Michelle Gilbert

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec

I now live in: I live in Harvey, New Brunswick.

I completed my training/education at:  I did 13 weeks of basic training in Quebec for the military. I took one hairstyling course in Montreal during my free time. When I completed my military career, I did another hairstyling course at Atlantic Hair Academy in Fredericton, NB.

What I do at work

As a hairstylist, I color, cut and style clients’ hair while listening to their needs and help them feel better about themselves. When I compete in competitions or work in a salon I use a lot of math for cutting angles and when I make colour mixtures. In competition, I have to design a look and use barbering tools such as clippers, and scissors. If my clippers break on stage during a competition, I have to be able to fix it on the spot. This requires a lot of problem solving skills and knowledge. When I am working in a salon, I work with both French and English clients. I also work with other stylists. Working in a salon requires teamwork and communication with coworkers and employers.

My career path is

I never expected to be a hairstylist. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a social worker. My career path was a little different. I finished my high school diploma at the age of 29. I was in the military for 12 years before becoming a stylist. Before that, I was a mechanic and then a cook.

When I left the military, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. I felt lost and needed something that would make me happy. I had learned how to do hair in a tent when I was in the army while in the field. I enjoyed it so I decided to do some more training. I’m glad I did! Cutting and styling hair is not something that you can easily do on yourself so people need the service I provide. I also had the opportunity to represent my province at the Skills Canada national competition in hairstyling. This great experience pushed me to improve my skills and made me a better stylist for my clients. Hairstyling makes me happy!

I am motivated by

Seeing a person’s face after a good haircut is a great feeling! It is also a great when I win a competition or reach my goals. I love working with people and the adrenaline I get when I am doing a competition. I also love knowing that I am making a difference in people’s lives when I walk the streets with my clippers. My career is right for me because I can feel successful every day and it does not feel like I am working.

How I affect peoples’ lives

When I work in the salon, I make my clients feel better. When I volunteer in the school with kids to teach them hairstyling, they have a sense of accomplishment by learning new things. I also help the community by cutting homeless people’s hair. This gives them hope and makes them, and me, feel good.

Outside of work I

I love boxing, working out, playing soccer and hockey. I also love doing projects and renovations on my house as well as playing with my daughter. I volunteer my time in schools and to the community.

My advice to others

Never give up. Try, be willing to learn, do not think that you know everything and if you don’t like it then change it.