When Breanne Gershon first picked up a flat iron in high school cosmetology class, she had no idea she was setting off on a journey that would take her from behind the chair to beauty shoots, classroom podiums, and national awards stages.
But that’s the thing about this stylist — you won’t find her career path neatly mapped out. And she’s just fine with that.
“I recently came across The Chaos Theory of Careers, which resonated with me,” Gershon says. “It suggests career paths aren't always linear, and being open to unexpected experiences and chance opportunities can shape your path. And that feels like a perfect reflection of my journey.
“I've never had a set-end goal, but I've always followed where my passion and curiosity led me."
Today, Gershon wears many hats: hairstylist and color specialist, makeup artist, educator, content creator, and, most recently, student again as she wraps up her Bachelor of Education degree.
Gershon’s career may be ever-evolving, but one thing has stayed constant: a love for creativity and connection.
A Leap of Faith That Paid Off
"My passion was first sparked in high school when I took cosmetology," Gershon says. "I loved how creative I could be. I would lose track of time."
In 2012, right after high school, she was accepted into a traditional university program. But something didn’t feel right. She withdrew from the program and jumped headfirst into a salon apprenticeship.
Now with years of experience and a growing list of accolades — including multiple wins apiece this year from the NAHA and Contessa industry awards — Gershon’s returning to the classroom. This time, though, she’s an educator. “It feels full-circle moment,” she says.
“I stay inspired by fully immersing myself in whatever I’m doing. Whether it’s planning a class or designing a look, I try to give it my full thought and effort,” she says.
“I ask myself: ‘What’s the purpose? Does it make sense?’ I seek honest feedback and stay open to growth. That mindset, and the results that follow, keep me energized and evolving.”
Awards, Milestones, and That “I Made It” Feeling
Gershon's not big on stopping to celebrate, but a few moments have stood out.
“Winning my first Contessa after years of trying felt surreal,” says Gershon, who was first honored by the Canadian beauty awards in 2022. This year, she nabbed three first-place Contessas as Canadian Colourist, Alberta Hairstylist, and Avant-Garde Hairstylist for her recent collection, Momentum.
“There's something special about hearing your name called for the first time and feeling your hard work pay off.”
Her NAHA 2025 wins, also for Momentum and in the categories of Haircolor and Styling & Finishing, marked another milestone. "It's something that I'm still processing," Gershon says. "Those moments of recognition feel like validations of years of persistence and love for the craft."
She's even on track to bring home multiple wins in yet another major industry awards program: the Live Fashion Hair Awards-Americas. She's up for Hairdresser of the Year and Creative Colorist of the Year in the international competition, where the winners will be crowned June 22 in Las Vegas.
While Gershon is currently in the spotlight for her work with hair, her makeup artistry is just as fierce. After all, her first Contessa win was for Makeup Artist of the Year. And that's what she'll be teaching at the International Beauty Show-Las Vegas, the Live Fashion Hair Awards' host event.
At the upcoming Vegas show, “this year’s focus is on makeup, one of my favorite things to teach,” Gershon says. Her three makeup art classes cover: creating a flawless foundation, techniques for devastating eye looks, and the secrets to achieving award-winning makeup. “Expect a deep dive into precision and detail."
Keeping It Real (Even on Social)
Gershon’s approach to social media is simple — art and heart. "I’ve never felt entirely aligned with trends or social media culture,” she admits, “but I try to show up authentically.
“I try to share what feels real, honest, and hopefully inspiring. I follow creators who inspire creativity, and I like seeing my feed full of cool work. I try to keep both art and heart at the center of everything I post.”
Gershon’s next steps include showcasing her work to a wider audience. “I’m excited for what’s ahead," she says. "I’d love to expand internationally, collaborate with other artists, travel, and continue refining my craft.
“I’m curious to see where that growth takes me," she says, "and I’m staying open to all of it!"
Gershon’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always come from a set plan. Sometimes, it comes from following your curiosity, staying true to your craft, and embracing every twist and turn along the way.
Breanne Gershon will be teaching "How to Create Advanced Award-Winning Makeup Looks," "Master the Art of Eye Makeup," and "5 Steps to Flawless Foundation" at the International Beauty Show-Las Vegas from June 21-23, 2025. Register here for tickets to the event and to the Live Fashion Hair Awards-Americas on June 22.