Meet our friendly team of professionals who can't wait to welcome you to our award-winning salon! 

• #1 Salon in the 2023 Times Colonist Reader's Choice Awards
• Voted #1 Best salon in the City in 2022 
• Voted the Best Salon in BC in 2020 and Best Hair Stylist 2019: Philip Ferreira 
• Award-winning master stylists with over 30 years' of experience
• We are the only Advanced Level DevaCurl salon (a specialized cutting system from NYC) and offer curly hair extensions
• The only official Bellami Hair Extension certified salon on Vancouver Island
• Certified to offer Japanese Hair Straightening and Smoothing Treatments
• Neuma, Maria Nila and Yon-ka skincare- cruelty-free professional products are sold here, plus our bespoke retail selection of locally made products
• Outstanding customer service — visit us and see for yourself!

Interested in joining our incredible team? Visit our Careers page.

Creative Director, Master Stylist and Co-Owner

Philip Ferreira - Creative Director, Co-Owner, Level 7
Instagram: @hairphilosophy

Philip was born and raised in Montreal by Portuguese immigrant parents. His father was a tailor and his mother worked by his side making leather goods. While the family struggled to make a living, Philip remembers always having beautiful leather jackets and being well supported and loved. Philip dreamt of being an architect but when the family relocated to Victoria in Grade 12, he didn’t speak enough English to attend college. With language as a barrier to education, he worked construction until he found a mentor who introduced him to the world of hair. He worked the night shift at Denny’s, travelled to Nanaimo for his BC hair license, all the while being a young father.

Philip is the only Canadian to have won International Trend Vision, Sassoon trained, he’s travelled the world educating and he’s an inspiring artist and cutter. The best thing about Philip, besides his obvious talent, is he’s the kindest man you’ll ever meet.

*Portuguese and French speaker

Find out more about educational opportunities to learn from Philip.

Stylists

Instagram: @basicunicornlooks

Sarah grew up in Nanaimo, BC and her childhood was an exception, as she was the tenth born child of twelve. Yes, you read that right! Her parents had twelve children and actually decided that together when they got engaged. Growing up in such a large family meant many joyful times, closeness and acquiring lots of “keeping the peace” skills. Sarah still has family in the centre of her life, but she’s also an ambitious career woman. As a teenager she loved playing with hair, decided what she wanted to be a stylist. She loved every second of hair school and of course she also excelled at it. She won all the awards and took the best job of all the graduates. She’s been cutting for almost 20 years, with a few years off being a full-time mom. She now complements her hairstyling with makeup and leads our makeup and bridal program at the salon. 

Silent Service Option- If you would like to enjoy your time with me in silence, please add it to your appointment notes or ask the front desk when you check in.  

Heidi Ellis - Level 6, Advanced Extensionist and Hair Flair Educator
Instagram: @heididoesthehair

(new clients welcome, call to book haircuts)

Heidi was born and raised on the island. A talented stylist for over 18 years, she's experienced in hair extensions and loves her blonds and balayage. She studied her craft at Ray's Beauty school in Vancouver and graduated in 2006. When she's not energetically colouring and styling hair, she loves to bake and be outdoors with her husband and two boys.

 

Reegyan Lepcha - Level 6
Instagram: @hairegain

This talented and worldly stylist of over 21 years was born in Northeastern India and brought up in Bhutan (ranked one of the happiest countries in the world!). As a young man, Reegyan had to move to southern India to take care of his family. He found his passion for hairdressing unexpectedly after an aunt gifted him a small amount of money to take his first hair course. Within just a year, he won a L’Oreal New Generation Young Colourist Award, which propelled him to a new level and new life in London, Hong Kong and Singapore, which is where he received his advanced training. A Tony and Guy trained stylist, Reegyan specializes in precision cuts and has experience working with diverse clientele with a variety of hair textures. 

On a personal note, Reegyan gains energy from working with a team in a creative atmosphere and is passionate about health & fitness and travelling to new places. We are happy he chose Victoria to set down roots. 

*Hindi, Nepali and Tamil(South Indian) speaker

Ryan Berekoff - Level 6

Instagram: @theehairguy

With almost 20 years hairdressing, Ryan has had experience in many different areas in the industry. Qualifying in Vancouver, he then took his career to England where he worked for 15 years. He worked with the prestigious Toni & Guy brand for 8 years and assisted at London Fashion Week for three years. He continued his advanced colour training at the L’Oreal Academy in London.

Experienced on both sides of the chair, he opened his own salon in Cambridge, England and co-owned it for 6 years before selling it and moving to Montréal where he built a loyal clientele for the last 5 years, learning French and new colouring and cutting techniques along the way.

After nearly 20 years away, Ryan just re-located to Victoria to be closer again to family and enjoy what B.C. has to offer. He is passionate and specializes in colour and cut transformations, and exceeds expectations in precision cutting.

Ryan is very happy to be a part of The Natural Hair Salon team and is always looking for new adventures and challenges, in and out of the hairdressing industry.

