HAIRSTYLISTS
Photography by Mountain Primitive
Jade Blair
Jade is a co-owner of Intrinsic Salon & Spa. She's also a hairstylist with about 12 years of experience in the industry. Her passion for leading other professionals is what makes her love being a business owner so much. She loves doing colour services, especially blondes, and says there is no better feeling than making her clients feel confident and beautiful! Her current favorite Aveda products are anything in the Botanical Repair line, because it brings damaged hair back to life- especially the intensive treatment.
Originally from Cape Breton, Jade now resides just outside of Truro with her husband Tyler, little girl Hayden, adopted boys Alex and Jack, their cat Molly, and dogs Brock and Sawyer.
She has passion for travel, and her favourite destination thus far is South East Asia. "I've got to meet so many incredible people while travelling, I think anyone who has the opportunity to travel to another country should do so. I'm excited for my children to learn why travel is so important to us."
Hiking with her dogs, going to the beach, and snowboarding with friends are some of her favourite Nova Scotia past times.
Jade is a co-owner of Intrinsic Salon & Spa. She's also a hairstylist with about 12 years of experience in the industry. Her passion for leading other professionals is what makes her love being a business owner so much. She loves doing colour services, especially blondes, and says there is no better feeling than making her clients feel confident and beautiful! Her current favorite Aveda products are anything in the Botanical Repair line, because it brings damaged hair back to life- especially the intensive treatment.
Originally from Cape Breton, Jade now resides just outside of Truro with her husband Tyler, little girl Hayden, adopted boys Alex and Jack, their cat Molly, and dogs Brock and Sawyer.
She has passion for travel, and her favourite destination thus far is South East Asia. "I've got to meet so many incredible people while travelling, I think anyone who has the opportunity to travel to another country should do so. I'm excited for my children to learn why travel is so important to us."
Hiking with her dogs, going to the beach, and snowboarding with friends are some of her favourite Nova Scotia past times.
Amy Poupart
With over 15 years' experience in the industry, Amy has been with Aveda from the beginning of her career. She has a long-time clientele and her favourite service to provide is highlights and making her guests blonde!
Amy grew up in Great Village and now lives outside of Truro with her husband, daughter, her black lab and two cats. In her spare time she loves to be in nature snowshoeing in the winter, gardening in the summer, and she also loves to scrapbook.
Amy says she loves receiving facials in our spa and her favourite Aveda products are the Nutriplenish leave-in conditioner because it protects the hair and helps to detangle. She also says she loves the All Sensitive Moisturizer; “I have very sensitive skin and it’s the only moisturizer I can use that doesn’t bother my skin.”
With over 15 years' experience in the industry, Amy has been with Aveda from the beginning of her career. She has a long-time clientele and her favourite service to provide is highlights and making her guests blonde!
Amy grew up in Great Village and now lives outside of Truro with her husband, daughter, her black lab and two cats. In her spare time she loves to be in nature snowshoeing in the winter, gardening in the summer, and she also loves to scrapbook.
Amy says she loves receiving facials in our spa and her favourite Aveda products are the Nutriplenish leave-in conditioner because it protects the hair and helps to detangle. She also says she loves the All Sensitive Moisturizer; “I have very sensitive skin and it’s the only moisturizer I can use that doesn’t bother my skin.”
Jenna James
Meet Jenna. Fashionably forward and passionate about the beauty industry, Jenna is extremely talented and meticulous at cutting hair, providing you with the best haircut to suit your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. Although she was born and raised in Old Barns, Truro she came to us originally from doing hair in BC. She's been in the industry for over 15 years and is keen on learning and growing as a stylist.
When she isn't working Jenna spends her time with her three little girls, husband, and her golden retriever Millie. She also has a major passion for interior design.
Jenna's favourite product is Light Elements Smoothing Fluid because it leaves a soft, smooth finish to the hair.
Meet Jenna. Fashionably forward and passionate about the beauty industry, Jenna is extremely talented and meticulous at cutting hair, providing you with the best haircut to suit your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. Although she was born and raised in Old Barns, Truro she came to us originally from doing hair in BC. She's been in the industry for over 15 years and is keen on learning and growing as a stylist.
