Garnier is thrilled to welcome Roger Medina as their Canadian Hair Expert. With over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, Medina will share his expertise from styling how-to’s, to at-home hair colouring techniques to breaking down the top trends seen on runways all over the world. Medina’s work has graced the runways of New York Fashion Week as well at Toronto Fashion Week, with his editorial work appearing in top Canadian Magazines. His roster of celebrity clientele includes Chloe Grace Moretz, Clémence Poésy and Francesco Yates.
“We are so excited to have Roger join the Garnier family as our Hair Expert,” says Jessica Zagari, Integrated Communications Leader, L’Oreal. “With his international experience, we truly believe he’s the perfect partner to bring the top hair trends and looks from around the globe home to Canada. With his expertise, he is sure to become the go-to resource for all things Garnier haircolour and style.”
BB411~ I had the absolute pleasure to meet Roger and what a remarkable and talented artist he is! Every time I do an interview I always leave gaining more insight, wisdom, grace and additional gratitude. It blows me away the level of artistic talent that our world has and I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to share this interview with all of you. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I loved writing it…………..
BB411~ How did your career unfold, when did you know you wanted to become a hair expert?
RB~ I remember at a very young age of 12 when I was at my aunt’s salon waiting for my mom to finish getting her hair done, I would play with her mannequin to pass the time. From there I knew that I had a passion to create art and by choice, hair was my medium. Fast forward to 2012, having 5 years under my belt at this point and achieving great success in Winnipeg shooting all the big campaigns in the city, I wasn’t feeling completely fulfilled and that I wanted more out of my career. My friend who worked for Roger’s media posted onto my facebook wall a casting call for an upcoming web series “Canada’s Best Beauty Talent” looking for the best hair and make up artist’s in Canada. I auditioned, received a call back and was told I was chosen to be one of the top 12 contestants to compete. After filming and when the show aired on Citytv, it caught the media’s attention as well as the beauty industry. That was the turning point in my career when I knew I had to leave Winnipeg and move to Toronto to really pursue becoming a celebrity hair stylist. First off I’m very humbled to be Garnier’s Hair Expert. Having that title and being a part of the team comes with a lot of responsibility, innovation and knowledge. The entire team is amazing; we have a great working relationship – they love the fresh ideas that I bring to the table, while also being super collaborative. The end result has been incredible executions that are organic to the brand, to me, and current.
BB411~ Where does your inspiration come from and who in the industry inspires you?
RM~ It’s hard for me to narrow it down but when I feel like being inspired, I will look at hairstylist’s feeds such as my friend @tokyostylez, who makes the wigs for the one and only, Kylie Jenner. His wig work is amazing! @cesar4styles, who’s in charge of Ciara’s coif; his eye for textured hair is impeccable. @kimkimble, @ritahazan and @nealerinah who are in charge of Beyonce’s hair. There are also the “great’s” that inspire me on an editorial level, such as Guido Palau and Sam McKnight, their work is timeless and inspiring.
BB411~ What are the current hair trend do’s?
RM~ There is a resurgence of braids again this season with textured undone curls. Soft Bridgitte Bardot bangs are slowing making their way back as well. For color, deep rich colours are trending, such as rose golds and bronze/ronze (red/brown).
BB411~ Do you specialize in anything or are known for when it comes to hair?
RM~ I am a colorist and hair extension specialist. Best know for my signature curls and voluminous waves.
BB411~ If you weren’t in the career you are today and you could be anything in the world, what would it be?
RM~ My other passions growing up were dance and graphic design. I wanted to be a choreographer for Janet Jackson, but stopped dancing at 18 to pursue my career in hair.
BB411~ What projects did 2016 bring?
RM~ TIFF, a 12 day stint of hotel runs getting celebrities ready for red carpet premieres.
BB411~ How do you stay balanced with life’s daily stresses that come up?
RM~ Good question! I live by the water so going for a jog/walk with my dog every morning really clears the mind for me. Also getting out of the city and driving to the cottage for the weekend is an essential and is what I call paradise, the perfect staycation!
