Award Honouree 2023

JANET JACKSON

Trailblazer Award Honouree

Janet Jackson, a Toronto-born beauty expert and celebrity hairstylist, stands at the pinnacle of the hairstyling industry with unparalleled experience. As the Founder & CEO of JouJou Hair Studio, she has earned the distinguished title of Contessa "Elite Master Hairstylist" Finalist, showcasing her exceptional talent and passion for hair. With an extensive career that spans various facets of the beauty realm, Janet has become a sought-after stylist for celebrities such as Winnie Harlow, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Aja Naomi King, Taapsee Pannu, Aimee Lou Woods, Usher, Stephan James, Keshia Chante, Sara Waisglass, Kiana Madeira and many others.

Janet's commitment to providing the highest quality hair services is evident in her salon, JouJou Hair Studio, which reflects her dedication to "Hair Care First." Her ability to work with ALL hair types and her profound knowledge of beauty products have been key factors in her success story. Janet has curated a team of talented and professional hair artists who share her passion for understanding each individual's unique hair needs.

Her illustrious career has been marked by numerous appearances on TV, where she has not only showcased her styling abilities but also shared her expertise as an on-air beauty expert. Janet's work has been featured in top-tier magazines, including Elle, FASHION, Flare, Efe and Chatelaine Magazine. She has contributed to print campaigns for renowned brands such as Cover Girl, Holt Renfrew, Hudson’s Bay, Louis Vuitton, L’Oreal Paris, and Nike. In addition to her print campaigns, Janet has lent her expertise to television shows, commercials, short films, music videos, and prestigious events like the Essence Festival, BET Hip Hop Awards, The JUNO’s, and Much Music Video Awards. Her role as Iman's personal hairstylist for Project Runway-Canada is a testament to her standing in the industry.

Her numerous awards include the prestigious Contessa - 2024 Session Hairstylist of the Year award, Cafaa Awards' Hair Artist of the Year, and recognition by Elle magazine as one of the top 5 hair stylists in Toronto. Janet has also served as a L'Oreal Paris Hair Expert, contributing her insights and knowledge to the brand.

Janet's journey is characterized not only by her stylistic accomplishments but also by her commitment to education and advocacy within the hairstyling community. As a licensed hairstylist, she has conducted textured hair masterclasses, specializing in kinks, curls, and waves, imparting invaluable knowledge to hairstyling enthusiasts. She addresses unconscious bias in the beauty industry, aiming for inclusivity and excellence among all hair stylists. 

Janet Jackson's influence transcends borders, with a global presence featured in numerous international magazines. Her extensive expertise, dedication to education, and advocacy within the hairstyling industry have solidified her reputation as a leader, influencer, and advocate for excellence and inclusivity within the beauty landscape.

Award Honouree 2023

JEAN PIERRE

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Beauty Honouree

Jean Pierre has dedicated her professional life to the pursuit of excellence in health and well being. She accomplishes this through her specialized skin care products and spa services. She is the president and creator of the Obsidian Skin Care System and founder of the popular Jean Pierre Aesthetics & Spa Inc.

A community leader and inspirational entrepreneur, Jean Pierre, has been cited for numerous awards including the African Canadian Achievement Award for Business, The Toronto Sun’s Woman on the Move Award, The Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in Business and the African Chamber of Commerce Award. She is a popular energetic, international speaker on topics such as skin care, business counselling, and entrepreneurship and is active on youth advisory boards.

Jean Pierre has appeared on City TV, CFTO, CBC, WTN, CHCH, CTV & Life Network. She has also appeared on TV stations in Jamaica and Trinidad. Jean Pierre has been featured in such publications has the Toronto Star, Pride News Magazine, WOMAN, The Toronto Sun, IBM Insight Magazine, Essence, Skin Inc., Share, The North York Chamber Review, The Toronto Business Times and other West Indian Publications.

Jean has been a special guest on radio stations in Trinidad, Jamaica and Canada. Jean Pierre sits on the Advisory Board at Sheridan College for Aesthetics Training. She has written articles on skin care for numerous magazines. Jean Pierre is listed in the Who’s is Who in Black Canada.

Jean Pierre is also a registered nurse and midwife with over 30 years of service in her aesthetics profession. Her foray into skin care was in direct response to her own personal need. After she left Jamaica to study nursing in England, she started to experience skin problems. This problem only worsened after immigrating to Canada. Feeling rather self-conscious as a health-care professional, she spent thousands of dollars visiting different cosmetic counters, without success. She focused her frustration and began researching to find her own solution. Using her medical training she started at the medical library. It was not long before she realized that there was a distinct difference between how White and Black skin were being treated. Many products formulated for Black skin were harsh and drying which worsened her skin condition. She realized that she was not alone in her dilemma.

Her search for a solution led her back to her Jamaican roots. While growing up she had been exposed to people using indigenous bushes and herbs to treat a host of health problems. She felt strongly that nature was to be the basis of the cure and she was right. Finally she found relief. People began noticing the results and soon she was spending more and more time sharing her products and her findings.

