A two-time graduate of the Professional Hair Stylist School and Global Makeup Program, Elizabeth Pederson’s impressive trajectory illustrates the power of continuous learning, networking, and self-knowledge. “I’ve had many amazing career eras that all started with Blanche. The name really carries you far.”
She tells the story of her incredible career with such infectious energy and verve that it is clear she is living her best life as a Luxury Hair Stylist, Educator and Content Creator. “I feel like I’ve always been a really intuitive person. I like a bit of routine, but generally, I’m more free-flowing and go with whatever I feel is right.”
At the start of her journey, Elizabeth was an 18-year-old high school senior with a love for cutting up fashion magazines and watching Alexander McQueen runway shows on TV. Although she was feeling uncertain about her future, that intuition would kick in when a school trip to the Uptown Campus sparked a revelation.
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“As a two-time Blanche graduate, I'm so thrilled that I went through both Makeup and Hair programs because it set me up for success. There's nowhere else I would have wanted to go.”
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“All I can say is I walked into Blanche and thought ‘I’m going to become a makeup artist, and this is where my journey will begin.’ I knew that if you had this school on your resume, it was a pretty big deal. ‘You went to Blanche? You’re hired.’ I understood immediately that this is where a lot of magic happens and I wanted to be a part of that. I enrolled in the Global Makeup Program and started a month after I graduated high school.”
As she expected, the program delivered: “I have really special memories from the Makeup Program. Every day there was something new and exciting to learn,” she smiles. “I graduated in 2005 and Jon Hennessey was a stand-out, a big fashion and editorial leader in the industry that I wanted to emulate. Daemon Cadman, my special effects teacher, was also an incredibly inspiring artist who made me fall in love with creating dynamic characters and bringing them to life. There were so many amazing instructors that I looked up to that made my dreams of becoming a makeup artist an achievable goal.”
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While still a student at Blanche Macdonald, Elizabeth applied for and secured a coveted position as a Makeup Artist at MAC.
“I remember the day that they called me and said ‘We want you to be a MAC girl!’ It was an amazing experience and a really quick transition from being a teenage girl who was obsessed with fashion to working alongside some of the most inspiring artists in the industry.”
It would be the first of many valuable career experiences, where Elizabeth’s work ethic and passion would carve out many interwoven opportunities along the way. Surrounded by a dynamic team of creatives—tattoo artists, bridal specialists, and photographers, she found ample freelance opportunities on-counter at MAC.
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“All I can say is I walked into Blanche and thought ‘This is where my journey will begin.’ I understood immediately that this is where a lot of magic happens and I wanted to be a part of that.”
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“I met a client that hired me to do Indian bridal for her, which led to four, amazing years doing that bridal style. The traditions and bold use of colours at these weddings are so beautiful. I was able to be so fearless with makeup, it was so incredible! During this time, I began styling hair, which led to me realizing there was a passion there and that is when the pivot from Makeup Artistry to hair began.”
With her ambition freshly stirred, Elizabeth enrolled in the Professional Hair Stylist School, where history would repeat itself.
While still a student at Blanche Macdonald, she began another career chapter as a Hairstylist at is. Salon Yaletown. The salon’s owner would secure unique TV opportunities like styling the Real Housewives of Vancouver and appearing on Entertainment Tonight Canada. In a big salon, alongside 25 other talented stylists, Elizabeth’s dual expertise in makeup and hair became a valuable distinguishing asset.
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“I believe what has brought me success is staying humble, prioritizing education, and maintaining a close relationship with my clients.”
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“As a two-time Blanche graduate, I’m so thrilled that I went through both programs because it set me up for success. Blanche really facilitated this journey, helping me realize that with drive and the right education, anything is possible! That led to this great career that I feel I’m still building. There’s nowhere else I would have wanted to go. ”
A few years into her time at is.Salon, a regular client offered Elizabeth a job as a Makeup Artist at Chanel. “Working at Chanel was an exceptional experience, and I was able to be in the centre of the fashion and beauty world. The makeup was incredible to work with, and the training I received kept me consistently inspired in the retail world, encountering interesting clientele and industry professionals. Still, even though I was experiencing all of that, I found myself feeling restless again.”
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“I encourage other hairstylists to charge their worth. If we all elevate our skills and price point, we elevate the industry and allow our clients to understand the value of our artistry and expertise.”
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Entrepreneurship was calling. Although she’d never envisioned owning a salon, when the opportunity presented itself, Elizabeth embraced it. While working as a Production Manager and Beauty Columnist at HUSH Magazine, she befriended a photographer and his wife, who was also a hairstylist. When the couple decided to move to Amsterdam to start a family, they offered her the chance to take over their lease and her first studio Rebels & Rogues Parlour was born in 2012.
Over the next 10 years, Elizabeth created a name for herself online. The creation of Rebels & Rogues Parlour coincided with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter which allowed her to build a clientele rapidly. Social media also connected her with educational and mentorship opportunities, including Los Angeles “lived-in hair colour” pioneer Johnny Ramirez and Chrissy Rasmussen, creator of “Hand Tied” extensions and owner of Habit Salon in Arizona. Learning from such high-calibre artists inspired Elizabeth to rebrand as Elizabeth Pederson Hair, specializing in luxury hair colour and finding her niche.
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“You always have to remember that you are a forever student, the beauty industry is constantly innovating and evolving and you must ensure to keep your ego in check and always be open to learning something new.”
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Today, with a roster of loyal clients—many of whom have been with her since the beginning—Elizabeth enjoys a perfect blend of spontaneity and routine. Early mornings begin with a coffee and a workout at Lagree West, before returning home to prepare her daughter’s lunch and get her ready for school. Elizabeth cherishes her schedule’s flexibility, which allows her to spend quality time with her family. Her days usually begin at 10am and service times range from anywhere between three to six hours, affording her the luxury to fully focus on each client. This also allows for content creation at the end of each appointment which serves to elevate how her clients feel and to advertise Elizabeth’s stunning work.
Her business savvy is clear and reflected artfully in her online media environment. Her Instagram is gorgeous, uplifting and informative, an authentic reflection of her personality and brand. A proud retailer of luxury brand Balmain Hair, her online store boasts a full range of products and branded merchandise. She also recently partnered with local wellness brand Tallu to develop her signature West Coast Muse scented candle.
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Above all, Elizabeth doesn’t shy from elevating her practice. “About a year ago, I increased my prices, rebranded, and started offering more luxurious services that compliment my clients’ skin tone and refine their natural and unique beauty. I get great feedback from my clients about the quality of my work, and I encourage other hairstylists to charge their worth as well. If we all elevate our skills and price point, we elevate the industry and allow our clients to understand the value of our artistry and expertise.”
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“I’ve had many amazing career eras that all started with Blanche. The name really carries you far.”
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Elizabeth’s advice to aspiring hair and beauty entrepreneurs reveals the grounded philosophy that has grown her steady, sustainable trajectory to success:
“You always have to remember that you are a forever student, the beauty industry is constantly innovating and evolving and you must ensure to keep your ego in check and always be open to learning something new. As long as you remember that it’s about the quality of your work, your passion for what you do and the client experience, the goals you are striving for will manifest themselves. I believe what has brought me success is staying humble, prioritizing education, and maintaining a close relationship with my clients.”
