Meet the team
La Boutique was created in 2020 by a group of passionate, hard-working women. Most of our team members grew up on Vancouver Island and we all love our little seaside town. We dream of cultivating a beauty hub and culture on the peninsula where women can learn, explore, feel safe, feel heard, and grow in the beauty industry.
Below you will find our lovely team of experts along with their industry titles and description.
We recognize that every salon has different professional titles and definitions for their service providers. We have carefully developed our titles based on education, experience, and quality of work. Please keep in mind that prices will vary depending on the experience of each service provider.
Certified Stylist/Technician
Our certified hairstylists have all completed their certification from a reputable beauty/hair school/program. They are still developing their talents and finding their niche in the salon industry. They confirm their work with an Advanced or Master service provider before proceeding.
Our Certified Service Provider's experience and education is reflected in our pricing.
Advanced Certified Stylist/Technician
Our Advanced Certified Stylist's/Technician's have not only completed their certification from a reputable beauty/hair school/program, but they have spent ample time (usually between 1-5 years) working in a salon closely with Master Stylists/Technicians.
They are confident in their trade, abilities and product knowledge. They are usually exploring further education and focusing in on their niche.
They are confident with formulas, application, and technique. They are educated in the products used at La Boutique and can suggest customized products to clients and customers.
Although they are capable of formulating colour and planning the perfect cut, they will consult with Lead Advanced or Master stylists /technicians regularly.
Our Advanced Certified Stylist's/Technician's experience and education is reflected in our pricing.
Lead Advanced Certified Stylist/Technician
Our Lead Advanced Certified Stylists/Technicians have over two years experience working with a Master stylist/technician and/or show extraordinary talent and understanding of formulating, complicated services, and trendy styling. They’ve attended advanced classes and have been certified in many other courses.
They are confident in their trade and established niche working towards perfecting it. They have accepted the position of “Lead” which means they assist Certified and Advanced Certified team members with confidence and encouragement. We consider these stylists/technicians educated enough to teach and guide their fellow stylists/technicians. They continue to work closely with Master stylists as they make their mark in the industry.
Our Lead Advanced Certified Stylists/Technicians experience and education is reflected in our pricing.
Master Certified Stylist/Technician
Our Master Certified Stylists/Technicians have excelled in their trade over many (8+) years. They have certifications in multiple upgrading courses/classes along with hands on experience. They lead and educate their team members as they continue upgrading in new techniques and methods. Master Certified Stylists/Technicians usually work side by side with assistants or apprentices. They are confident in their trade, quality of work, and consultations. They work mindfully and efficiently while developing or maintaining a client’s desired beauty service.
They will confidently recommend customized beauty products and/or treatments. Their bookings may be closed or limited.
Our Master Certified Hairstylist’s experience and education is reflected in our pricing.
Murrae Wilson
Co-Owner & Master Certified Eyelash Extensions Artist
Murrae was born and raised on Vancouver Island. She has worked her way up in the beauty industry from a small studio in her home to a larger (but still small) salon called Le Petit Lapin (2015-2020) to her now dream salon in Sidney.
Murrae was certified in 2015 at Misencil Academy (Quebec), in eyelash extensions and is an expert in classic, volume, & mega volume. She has developed her own brand of eyelash extensions and educational courses for fellow entrepreneurs to start out in the beauty industry. She has since worked with Elyse to develop their own clothing brand, "ELRAE" which can be found at La Boutique and has worked with suppliers to develop customized products like hand sanitizer, branded hats, drink tumblers and more. If she is not hard at work in the salon, you can bet she is either running errands for La Boutique, working while she sleeps or enjoying her time in the garden with her son Leo, daughter Autumn, and husband Eric.
Elyse Barkley
Co-Owner & Master Certified Hairstylist
Elyse was born and raised on the Saanich Peninsula. She discovered her calling in cosmetology thanks to the 2009 Stelly's Secondary Trades Program and has made educating others a part of her mission.
Blonde-obsessed and loving everything "hair", she combines passion, professionalism, and connection with every client experience.