Bb411~ Describe your style?
RM~ My personal style is trendy, stylish, urban yet comfortable and professional.
BB411~ What does healthy mean to you and how do you stay active?
RM~ Being healthy means staying active, making sure your mentally and physically stimulated as this is what fuel’s drive and stability. Also having a healthy diet is key especially for me when I’m standing on my feet all day. Coconut water and raw almonds on set keep me going.
BB411~ What is the #1 value you live your life by?
RM~ My first value in life is my relationship with my partner making sure he comes first. Second is my career as it’s an extension of who I am but it doesn’t define me as an individual. Third is my family who keep’s me grounded and humble.
BB411~ Where does your drive and focus come from?
RM~ My drive and focus comes from my late mother who passed away when I was 15. Her drive and ambition in her career and in life as a single mother of 2 sons was very admirable and inspiring. She was the only one who supported me getting into the hair industry. All the achievements in my lifetime are dedicated to her.
BB411~ What charities are you involved with and why is it important to you to give back?
RM~ As of right now, I’m currently not involved with any charities but in the near future I would like to give back to the cancer foundation specifically to colon cancer as this was the cancer that took my mother’s life.
Bb411~ If you could tell your younger self something you have learned and know now what would it be?
RM~ To never stop pushing and learning in life, there is always more room to grow. This industry is exciting but there are also difficult times where you’ll feel defeated, discouraged and vulnerable but this is natural to happen during growth. Stay strong!
BB411~ 3 words that best describe you?
RM~ Determined, Creative, Driven.
BB411~ What are your top hair products?
RM~ My top hair products that I’m obsessed with currently are Garnier’s Texture Tease Spray, Beach Chic Salt Spray and Big volume Hair Spray. Also if you’re wanting a shampoo/conditioner that will hydrate and nourish your hair without breaking the bank, I’d recommend Garnier’s Damage Eraser collection. It’s amazing, trust me, I wash all my hair extensions with it!
BB411~ Do any certain scents remind you of your childhood?
RM~ Scents that remind me of childhood would be Orange pop, marble ice cream and lip stick!
BB411~ Do you have a best-kept beauty secret that has been passed down to you?
RM~ My aunt told me to always moisturize my body with pure coconut oil as it has high levels of antioxidants that improve your skin.
BB411~ Fun fact that people may not know about you?
RM~ I’m really good a HTML coding, secretly I’m a nerd.
BB411~ Favorite quote?
RM~ “Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: The future can be better than the present and I have the power to make it so”
BB411~ What is the #1 book you would gift to someone?
BB411~ What are the 2 websites do you enjoy reading?
RM~ Vice and Rihanna Daily
BB411~ #1 thing you want to cross off your bucket list?
RM~ Retire when I’m 40
BB411~ What is the top quality that entrepreneurs should have?
RM~
- Take what you do seriously
- Manage money wisely
- Become a shameless self promoter
- Be accessible
- Use social media as your platform to increase visibility
- Take time off
BB411~ When you look back at the life you lived, what do u want to be remembered for?
RM~ I want to be remembered for inspiring other and always pushing boundaries and limits. You don’t have to be mean to succeed in life.
BB411~ What has been your biggest Aha Moment so far in life?
RM~ My aha moment was back in 2014 when I was flying back from LA, my international hair commercial came out and it went viral! The security at the airport stops me and said “Hi, are you Roger Medina from the hair commercial?” I was caught off guard after enduring a 5-hour flight but replied saying “Yes that’s me!” From that moment on, I knew that I was becoming a public figure and impacting people’s lives.
BB411~ Describe your perfect day when you have some down time?
RM~ Being able to shut off my phone and disconnect from the world for a day. During the summer, I’d lay by my pool and sunbath in the sun to gather my thoughts. During the winter, Netflix’s and cuddling with my pup is just as enjoyable!
BB411~ When I say “love this”, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
RM~ What comes to mind is an outfit, shoes or a bag when I hear someone say “LOVE THIS”!
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Remember to say you heard it here first!
Much Love,
Beauty Buzz 411
