A native Calgarian, Brenda Boutet has successfully used her creative eye for shape and design in over 25 years of varied work experience with customer service, in salons, and the entertainment industry (film, theatre, TV).

At a young age I was intrigued by women’s fashion, hair make-up and clothing. Not only with modern day looks, but also with different era’s. In high school, I entered the cosmetology program and after graduation I worked at Jeromes Hair Salon, in Calgary, as an assistant. Within a year I graduated to the floor as a Junior Stylist and worked meticulously as a cutter. Within 6 years we did numerous fashion shows and photo shoots.

Yearning to live in a different city I embarked on a trip to Toronto and continued to work as a hairstylist.

While working as a hairstylist an opportunity opened up to take a wig, hair and makeup training course with the Canadian Opera Company. I developed skills in applying theatrical makeup while learning to build and style period wigs and facial hair. Within that training year we had hands-on applications on eight different operas, with over 80 performers per opera. This was one of my best training and work experiences.

Upon finishing at the Canadian Opera Company I was hired to work at The Banff Centre for the summer stage program. I then went back to Toronto and continued working for various productions in musical theatre at the Royal Alexandra, Princess of Wales, and The Ford Centre.

Livent was developing a new production of Showboat and I was hired as an assistant to help set up the show, which entailed over 70 cast members and over 100 wigs worn per show. I toured 3 ½ years with Showboat to Minneapolis and Vancouver - At that time there were under 45 Professional hair people touring Broadway Shows in North America. I stayed in Vancouver and continued working at The Ford Centre on Ragtime, Phantom of the Opera, and Sunset Boulevard.

My two sons were born and I returned to Calgary to build a home and continued to work in theatre and film.

A former co-worker stylist from Jeromes and salon owner of Colors, Sharon Broda, called me about a new and exciting eyelash extensions company and asked if I was interested. We researched Xtreme Lashes to find it is the top company in North America, with quality training, safe procedures, and was developed by a Registered Nurse. I was so impressed by their solid foundation and support. They always update new information, and consistently improve their products and ideas.

We took a one-on-one Xtreme Lash class and I have since taken the advanced private class with Xtreme’s top trainer, who tours worldwide, and is Canadian. After 18 months of hard work doing lashes I have to give great gratitude towards Sharon Broda for allowing me the time to explore this wonderful company.

I enjoy the precision work and find that it suits my background, of being meticulous and detailed. Just like hair, everyone’s natural lashes are different and I see that possibilities with eye shape and design are endless.

I learn something new every day, and am proud to be a Cowgirl from Calgary.