Elyse taught for Redken for 4 years and now uses her teaching skills to guide our newly certified stylists. In addition, she is deeply committed to giving back to her community as well as creating a culture of growth and passion in the beauty industry.
She is proud of the custom clothing ("ELRAE Apparel") and housewares her and Murrae worked with suppliers to create.
Elyse's confidence and pride in our team is admirable. She often admits how lucky she is to work with such great people.
In her spare time, she can be found hiking and boating with her beloved husband, Spencer, son, Hudson and her two dogs.
Saskia Reym
Master Certified Eyelash Extensions Artist & Front End Management
Saskia has grown up and worked on the peninsula for her entire life, she knows everything about Sidney.
This little beauty has a big heart and will make you feel loved the moment you meet her. Saskia was certified at Le Petit Lapin Boutique in classic & volume eyelash extensions techniques, and Nova beauty in eyelash tint & lifts. Saskia is the brains and beauty behind front end and boutique. She is the longest working team member, starting to work with Murrae back in 2016. We owe a lot of the beauty and function of our salon and boutique to Saskia's perfectionism and inspiration. When she's away from the salon, she spends time with her fur baby, Luna (ask her for photos, they are precious!) and fiance, Jake.
Shayla Booth
Master Certified Hairstylist, Team Leader & Educator
Shayla joined our team in December of 2021. She grew up in Alberta and Saskatchewan, attended hair school in Edmonton (2012), then moved to Vancouver Island in 2013. She owned her own hair salon for 5 years then sold it to spend more time with her family and focus on her career behind the chair. She has been on the Davines team of educators and spent time traveling around North America teaching about products, techniques and retail. Shayla is a deep well of knowledge, she recently earned her Colour Genius certification and can formulate the perfect colour for any client.
Shayla enjoys exercising, cooking, and spending time with her husband Luke, daughter Isabella, and son Nixon.
She loves working and takes pride in every client. Shayla will do everything she possibly can to help you achieve your ultimate hair goals.
Jessica Robson
Master Certified Hairstylist
Jess is an ITA certified hairstylist and has been doing hair for the past 10 years. She prides herself in providing a professional service customized to her client's individual needs and lifestyle. Her passion for the beauty industry is admirable and is reflected in her work.
Jess is proud to offer colour and cutting services for both men and women, although, her favourite service is natural colouring and balayage.
Jess was born and raised in Sidney, BC and loves to travel. She had the pleasure of exploring South Africa, and Iceland. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, boating, and exploring the island with her husband, Aaron and their Duck Tolling Retriever, "Moose".
Lindsey Fernandez
Master Certified Hairstylist
Lindsey has over 10 years of experience in various salons and has recently brought her career and passion to the Peninsula. Lindsey seeks to enhance natural beauty with highlighting and blondes being her specialty. She rocks short cuts and the "just came in from a salty surf" look. She moved to the island in 2017 and has loved very minute of her time here. Hiking, paddle boarding and being near the ocean is what she lives for. If she's not at La Boutique, you will find her adventuring with her husband, Miller and daughter, Ari. Lindsey is back from maternity leave and has opened up her schedule to welcome loyal clients again.
Sam Hahn
Advanced Certified Wax Technician & Eyelash Extensions Artist
Sam was raised on Vancouver Island then moved to Alberta to pursue her passion as a cheerleading coach. She recently moved back to the island to work and raise her daughter, Maci.
Sam is certified in all eyelash extensions techniques, eyelash lift & tinting, spray tanning, eyebrow lamination, and full body waxing. You will feel truly pampered with Sam. She is the definition of a "perfectionist". She continues to further her education in the beauty industry regularly.
When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and establishing herself as a proud Jeep owner! Ask her about her be-dazzled toy ducks and custom arts and crafts.
Jaime Barwick
Receptionist & Hairstyling Student/Apprentice
Jaime is the bright, welcoming face you see as soon as you step into our salon. As our weekend receptionist—and a dedicated hair student—she brings both organization and passion to everything she does. With her warm personality and beautiful, uplifting energy, Jaime makes every guest feel instantly at home.