When she isn't working Jenna spends her time with her three little girls, husband, and her golden retriever Millie. She also has a major passion for interior design.
Jenna's favourite product is Light Elements Smoothing Fluid because it leaves a soft, smooth finish to the hair.
Karen Richards
If you're looking for a big change, a fun colour or a bold hair cut, Karen is your girl. She loves a challenge and giving that "wow" factor. You'll often notice her own hair is typically changing colours each month from bright and daring to sometimes soft and natural.
Karen has over 12 years in the industry and though she is originally from Nova Scotia she came to us from Calgary, Alberta. Karen's creativity doesn't end behind the chair as she loves to paint as well! A Pokemon and board game enthusiast, she also spends her off time with her husband and young daughter, as well as her dog Mia, and 2 cats.
Karen's favourite Aveda product is the Nutriplenish Daily Treatment because "it has been life changing for my curls!!"
If you're looking for a big change, a fun colour or a bold hair cut, Karen is your girl. She loves a challenge and giving that "wow" factor. You'll often notice her own hair is typically changing colours each month from bright and daring to sometimes soft and natural.
Karen has over 12 years in the industry and though she is originally from Nova Scotia she came to us from Calgary, Alberta. Karen's creativity doesn't end behind the chair as she loves to paint as well! A Pokemon and board game enthusiast, she also spends her off time with her husband and young daughter, as well as her dog Mia, and 2 cats.
Karen's favourite Aveda product is the Nutriplenish Daily Treatment because "it has been life changing for my curls!!"
Brooke Cain
Brooke graduated from HDC in Halifax and has since started her career in Hairstyling with Intrinsic. She loves doing colour/balayage and says it still amazes her how gentle Aveda colour really is on her clients hair. She loves trying out all of Aveda's products but her current favourite is the Botanical Repair line, especially the leave-in treatment which she says she now can't live without!
Brooke spends her spare time with her baby boy Jasper and of course her kitties Kiwi and Zesty.
Brooke may be shy and soft spoken, but she's certainly proven to be a natural talent in this industry. She says her biggest goal in life is to just be happy and to help the people around her be happy too. "If I can make at least one person smile each day, then I feel I'm doing a great job!" You can view Brooke's past work on her Instagram page @hairbybrookecain
Brooke graduated from HDC in Halifax and has since started her career in Hairstyling with Intrinsic. She loves doing colour/balayage and says it still amazes her how gentle Aveda colour really is on her clients hair. She loves trying out all of Aveda's products but her current favourite is the Botanical Repair line, especially the leave-in treatment which she says she now can't live without!
Brooke spends her spare time with her baby boy Jasper and of course her kitties Kiwi and Zesty.
Brooke may be shy and soft spoken, but she's certainly proven to be a natural talent in this industry. She says her biggest goal in life is to just be happy and to help the people around her be happy too. "If I can make at least one person smile each day, then I feel I'm doing a great job!" You can view Brooke's past work on her Instagram page @hairbybrookecain
Maggie Fisher
Maggie graduated from HDC in Halifax and spent 3 of those years working in Alberta at a salon gaining experience in the industry. Maggie has a positive, upbeat personality and anyone who knows her knows she loves to talk! She is funny, caring, and a very hard worker.
Behind the chair Maggie loves doing dimensional colors, balayage, and platinum blonde. Her current favorite cut to give is the modern shag. She makes every client feel welcome and relaxed, especially at the shampoo bowl (her scalp massages will take away ALL of your stress- believe me!)
Maggie resides in Upper Stewiacke, in an old family home which she is currently renovating and loving every minute of it! She’s a new mom and loves spending time with her husky puppy, watching Netflix, and 4-wheeling.
If you'd like to check out some of Maggie's work in the salon you can visit her instagram page @hairwithmaggie
Maggie is currently on maternity leave with her baby boy, Keaten.
Maggie graduated from HDC in Halifax and spent 3 of those years working in Alberta at a salon gaining experience in the industry. Maggie has a positive, upbeat personality and anyone who knows her knows she loves to talk! She is funny, caring, and a very hard worker.
