Our Instructors
At Hair Art Academy, our instructional team is composed of seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to our program. Collectively, they boast over 70 years of experience in the hair industry, with backgrounds that span across the country and around the globe.
Our instructors have honed their skills in various prestigious salons and institutes worldwide, ensuring that they bring the latest techniques, trends, and innovations to our students. Their combined expertise covers all aspects of hairstyling, from cutting and coloring to advanced styling and editorial work.
With such a rich and varied background, our team is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience, helping each student develop their unique talents and achieve their professional goals.
We are proud to introduce our esteemed Co-Owners and Head Instructors,
Tim Kuo and Loretta Tom.
Together, they bring unparalleled expertise, creativity, and passion to our program, making them the driving force behind our innovative curriculum and inspiring teaching methods.
Tim Kuo
Tim Kuo brings over a decade of experience and artistic innovation to the hair industry. Known for his creative flair and precision, Tim approaches every client with a personalized vision, ensuring results that are both unique and stylish.
His work has been featured in national trade magazines, and his editorial projects continually push the boundaries of hair artistry. With a track record of success in major industry competitions, Tim combines technical mastery with a passion for teaching, making him an inspiring mentor for aspiring hairstylists.
INSTAGRAM: @kuohair
Loretta Tom
Loretta Tom is a master hairstylist celebrated for her dedication to precision and perfection. Her years of experience and advanced training at prestigious global institutes have made her a sought-after expert in color and styling.
Loretta excels in creating personalized looks that reflect individuality and lifestyle while maintaining a deep focus on technical excellence. Her talent has earned recognition in some of the industry’s top competitions. Passionate about education and editorial work, Loretta brings expertise, vision, and inspiration to her students.
INSTAGRAM: @lorettatomhair
Award-Winning Talent: Masters of the Craft
Tim and Loretta have solidified their place as leaders in the hairstyling industry, earning accolades at prestigious competitions such as the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) and Contessa Awards as BC Hairstylist of the Year winner and finalist for 5 consecutive years, and Canadian Colorist of the Year. Their extensive list of achievements showcases their exceptional creativity, technical mastery, and dedication to their craft.
Beyond their competitive success, Tim and Loretta remain active stylists, continuously innovating and mastering the latest techniques. Recognized both nationally and internationally, their success reflects their exceptional creativity, technical skills, and dedication to advancing the industry.
For students, learning from Tim and Loretta means studying under proven experts who have competed—and excelled—at the highest levels.
Leaders in Vancouver’s Hair Scene
Tim and Loretta are the proud co-owners of Salon Haze, one of Vancouver’s most recognized and celebrated salons. Known for its exceptional standards in hair artistry, Salon Haze has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and client satisfaction.
Beyond Salon Haze, Tim and Loretta are also co-owners of Artel Salon, a collective of four thriving salons across Vancouver. Their leadership and vision have been instrumental in establishing these salons as top destinations for hair services, setting trends and raising the bar for the city’s hair industry.
By successfully managing and growing multiple salons, Tim and Loretta possess deep insight into Vancouver’s evolving hair scene, from understanding client needs to staying ahead of emerging trends. Their experience as salon owners, stylists, and educators provides invaluable knowledge to students, giving them firsthand exposure to what it takes to thrive in both the creative and business aspects of hairstyling.
Peter Schroeder
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
With over 30 years of teaching experience at Hair Art Academy, Peter brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge to our school. His warm presence and professionalism form the backbone of our academy, fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment for all students. Peter’s dedication to the art of hairstyling and his commitment to student success are evident in every class he teaches. He combines his extensive experience with the latest industry techniques and trends, ensuring students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education. Always ready to help students excel, Peter is passionate about guiding them to become expert hair artists. His vast experience and dedication make him an invaluable asset to Hair Art Academy.
Daemen Ko
INSTRUCTOR
Daemen is an exceptionally talented hairstylist with a passion for creating the perfect haircut and perm. His ability to listen to clients and reflect their needs in the final style sets him apart. At Hair Art Academy, Daemen brings this dedication to his teaching, ensuring students learn the latest techniques and trends. He emphasizes the importance of home care, educating students on how to help future clients manage their styles at home. Daemen takes great pride in his work, and his satisfaction comes from seeing clients thrilled with their new look. As an instructor, he continuously grows and educates himself to provide students with the best industry techniques and knowledge.
INSTAGRAM: @daemen_k_
Wayne Vien
INSTRUCTOR
Born in Vietnam and moving to Vancouver at 13, Wayne discovered his passion for beauty early on. At 17, he began his journey as a hairstylist, and for the past 8 years, he has been a vibrant force in the hair industry. His experience includes working at prestigious events like Vancouver Fashion Week and excelling in daily salon work. Wayne continuously educates himself to stay at the forefront of the industry, ensuring his students benefit from the latest techniques and trends. As an instructor at Hair Art Academy, Wayne shares his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm, making sure students feel confident and inspired. He strives to create a fun and engaging learning environment, always introducing new tips and techniques for their professional routines.
INSTAGRAM: @hairwayness
Tanis Johnston
INSTRUCTOR
Originally from Edmonton, Tanis brings a wealth of experience to Hair Art Academy. Her impressive background includes working on the West Edmonton Mall advertisement team and having her work featured in wedding magazines, mall campaigns, TV segments, hotel advertisements, and bridal shows. With extensive training and knowledge in diverse situations, product lines, and extensions, Tanis can create the perfect look under any circumstance. As an instructor, she emphasizes the importance of listening to clients and delivering the best possible outcomes tailored to their needs and lifestyle.
INSTAGRAM: @tanisjohnston
Vicky Batalha
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
Vicky graduated from Hair Art Academy as one of our top alumni. Having excelled as a student herself, Vicky leverages her firsthand experience and knowledge gained at the academy to effectively train and guide new students. Her unique perspective helps bridge the gap between education and real-world application, preparing students for success in the competitive hairstyling industry. Vicky is passionate about nurturing talent and is dedicated to ensuring each student transitions smoothly into their educational journey and beyond. Her commitment to excellence and her understanding of both student and instructor perspectives make her an invaluable part of the Hair Art Academy team.
INSTAGRAM: @vickybatalha
Sydney Bull
INSTRUCTOR
With almost 10 years of experience, Sydney’s journey started at the Hair Art Academy as a student in 2015. Upon finishing her schooling at Hair Art Academy, she also did an advanced program with Aveda, where she developed a love for blonding and colour correcting. Sydney is experienced in the styling world, having devoted most of her summers to wedding hair and makeup, with her work being featured in Rocky Mountain bridal for her own wedding back in 2020. As a believer in continued education, Sydney has taken the next step in her career into becoming an educator. When she’s not teaching at Hair Art Academy, she continues to work behind the chair with her own clients, while working towards developing her own skills to become a better stylist and instructor.
INSTAGRAM: @elevatehair.co