*French speaker

Laura Flynn - Level 6, Extensions Specialist

Instagram- @lauraflynnhairandbeauty

Laura has been in the industry for over 20 years as a stylist and makeup artist, plus before that she was practicing on her siblings (they’re still her clients). She attended Martier School of Hair Design right out of high school and graduated in 2005. Laura is an abstract painter, ink artist and a busy mother of 3. This dynamic lady sees cutting as an extension of her artistic training and her cuts are custom to each client. If she could do it all, and it seems like she already is, she would also run her own café and do all the cooking. Laura works late nights and Saturdays to accommodate working moms and those clients who work a more traditional schedule. 

Maxine Montpetit - Level 4,  Bellami Extensions

Instagram- @m4xine

Maxine, with over 14 years of experience, graduated from the Paul Mitchell School in Tampa Florida and attended the Vidal Sassoon Academy in both Miami and Chicago. Maxine has also taken advanced education with world-renowned artists, such as Sam Villa and Martin Parsons. Born and raised in Alberta, she graduated from the U of A, and later moved to Tampa Bay, Florida. She is new to Victoria and is excited to be on the island. She specializes in precision cutting, colours, blonding, balayage and Bellami hair extensions. 

 

Lauren Hawley   - Level 4 and L'Oreal Portfolio Artist

Instagram: @naturally.laurentess

Lauren is a graduate from Vancouver Island University, earned her Red Seal and moonlights as a L'Oreal Portfolio Artist. She's goal-driven and ready for the many opportunities the hair industry has to offer. Lauren was born in the UK and moved to Canada at a young age. Growing up in the small town of Qualicum Beach, she has always appreciated spending time in nature.

Lauren loves to hike and camp, while exploring Vancouver Island. She has a passion for travelling, seeing the world, and experiencing and celebrating different cultures. In her free time, you can find her sewing, refurbishing and reupholstering furniture, focusing on reusing and repurposing materials to create something new and beautiful. With and eye for design, it's no wonder she has pursued a career as a hairstylist! 

Shaylyn Easton - Level 4, Certified Bellami Extension Specialist
Instagram: @stylesbyshay.yyj

Shaylyn was born and raised in Victoria! Her passion for hair started at a young age doing her Barbie and family’s hair, then she soon became her basketball teams hairstylist in charge of French braids. Graduating top in her class, Shay now specializes in blonde and brunette balayage! She has also expanded her education resulting in her level 3 stature and does Bellami extensions, as well as Cezanne smoothing treatments!
Shay is a great listener and her consultation is thorough and thoughtful. She strives to give her clients the highest quality of service every single time and loves making her clients feel the best version of themselves! When she isn’t at the salon you can find her hiking on this beautiful island, trying new recipes for her meal prep, at the gym or at church! She can’t wait to meet you in her chair.

Marlee Beache - Level 4, Balayage Specialist 
Instagram: @marmarthesuperstar

Marlee is originally from Calgary and studied at Marvel Cosmetology school grad of 2015. While in school she was an apprentice and has over 10 years behind the chair. Marlee loves balayage, big colour changes and transformations. She’s a self taught pasta maker, so Sundays are Italian nights at her house. She’s an avid reader and traveller. She’s lived in Holland and got her love of biking from there. Marlee works at Cook Street during the week and is Downtown at View on Saturdays.

Peter Hamilton - Level 4 

Instagram: @p.hamilton_hair

Shayla Milton, Award Winning Barber Level 4
Instagram: @shay.braidsandfades

A seasoned award winning barber of 10 years, Shayla cuts all hair types and specializes in fades, braids, beards and short scissor cuts. She offers a wide range of services and always loves to try new things. Shayla loves nature, has two adorable dogs and lives within walking distance to the downtown salon. Shayla has joined our team because her values align with The Natural, she likes to work hard and rest hard too. Come see her in our barber loft for an elevated barber shop experience.

Emylia Biegun - Level 4 (she/her/they/them), Curl Specialist & Certified Bellami Extensionist
Instagram: @emyliabhair

Emylia has been doing hair since she was 17. Emylia identifies as nonbinary — they/she pronouns and provides a completely safe space with no judgement. Bright and bubbly, Emylia is good at everything, is certified in Bellami hair extensions and is a curly hair specialist. Come to her for any creative cut and colour, or to embrace your natural beauty and texture. Her goal is always to help you bring what’s on the inside to the outside as well.

They spend their free time hugging trees, standing by the ocean, being with friends and family and making any kind of music. Emylia is committed to sustainable living and social justice, she's also an animal and plant lover.

Silent Service Option- If you would like to enjoy your time with me in silence, please add it to your appointment notes or ask the front desk when you check in.

 

Taylor Holt - Level 3 (she/they)

Instagram: @tayzer.beauty

Taylor is a queer identifying stylist born and raised in Victoria. She loves exploring all the unique and wonderful communities the city has to offer. Having started her career in the theatre studying costume history, she quickly found a love for vintage hairstyling and fell head over heels for the hair industry as a whole. As a generalist in the industry Taylor can do a little bit of everything but she especially loves vibrant colours, mullets, and geometric hair cuts. *For on scalp bleach and tones, Taylor prefers vivids only. 