Behind the chair Maggie loves doing dimensional colors, balayage, and platinum blonde. Her current favorite cut to give is the modern shag. She makes every client feel welcome and relaxed, especially at the shampoo bowl (her scalp massages will take away ALL of your stress- believe me!)
Maggie resides in Upper Stewiacke, in an old family home which she is currently renovating and loving every minute of it! She’s a new mom and loves spending time with her husky puppy, watching Netflix, and 4-wheeling.
If you'd like to check out some of Maggie's work in the salon you can visit her instagram page @hairwithmaggie
Maggie is currently on maternity leave with her baby boy, Keaten.
Mattie Forward
Meet Mattie- one of our youngest and newest talents in the salon. She may not have a ton of experience under her belt yet, but her natural talent and confidence in this industry is clear. She graduated from HDC in Halifax June of 2022 and has been working with Intrinsic since the start of her career. Mattie is originally from small town Tatamgouche and enjoys spending her spare time outdoors, with family, her boyfriend Mason and their new kitten Ozzy! Her favourite travel destination thus far is Florida.
Mattie loves providing color services and enjoys getting treatments on her own hair in the salon. Her favourite Aveda product is any of the smooth infusion styling products, because they are light weight and work well to smooth unwanted frizz.
If you’d like to view any of Mattie’s past work in the salon you can follow her Instagram page @matties.hairdesign
Meet Mattie- one of our youngest and newest talents in the salon. She may not have a ton of experience under her belt yet, but her natural talent and confidence in this industry is clear. She graduated from HDC in Halifax June of 2022 and has been working with Intrinsic since the start of her career. Mattie is originally from small town Tatamgouche and enjoys spending her spare time outdoors, with family, her boyfriend Mason and their new kitten Ozzy! Her favourite travel destination thus far is Florida.
Mattie loves providing color services and enjoys getting treatments on her own hair in the salon. Her favourite Aveda product is any of the smooth infusion styling products, because they are light weight and work well to smooth unwanted frizz.
If you’d like to view any of Mattie’s past work in the salon you can follow her Instagram page @matties.hairdesign
Jenny Hunking
Jenny is currently the newest addition to the Intrinsic stylist team. She comes to us from a salon in Ontario and has over 6 years experience in the industry. Jenny may have come to us from a large city, but she is originally a Cape Bretoner, from North Sydney NS.
Jenny specializes in curly hair cuts, and loves doing up-styles! Her favourite services to have done on herself are facials or a manicure. She says she loves Aveda’s Botanical Repair line because it makes the hair feel so healthy even after the first use.
Jenny enjoys spending her off time with her husband, and their daughter and son. Her creativity goes beyond the salon as she also loves crafting, painting houses and ceramics! Her favourite travel destination so far is Italy.
Jenny is currently the newest addition to the Intrinsic stylist team. She comes to us from a salon in Ontario and has over 6 years experience in the industry. Jenny may have come to us from a large city, but she is originally a Cape Bretoner, from North Sydney NS.
Jenny specializes in curly hair cuts, and loves doing up-styles! Her favourite services to have done on herself are facials or a manicure. She says she loves Aveda’s Botanical Repair line because it makes the hair feel so healthy even after the first use.
Jenny enjoys spending her off time with her husband, and their daughter and son. Her creativity goes beyond the salon as she also loves crafting, painting houses and ceramics! Her favourite travel destination so far is Italy.
SPA THERAPISTS
Courtney Whiteland
Courtney is a co-owner of Intrinsic Salon & Spa. She graduated from Concepts Career College in 2013 where she worked in Halifax and gained experience in both a small boutique spa and a large salon and spa. Courtney loves giving pedicures and specializes in waxing. Getting people to feel their best is what makes her job enjoyable!
In her free time, Courtney likes to read, try new recipes, go to the movies, and generally just a home-body.
She grew up in Dartmouth and moved to Truro in 2015 with her wife Laura and two cats, Caelia and Oliver. They recently welcomed their beautiful newborn, Elliott.
Courtney is a co-owner of Intrinsic Salon & Spa. She graduated from Concepts Career College in 2013 where she worked in Halifax and gained experience in both a small boutique spa and a large salon and spa. Courtney loves giving pedicures and specializes in waxing. Getting people to feel their best is what makes her job enjoyable!
