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
CO-OWNER | LEAD INSTRUCTOR
With over a decade of experience in hairstyling, Tim Kuo is a visionary in the industry. His dedication to crafting unique styles for each client has earned him a reputation as a trendsetter and a sought-after stylist in Vancouver. As the co-owner of Salon Haze and Artel Salons, some of Vancouver’s top salons, Tim’s work has been celebrated in numerous national trade magazines, where he shares his innovative techniques and hairstyling tips. His creative flair and commitment to excellence have made him a finalist for multiple prestigious awards, including the Contessa BC Hair Stylist and Salon of the Year.
Tim’s passion extends beyond the salon chair; he continually pushes the boundaries of hair through editorial shoots and cutting-edge projects. At Hair Art Academy, Tim oversees the curriculum and shares his extensive knowledge and experience with our students, inspiring them to reach new heights in their hairstyling careers.
Loretta Tom
CO-OWNER | LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Loretta Tom is a master of her craft, known for her perfectionism and dedication to creating personalized styles that reflect each client's individuality and lifestyle. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has taken her to prestigious institutes worldwide, where she has honed her techniques and expanded her expertise. As a co-owner of Salon Haze and Artel Salons, Loretta’s exceptional skills in hair coloring and styling have earned her numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the Contessa Canadian Colorist and NAHA Colorist of the Year awards.
Loretta’s passion for hair goes beyond her work with clients; she thrives on sharing her extensive color knowledge through ongoing education for her salon team and students at Hair Art Academy. Her editorial work further showcases her artistic vision and commitment to pushing the limits 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.
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.
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.
Vicky
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.