*Learning French and some ASL  

 

Chiara Cannataro- Level 2

Instagram: @Chiara.cuts.hair

Chiara began her hairstyling journey at just 14 years old. Originally from Ontario, she honed her craft at Fiorio Hair Academy in Toronto, graduating in 2018. After relocating out west with her twin sister and brother, Chiara embraced the creativity that hairstyling offers. She specializes in shags, mullets, and razor cuts, turning her clients' hair visions into reality. Outside of the salon, Chiara enjoys picnics, tea parties with friends, and crafting, including pottery. Her love for art enhances her hairstyling, making each client’s experience uniquely creative and fulfilling.

 

Erin Water-Chief - Level 2

Instagram: @erinhairexpressions

Erin was born and raised on her traditional ancestral territory, the Blackfoot Nation, in southern Alberta. Since moving to the island, she has gained valuable experience in various fields including Indigenous studies as well as community support, where she spent  3 years as a support worker for adults with disabilities. As a recent graduate of the John Casablanca Institute, in Vancouver, Erin uses her knowledge to create an inclusive and safe space. She does this by placing an importance on making every person feel cared for.

She holds a deep love and appreciation for Mother Nature, which has greatly influenced her decision to work at the Natural, specifically regarding all their green initiatives. In the salon she enjoys styling and cutting but especially doing bright vivid colours.

Emma Bargh - Level 1

This English born Victorian grew up in Smithers and moved here in 2019. An animal lover with a green thumb, she also loves to read, collect sea glass and thrift. She’s been working under the supervision and guidance of Phillip Ferreira and is now available to take her own clients. Emma is smart, hard working and focussed. She has fantastic opinions and is asset to the team! 

Grace - Associate/Level 1

Grace loves animals and has four at her family home in Cobble Hill. Having meaningful conversations with guests is what truly makes time fly for her. She’s a recent graduate with almost a year of hair under her belt. She works closely with Philip and is already a star! Her favourite food is seafood and she loves musicals, dance and fashion. Grace is courageous and loves new things. She is a loyal and dedicated person.

Jordynn - Assistant

This young person is a lovely, smart and hard working addition to the team. While she studies hair at Vic High, she is working at the salon to absorb everything she can for the time she hits the floor. We are very happy to have her help! 

Salon Management

 

Jordyn Cowan- Salon Coordinator 

Born in Victoria, Jordyn grew up in the lower mainland but found her way back to Victoria nine years ago. She lives with her (soon to be) husband and tuxedo cat Mitch. Jordyn is at home and the happiest when surrounded by the mountains and ocean. She loves spending times outdoors whether just catching some sunshine on her lunch break from work or hiking on her days off or camping for the weekend. She loves going to the movies and will see almost anything just for an excuse to go to the theatre. With nearly a decade of retail management experience, she takes pride in providing an excellent guest experience and loves being part of the busy salon life.

 

 

Natalie Grunberg-Ferreira - GM and Co-owner (she/her)
Instagram: @thenaturalhairsalon

A consummate entrepreneur who has created several successful businesses and had a previous career in education. With her savvy business and management skills, she brought in all the necessary talent and professionals to run the best salons in Victoria. Her goal is to be the best employer in BC and she's off to a great start with this team!

 

On Maternity Leave

Lydda Holt - Level 5

Instagram: @ apurepassionforhair

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Lydda completed a 4-year apprenticeship with Toni&Guy & then continued on as a senior stylist. Her adventurous spirit then led her to wander the globe and finally to land here in Canada as a proud new citizen. Lydda's vibe is very chill and she is very much solely dedicated/focused on bringing your hair vision to life. She's a quiet achiever when it comes to her passion, which is hair. All her energy and love for what she does goes into her work and her relationships. In her spare time, Lydda loves to hit the open road, on her motorcycle. She's got a tomboy streak, a love for adrenaline sports, music, poetry and all things outdoors! 

Naomi McCullough - Level 2 (textured hair specialist)

Instagram @naomibenettehair

Naomi was born in Haiti. and adopted into Canada just shy of 2 years old. She spent most of her Years on the lower mainland where she grew up travelling the globe as a world level Irish dancer and Athlete. Moving here 10 years ago, Naomi became a certified PT and Yoga Instructor. She takes pride in her knowledge and interest in Health and Wellness, and devotes her free time staying healthy & active enjoying the great outdoors. Naomi has expertise working with all hair types, but specializes in working with curly hair textures. Her goals are to create an environment at the Natural where BIPOC feel welcome & respected. She continues to further her education so she can provide top-quality service and keep up with the trends.

 

Natasha Perricciolo- Salon Coordinator

Natasha was born and raised in Toronto Ontario and relocated here 8 months ago to start a new adventure. She has 10 years experience in the beauty industry as an esthetician that she brings to her role in the front end of our salon. She’s a foodie, coffee lover, and on her spare time you’ll find her exploring with her husky, Kai. She looks forward to making your guest experience at The Natural memorable.