In her free time, Courtney likes to read, try new recipes, go to the movies, and generally just a home-body.
She grew up in Dartmouth and moved to Truro in 2015 with her wife Laura and two cats, Caelia and Oliver. They recently welcomed their beautiful newborn, Elliott.
Michelle Laskow-Pooley
Michelle graduated from Concepts Career College in 2001 and is now a Master Aesthetician of over 20 years. She is well travelled and has a wide range of experience under her belt including performing services on cruise ships and resorts. She loves making people feel good with relaxation massage and facials and loves to educate her clients on proper skin care. Michelle is amazing with her hands and you're bound to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed after a service with her.
Michelle now calls Truro home with her husband, two children, and fur babies. In her spare time she's usually found at the hockey arena with her kids, or spending time with friends and family. You can view her current and past work on her Instagram page @michellelaskowaesthetics
Michelle graduated from Concepts Career College in 2001 and is now a Master Aesthetician of over 20 years. She is well travelled and has a wide range of experience under her belt including performing services on cruise ships and resorts. She loves making people feel good with relaxation massage and facials and loves to educate her clients on proper skin care. Michelle is amazing with her hands and you're bound to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed after a service with her.
Michelle now calls Truro home with her husband, two children, and fur babies. In her spare time she's usually found at the hockey arena with her kids, or spending time with friends and family. You can view her current and past work on her Instagram page @michellelaskowaesthetics
Shawntel Whitten
Shawntel is our talented and driven nail tech. She is originally from a small town near Fall River NS called Wellington. Shawntel moved to Truro upon graduating from Eastern Esthetics Career College in spring of 2021, and started with Intrinsic shortly after. She is passionate about her career and takes pride in her work. Her favourite service to provide is Gel Nails. She enjoys getting creative with nail length and shape, and doing intricate handpainted nail art.
Outside of the spa, Shawntel enjoys her time off with family, friends and her boyfriend Cole. She loves long drives on a sunny day and enjoys being curled up on the couch watching horror movies. She has a black cat named Belle. Her favourite travel destination? Anywhere her toes are in the sand and a margarita in her hand!
Shawntel says her favourite Aveda product is currently the water gel cream because its lightweight and super hydrating for her oily complexion. You can view her nail work on her Instagram page @nails_byshawntellii
Shawntel is our talented and driven nail tech. She is originally from a small town near Fall River NS called Wellington. Shawntel moved to Truro upon graduating from Eastern Esthetics Career College in spring of 2021, and started with Intrinsic shortly after. She is passionate about her career and takes pride in her work. Her favourite service to provide is Gel Nails. She enjoys getting creative with nail length and shape, and doing intricate handpainted nail art.
Outside of the spa, Shawntel enjoys her time off with family, friends and her boyfriend Cole. She loves long drives on a sunny day and enjoys being curled up on the couch watching horror movies. She has a black cat named Belle. Her favourite travel destination? Anywhere her toes are in the sand and a margarita in her hand!
Shawntel says her favourite Aveda product is currently the water gel cream because its lightweight and super hydrating for her oily complexion. You can view her nail work on her Instagram page @nails_byshawntellii
Brylin Buchanan
Brylin, or as we all call her- "Bree", is a newly graduated Aestheician, coming to us in July from the Academy of Cosmetology in Halifax NS. She grew up in Truro and enjoys reading, spending time with friends/family and travelling- her favourite destination being Rome! She doesn’t have any children, but has two pet kitties.
Brylin has a confidence that shines through in her work and her favourite service to provide on clients (and to have done on herself) is an Aveda Aroma Facial. She says she loves the Aveda Hand Relief because it’s amazing for dry hands and bringing them back to life!
You can view Brylin’s work in the spa on her Instagram page @brysesthetics
Brylin, or as we all call her- "Bree", is a newly graduated Aestheician, coming to us in July from the Academy of Cosmetology in Halifax NS. She grew up in Truro and enjoys reading, spending time with friends/family and travelling- her favourite destination being Rome! She doesn’t have any children, but has two pet kitties.
Brylin has a confidence that shines through in her work and her favourite service to provide on clients (and to have done on herself) is an Aveda Aroma Facial. She says she loves the Aveda Hand Relief because it’s amazing for dry hands and bringing them back to life!
