An Edmonton hair stylist is taking her scissors to the U.K., after she was named as a finalist at one of the biggest hair shows of the year.
Paulina Truong, the lead hairdresser and owner of the award-winning Blue Gemini Hair Studio in Edmonton, was recently announced as a finalist for the International Visionary Award at the upcoming Alternative Hair Show in London, U.K.
According to Truong, who has been entering competitions for 13 years, she “cuts by feelings.”
“When I first came to Canada I wanted to take accounting because I used to be really good at math,” Truong told CTV Edmonton, explaining how she ended up in hair school and then began to work in a salon shortly after moving to Canada.
She used the salary she earned to help her parents pay the bills, and told herself that she was only going to be a hair stylist until she figured out her future.
Truong said her attitude shifted as she realized that she loved being a hairstylist and the creativity it allowed. Her growing passion led to her owning a salon with her sister, Sam Truong, who leads the business side of the venture.
“It allows me to go outside of my comfort zone and design something that I don’t even know that I’m capable of,” said Truong.
Truong is the only Canadian finalist for the International Visionary Award, but instead of being nervous, she’s inspired.
“Hopefully she’ll represent Edmonton well, represent Canada well, and no matter where she places or how she places we’re very proud of her,” said Sam Truong.
Truong is nominated under the “cut and colour” section of the International Visionary Award along with 15 other stylists from all over the world.
With a report from CTV Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
