Creative Director Derrick Rutherford has assembled an elite team of trained professionals whose talent and flair have become notorious throughout the industry.
Each member of the team is critical in the overall success of the salon and all members work together to create the best possible environment for our clients.
If you prefer to book an appointment with a specific member of the team, please make your preferences clear at the time of booking.
Derrick Rutherford
Creative Director
@derrick_rutherford
View Gallery
Derrick is recognized as one of Canada’s leading stylists and is part of a new generation of hair designers responsible for shaping today’s hair industry. As part of the Matrix International Design Team, Derrick travels the globe sharing his creativity and precision cutting techniques with stylists eager to expand their knowledge and skill. Derrick’s talent coupled with his friendly personality and warm stage presence makes him a popular, sought-after instructor. Derrick has advanced his own career through active participation with the Matrix Education Team and has reached the highest level of achievement, serving now as a member of the distinguished Matrix International Design Team. Derrick puts his belief into action at his own salon where as Artistic Director, he nurtures and coaches his artistic team, helping them achieve the highest level of confidence within their own sense of creativity. Oprah Winfrey – Makeovers for “Locks of Love”, Sundance Film Festival – Premier Magazine and New York Fashion Week – In Style Magazine are a few of the examples of how Derrick is living proof that stylists have the ability and opportunity to take their talents beyond the salon and onto the international stage.
Julio Rodriguez
Artistic Director
@juliocolor
View Gallery
Julio started his career as a stylist back home in New Jersey. Our resident Jersey Boy developed his love of colour in Fine Arts, and has since become a sought after colour specialist. With his attention to detail in ‘blonding’ and corrective colour his clientele quickly grew. Julio’s career highlights include styling the hair of Hispanic megastars such as Michelle Rodriguez and Pilar Montenegro for People Magazine (Español), for their 50 Most Beautiful Latin Issue. Julio has worked backstage for Imitation of Christ at New York City’s famed Fashion Week and Boston’s Disco Ball with Betsey Johnson. His educational work for Matrix as a Guest Artist has taken him to every major city across the United States and abroad to Europe including the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy. Julio continuously works on photo shoots, and has been published in Modern Salon, Salon Magazine, Canadian Hairdresser, as well as European magazines. Julio continues his drive for education with his work as an Artistic Director for Matrix haircolour. “I love the hairdressing industry because it allows me to create beauty on a different canvas daily, either working behind the scenes with models or with our wonderful clients in the salon!”
Erika Fletcher
Master Stylist
@erikafletcher5
View Gallery
Erika has worked in the salon industry for ten years. She has advanced training with product lines such as Matrix, Aveda, Moroccan Oil, Kérastase and Goldwell. She excels in all areas: colouring, cutting and styling, after extensive training with our creative and artistic directors. She specializes in blondes and extensions, but has a passion in working on all areas of hair. She consistently continues expanding her knowledge in order to make her guest feel beautiful inside and out. Her positive outlook, sweet demeanour and killer skills makes a highly sought after stylist.
Alicia Contini
Master Stylist / Makeup Artist
@styledbyalicia
View Gallery
Alicia’s precise cutting and colouring techniques make her a breathe of fresh air in our salon. Alicia is new to Guelph from Edmonton and loves to socialize as well as meet new people. She makes everybody in her chair feel at home with her bubbly and energetic personality. With over 15 years experience Alicia provides creative and edgy looks to prove to her clients she loves what she does. She specializes in short hair and loves to add her creative edge to every fun short hair look. Alicia is now accepting new clients!
Callie Cabral
Stylist / Makeup Artist
@glambeautybycallie
After completing a high school co-op, I realized I had found my calling. With strong mentorship from both Julio and Derrick, I feel I have excelled farther than I could have imagined — not only with hair but also makeup artistry. My greatest achievement to date is being recognized by my peers with a NAHA finalist nomination for MakeUp Artist of the Year and semi-finalist in the same category for the Contessa Awards.
Vivien Paragi
Stylist
@vv.hairdesigns
View Gallery
Vivien started her career as a hairdresser at Valentini’s as a full apprentice and has been mentored by Derrick and Julio. She has been in the hair industry for 8 years and is confident in her craft. Her skill sets in unique colouring and cutting compliment her fun and vibrant personality. She has attended many classes and is always expanding her knowledge of the industry’s latest trends. These classes have allowed her to specialize in balayage techniques and blonde applications. She also loves transforming her guests with extensions and specialized smoothing treatments.
Lyndsay Rundle
Junior Stylist
Lyndsay has always had a dream of being a hairstylist. Since she was a little girl all she wanted to do was everyone’s hair. Her goals are to make everyone feel beautiful and welcome in the salon! Lyndsay is currently working on reception and apprenticing alongside Derrick and Julio. She will be attending La Luma Academy in January where she will continue to grow her love for the industry. When Lyndsay is not at the salon, you will find her on the rugby pitch!
Carlos Shears
Junior Stylist
@shearhairstyling
As someone who greatly values self expression and having creative outlets such as cosplay and music, I chose to be a hairdresser because I enjoy the creative process of connecting and collaborating with guests to achieve their dream hair that is uniquely theirs.
I’m always learning new skills and techniques apprenticing at Valentini’s and improving with training from Derrick and Julio and the help of a fantastic team
Ben Litner
Junior Stylist
@the.scissorsister
Ben is so excited to join the Valentini team as a junior stylist! He has been working in the hair industry and doing hair since 2020 with a passion for transformation. He grew up surrounded by the arts, pursuing dance and theatre at a young age which lead him to explore performance and freedom of expression. He values individuality in hair, with an emphasis on creative colours and cuts to bring out uniqueness in all of his clients.
Kyla Huck
Master Stylist
@Kylaaah
Creative, versatile and passionate about her craft, Kyla has worked behind the chair for 13 years and has established herself as a successful hairstylist and award winning hair colourist. Specializing in all colour services, precision cutting, and extensions, Kyla is always fascinated with not only how her work can completely change not only how her guests look, but how they feel too. Therefor she is always educating herself, improving her techniques, and keeping up on current trends.
When she isn’t behind the chair, you can find Kyla hanging with her close friends, crafting or playing ringette.
Frances Garaffa
Salon Coordinator
Frances has accumulated several decades of experience in the beauty industry in various capacities. Whether it be as a make-up artist, aesthetics educator for OPI and Matrix, or currently as salon coordinator. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to each guest.
Ariel Amber
Social Media & Marketing
Ariel has become our social media specialist after having a variety of experiences and training in the salon industry. Ariel’s passion for showcasing both interior and exterior beauty grows as she learns new and exciting ways to create content and engage virtually with our guests. Ariel is also an in-house model for Valentini Hair Design and can often be found in the salon prepping for photoshoots or around town with local photographers collaborating with like-minded businesses in the area.