You can view Brylin’s work in the spa on her Instagram page @brysesthetics
Sabrina Murray
Graduating from Concepts School of Cosmetology over 10 years ago, Sabrina has worked in our space for the past 7 years. She now works full time in a different industry, but because of her talent with brow shaping she comes back monthly for a day of brow clients.
Sabrina has a daughter named Scarlett who is 7 years old and a 4 year old son named Daniel. She has 3 cats- Bianca, Phil, and Miles. Her partner is from Newfoundland, which is one of her favorite places to travel to (other than anywhere that is tropical). In her spare time, she enjoys reorganizing or redecorating, researching the latest fashion trends or products, and she also loves a good horror movie.
Sabrina says her favorite service in our spa is the ever most popular Indian Scalp Massage, and her favorite Aveda product is the Botanical Kinetics Radiant Skin Refiner.
Graduating from Concepts School of Cosmetology over 10 years ago, Sabrina has worked in our space for the past 7 years. She now works full time in a different industry, but because of her talent with brow shaping she comes back monthly for a day of brow clients.
Sabrina has a daughter named Scarlett who is 7 years old and a 4 year old son named Daniel. She has 3 cats- Bianca, Phil, and Miles. Her partner is from Newfoundland, which is one of her favorite places to travel to (other than anywhere that is tropical). In her spare time, she enjoys reorganizing or redecorating, researching the latest fashion trends or products, and she also loves a good horror movie.
Sabrina says her favorite service in our spa is the ever most popular Indian Scalp Massage, and her favorite Aveda product is the Botanical Kinetics Radiant Skin Refiner.
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FRONT DESK ASSOCIATES
Crystal Dixon
If you've ever been into our salon/spa, then you likely recognize Crystal's friendly face. She's been in the customer service industry for 20 years+ and has now been with Aveda for over 8 years as a Guest Services rep.
Crystal is originally from Truro, and shares her life with her husband, little girl, and their dog. Some of her hobbies include gardening, snowshoeing, and swimming. If you have any questions about our products Crystal is very knowledgeable and helpful, she loves educating guests on our products and providing a pleasant environment as you wait for your appointment or browse our retail section.
Crystal loves having her nails done in our spa, and her favourite product currently is the Smooth infusion style prep because it protects against humidity and is great for those who don't want to blow dry their hair.
If you've ever been into our salon/spa, then you likely recognize Crystal's friendly face. She's been in the customer service industry for 20 years+ and has now been with Aveda for over 8 years as a Guest Services rep.
Crystal is originally from Truro, and shares her life with her husband, little girl, and their dog. Some of her hobbies include gardening, snowshoeing, and swimming. If you have any questions about our products Crystal is very knowledgeable and helpful, she loves educating guests on our products and providing a pleasant environment as you wait for your appointment or browse our retail section.
Crystal loves having her nails done in our spa, and her favourite product currently is the Smooth infusion style prep because it protects against humidity and is great for those who don't want to blow dry their hair.
Danielle Babineau
Meet Danielle! She is one of our part-time front desk associates who started with Intrinsic in June 2022 but has been in the customer service industry for 8 years. Danielle has a yorkie dog named coco, and is currently on maternity leave with her newborn baby Owen! In her time outside of work she enjoys going to the beach, snow shoeing, and spending time with her family and pets. She also loves to travel, her favorite destination so far being Santorini, Greece.
Danielle says her favorite service to receive in our spa is an Aveda facial because it's so relaxing. Her favorite Aveda product to use is the Nutriplenish leave in conditioner- her nourished and shiny blonde hair may show you why she loves this product so much!
Meet Danielle! She is one of our part-time front desk associates who started with Intrinsic in June 2022 but has been in the customer service industry for 8 years. Danielle has a yorkie dog named coco, and is currently on maternity leave with her newborn baby Owen! In her time outside of work she enjoys going to the beach, snow shoeing, and spending time with her family and pets. She also loves to travel, her favorite destination so far being Santorini, Greece.
Danielle says her favorite service to receive in our spa is an Aveda facial because it's so relaxing. Her favorite Aveda product to use is the Nutriplenish leave in conditioner- her nourished and shiny blonde hair may show you why she loves this product so much!
