our new talent stylists, assisting the whole team and will make sure your experiences at Kharma are always enjoyable. Eyebrow Microblading/feathering is one of her newest passions and her schedule is very full performing these services. Check out her before and afters and portfolio on her instagram as well as our facebook page. Kirstin divides her time between our locations to look after all of her clients and support all of her staff! Follow her on Instagram - @kharma_kirstin |
![]() JANELLE She/Her Manager/ Co Owner Originally an Alberta girl, Janelle spent her teenage years in the sunny Okanagan where she started her career in Food & Beverage. After moving to Victoria, she finally made the jump to the beauty industry in 2015 and became the Aveda rep for Vancouver Island and Northern BC. After travelling and meeting amazing people, (and after some encouragement), she decided to join the Kharma family. With an eye for detail, incredible sense of humour, heart filled laugh and big smile there is no way to not be uplifted by her contagious energy! Janelle also has two beautiful and intelligent girls that are her everything. We are thrilled that she chose Kharma to focus her vast experience on. Rest assured, she will go out of her way to ensure your visits are memorable. |
![]() NYKYTA She/Her Assistant Manager Nykyta is our Downtown Assistant Manager. She is the shining face when you come into the salon, and she is sure to brighten your day. Nykyta was born and raised in the Fernwood + Oak Bay area, and has a huge passion for the beauty industry. After graduating from Oak Bay high school in 2020 Nykyta decided it was time to venture into the industry herself, and get as involved as possible. When Nykyta isn't in the salon, you can find her outdoors at the beach, going on hikes, or spending time with friends. She is obsessed with animals and will drop everything to give a doggo a pat. She is the oldest of 3 kids to her mom (Oak Bay Manager Santana) and she loves to spend time with her little brother and sister.
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![]() BECCA She/Her Master Stylist Becca moved to Victoria in 2014 from a little town called Golden BC. Growing up she always had the urge to create! It wasn’t until May 2017 that she decided to follow her passion and enroll at the Academy of Excellence. Since graduating she has had the honor of full-time assisting, shadowing and learning from some amazing stylists and is now a well earned senior stylist at Kharma Westshore. Becca feels very fortunate to have acquired the most lovely clientele and being able to work around people that inspire her everyday! She loves having a career that is always changing and growing and never stops learning! Becca is passionate about making people feel beautiful and confident! When she is not at work, you can find her playing with her puppy Cali and taking advantage of this beautiful island she now calls home! Becca is thankful for Kharma Salons and how much it’s helped her learn and grow as a stylist!
Follow her on Instagram - @balayagebybecc |
![]() TAYLOR
She/Her
Master Stylist
Hi I'm Taylor
I'm a stylist at Kharma salons! I am currently working full time at Downtown Location.
I have been doing hair for 5 years and am passionate about my craft. I enjoy a good challenge whether it's a great haircut or a fabulous color transformation!
This is an industry that is always evolving, changing and growing. I get inspired when I am attending an educational class or event, learning about new products or techniques. Being able to create art and use my creativity to help someone else express themselves is one of the best parts of my job. I am committed to making every client leave feeling more confident and beautiful than when they walked in.
I Cannot wait to have you in my chair!
Check out my Instagram @hairslaybytayy
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![]() WILLOW He/Him New Talent Stylist Willow’s hair journey started at eleven years old with a box of pink Splat hair dye and a friend who wanted to have some fun. Over the next couple years, he became his friends go to when it came to bright, out-of-the-box colours that aren’t seen often in salons. At first it was just for fun, but soon enough Willow realized that this was a career that would fulfill him.
Enrolling in VIU’s hair program, Willow was quickly enraptured by all aspects of the industry. From the science behind hair, the art and creativity and the incredibly unique interpersonal connections that come along with it. Willow’s goal has always been to help others feel good about themselves and he quickly learned that being a stylist is an amazing way to do so.
Willow had worked as a junior stylist before finishing hair school and for six months prior to being with Kharma, but found the confidence, education and support needed to grow and challenge himself in a way that he hadn't previously experienced.
Willow is proudly queer and trans, with a goal to make the industry accessible to all. To be a safe person and provide a safe space where clients feel seen, heard and validated. He's a strong advocate for better education in working with BIPOC clients, gender neutral services and other accommodations to make a visit to the salon possible for anyone.
When he isn't behind the chair, you’re likely to find Willow watching hockey, painting, reading, hand-forging copper, silver and brass jewelry, playing guitar and bass, or at second hand shops searching for antique books-- 16th-19th century literature!
Play a song, hum a tune or recite a lyric, he can probably guess it! Willow is incredibly passionate about music of all genres— jazz, country, blues, rock, punk and metal to name a few.
Check out his work @visionaryvivids |