She soon realized that many people did not instinctively know how to take care of their own skin. Many were lead to believe that black skin was tough and needed abrasive treatment. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Black skin is very sensitive and harsh treatments only exacerbate skin eruptions and hyper-pigmentation. As a health care practitioner she wanted to help others and educate her community that clear skin did not need a bag full of make-up or expensive cosmetic products to look good. The notion of merely using light powder, mascara and lipstick was a new concept as many relied on heavy make-up to cover skin conditions.

She visited France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain primarily to explore product formulation and to learn about more innovative treatment methods. Beginning a new career was not her intention, but she felt compelled to provide a service and to formulate a skin care line that would finally address the sensitive needs and to embrace the beauty of the Black skin. Obsidian, her product name refers to black volcanic glass which reflects a kaleidoscope of colours – a true reflection of her African heritage.

Her hard work and strong work ethics is paying off. She has had people from diverse communities, celebrities and professional athletes e.g. The Argonauts, Blue Jays and The Raptors use her products and services. Many of the men came to treat such skin care issues such as acne, hyper-pigmentation and pseudo folliculitis barbi or razor bumps and the keloids that sometime result.

Jean Pierre’s spa specializes in medical aesthetics. for example, laser treatment, a popular method of permanent hair removal for unwanted body and facial hair. Other spa treatments offered are therapeutic facials, blue light therapy for acne, infra-red for anti-aging and hydrating, and softening and soothing body therapies. She has received many written testimonials and photos from men, women and youth who have benefited from her services and products. Many of her clients include teens whose grades have improved as their skin problems and self-esteem improved; as well as women who are no longer forced to contend with unwanted body and facial hair.

Jean Pierre believes in giving back to her community. Currently she sits on several advisory boards. She is also involved in supporting profit and non-profit community groups, too many to mention.

Jean Pierre lives her own personal motto: preparation is key in meeting and seizing opportunities. There is no shame in failing, only in not trying.

Award Honouree 2023

Mykael Jackman

Distinguished Educator Honouree

With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Mykael Jackman is a seasoned veteran in the hair industry and education. His professional journey began at the age of 19 when he launched his first salon, marking the inception of a remarkable trajectory in the industry. Throughout his career, Mykael's unwavering commitment to his craft has been intertwined with a deep-rooted faith and dedication to his wife and five talented children, all of whom are skilled technicians in the hair industry.

Mykael's influence extends far beyond the salon chair; he's a trailblazer in education, having mentored apprentices and students from the onset of his career. His involvement in hair shows and competitions, often resulting in victories, showcased his prowess and set the stage for his transition into formal education. After obtaining his Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor, Mykael spent some time working as an instructor for Vancouver Island University.

Mykael became the Lead Instructor at the Durham Hairstylist Academy, as a certified teacher for The Durham District School Board for levels 1 and 2, and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. In addition to obtaining his Red Seal certification, Mykael also became an evaluator for Red Seal examinations, providing hairstylists with the flexibility to function in any Canadian province.

Mykael firmly believes that a great hair educator should remain relevant and actively engaged in the industry. Amid managing the apprenticeship program and owning a successful salon, he made time to work on-set for various film productions and became an official educator for film unions. He traveled throughout Canada with his team to expand knowledge, skill sets, and confidence for hairstylists working in the world of TV, film, and theater, particularly for textured hair.

Mykael is also the author of the "Hair 101" section of the Best Practices Guide for hair and makeup equity for the film/TV industry, which will be released in the upcoming months.

Mykael Jackman epitomizes the qualities of a visionary leader and a compassionate educator. His passion for hair, coupled with his dedication to nurturing the next generation of hairstylists and barbers, in both English and French language makes him a true gift to the Canadian beauty industry.

  "CREATIVITY IS A NATURAL EXTENSION  OF OUR ENTHUSIASM"

Award Honouree 2023

Tehilah Abakasanga

Rising Star Honouree

Tehilah Abakasanga is the visionary Founder and Creative Director behind OFUURE. Hailing from Nigeria, Tehilah embarked on a transformative journey in 2015, driven by a powerful mission: to illuminate the richness of African culture and empower women of all shapes and sizes through the medium of vibrant and elegant clothing.

Under her astute leadership, OFUURE's distinctive designs have earned widespread acclaim, transcending borders and resonating within the African diaspora and beyond. Worn by prominent celebrities such as Tia Mowry, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Ari Parker, Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Gabby Sidibe, Danielle Brooks, and Tracey Moore, Tehilah has become a beacon of inspiration for black entrepreneurs and creators.

Beyond her commitment to promoting African culture, Tehilah stands as a trailblazer, demonstrating to fellow entrepreneurs and creators that authenticity is not only possible but a pathway to thriving. She has ignited a global movement embracing diversity, shaping ÖFUURË into not just a brand but a transformative force empowering individuals to express their authentic selves with confidence.