Mona Legge
Our newest addition to the Guest Services Team- Mona started out as a casual around 4 months ago, but soon to cover Danielle’s maternity leave, she will be seen behind the desk a lot more.
Mona has 30 years in the customer service industry. She has one son, Keith, who she is very close with and a cute little yorkie dog named Ovi! Her hobbies outside of work include Harness racing and a racehorse of her own, which keeps her very busy.
Mona hasn't had a chance to have a spa service yet to name a favorite but is very excited to try the Indian Scalp Massage (a favorite for anyone who enjoys having their scalp massaged in a relaxing environment). She's a huge fan of the Aveda Hand Relief because working in a barn most of her time causing very rough dry hands, she says "it's actually nice to have a non greasy softening cream"
Our newest addition to the Guest Services Team- Mona started out as a casual around 4 months ago, but soon to cover Danielle’s maternity leave, she will be seen behind the desk a lot more.
Mona has 30 years in the customer service industry. She has one son, Keith, who she is very close with and a cute little yorkie dog named Ovi! Her hobbies outside of work include Harness racing and a racehorse of her own, which keeps her very busy.
Mona hasn't had a chance to have a spa service yet to name a favorite but is very excited to try the Indian Scalp Massage (a favorite for anyone who enjoys having their scalp massaged in a relaxing environment). She's a huge fan of the Aveda Hand Relief because working in a barn most of her time causing very rough dry hands, she says "it's actually nice to have a non greasy softening cream"
Renee Byrne
Renee is a face you may recognize as she has been with Intrinsic since the spring of 2020. She started out with us part-time but is now a casual employee, meaning she’s only working with us a day or two per month. Renee is friendly and knowledgeable in the industry and even started out as a “shampoo girl” her first job over 30 years ago.
She is originally from NFLD, and goes back to visit often, but Renee now resides in Truro. She enjoys gardening, hiking and going on ATV trips. She spends most of her time with her husband Pat, between them both they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren! She is also an avid traveler, her favorite destination thus far being Australia.
Renee says if she must choose a favorite service, it would be an Aveda facial “although hot towels anywhere on the body is awesome!” Her favorite Aveda product? “There’s so many! The skin toning mist and hydrating soft cream leaves my skin feeling refreshed and moisturized.”
Renee is a face you may recognize as she has been with Intrinsic since the spring of 2020. She started out with us part-time but is now a casual employee, meaning she’s only working with us a day or two per month. Renee is friendly and knowledgeable in the industry and even started out as a “shampoo girl” her first job over 30 years ago.
She is originally from NFLD, and goes back to visit often, but Renee now resides in Truro. She enjoys gardening, hiking and going on ATV trips. She spends most of her time with her husband Pat, between them both they have 5 children and 6 grandchildren! She is also an avid traveler, her favorite destination thus far being Australia.
Renee says if she must choose a favorite service, it would be an Aveda facial “although hot towels anywhere on the body is awesome!” Her favorite Aveda product? “There’s so many! The skin toning mist and hydrating soft cream leaves my skin feeling refreshed and moisturized.”
Jess Lewis
Jess has been another casual Front Desk employee starting out in our location over 9 years ago! Though she may only work with Intrinsic once or twice a month, Jess doesn’t miss a beat! She’s extremely organized and loves to help out however she can. In her off time, she's with her husband Andy or often traveling, her favorite destination being Barcelona. She also enjoys watching football and reading (she doesn’t go anywhere without a book!)
Jess says her favorite service to receive in our spa is an Indian Scalp Massage. Her favorite Aveda products are the Light Elements smoothing fluid and Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Masque.
Jess has been another casual Front Desk employee starting out in our location over 9 years ago! Though she may only work with Intrinsic once or twice a month, Jess doesn’t miss a beat! She’s extremely organized and loves to help out however she can. In her off time, she's with her husband Andy or often traveling, her favorite destination being Barcelona. She also enjoys watching football and reading (she doesn’t go anywhere without a book!)
Jess says her favorite service to receive in our spa is an Indian Scalp Massage. Her favorite Aveda products are the Light Elements smoothing fluid and Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Masque.