Her attention to detail keeps our front desk running smoothly, and her enthusiasm for the beauty industry shines through in every interaction. Loved by our entire team, Jaime is not only the heart of our front desk but also a rising talent we’re excited to watch grow in her hair career. She is currently working with Elyse, to perfect her trade and prepare to graduate from Academy of Excellence at the end of 2026.
Lacey Laitinen
Lead Advanced Certified Hairstylist
Lacey was born in Victoria, she graduated from Claremont Secondary then attended the Academy of Excellence. She recently received her diploma in hair design and has since started working with us. We are thrilled to be the salon that Lacey set her sights on after graduating hair school.
She is highly training in all hair types and styles but enjoys highlights in particular. When she is not impressing all of us in the salon, you can find her shopping, cooking and enjoying a glass of her favourite wine.
Sofie Jorgensen
Advanced Certified Eyelash Extensions Artist & Social Media Director
Sofie grew up in Sidney and graduated from Stelly's Secondary. She took our Sand & Stars Eyelash Extensions course and has since worked hard to develop her talent in eyelash services.
She showed so much promise in the course that we offered her a position as an apprentice, now she is one of our talented advanced certified technicians.
Sofie is currently attending UVic for Marketing Communications and uses her knowledge to represent La Boutique on social media.
She enjoys spending time with her friends outside of work and hopes to excel in the beauty industry as well as travel around the world.
Chloe Anderson
Certified Hairstylist
Chloe is the newest member of our team. She graduated from the hair program at Vancouver Island University and from Claremont secondary school with her Dogwood Diploma. She is newly certified in Bellami hair extensions and is excited to further her education and career in the beauty industry. Chloe's personality is warm and cheerful, she will welcome you with her beautiful smile and make sure your experience at La Boutique is the very best. Outside of work, Chloe is very active, she was in Island Elite Cheerleading for 8 years where she won awards such as Athlete of the year in 2022 and Most Positive and Supportive Teammate in 2018. We look forward to watching her grow and develop her trade.
Milly Bradshaw
Advanced Certified Hairstylist
Milly joined our team in 2023 as our superstar receptionist. She was born and raised on Vancouver Island and went to Stelly's high school and Camosun College.
She graduated hair school from the Academy of Excellence in 2025 then apprenticed under Elyse as she developed her trade. Milly enjoys being outside. She loves hiking, camping, paddle boarding and taking her dog with her! When she isn't perfecting highlights or catching up with clients in the salon, she enjoys spending time with her fur babies, "Murphy", a tuxedo cat, "Gus", a grey tabby cat, and "Amara", a silver lab. Milly was married to her soulmate Will in 2026 and continues to establish herself in such an accomplished way in the beauty industry.
Ryan Whittaker
Receptionist & Certified Nail Artist
Ryan will greet you with a warm smile when you walk into La Boutique. She graduated from Belmont Secondary in 2021 where she attended the French immersion program and has since explored the beauty industry. She has previously worked as a server in various restaurants in Victoria but has found her home in the salon world. Ryan completed her nail technician training from Definition Of Beauty in 2025 and offers Gel and Acrylic nails! She has recently learned the art of Spray Tanning, Eyelash Extensions, and Eyelash Lifts in house and instantly fell in love with these new services. We are very proud of her and are happy to support her in any new beauty industry adventure.
Susie Wilson
Master Certified Hairstylist
Susie is originally from Ontario but has spent the majority of her life on Vancouver Island. She has over 30 years of hairstyling experience and brings a fountain of knowledge and expertise to La Boutique.
When Susie is not gracing us with her calm, confident energy at the shop, she is spending time with her friends and family. We feel honoured and lucky to have her and look forward to learning from the best!
Dawson Gordon
Certified Hairstylist
Dawson grew up on the island and graduated from Claremont High School in 2017. He then graduated from the hair program at Vancouver Island University in 2026 where is passion for mens cuts and barbering was born.
Dawson enjoys sports and the outdoors, he previously played lacrosse for the Jr. Shamrocks and likes to watch football on the weekends. When he is not at La Boutique, you can find him hanging out in Sidney or playing his favourite video games!
Dawson is excited to learn and has a real drive for becoming the best he can be.
Aynslie Erfle
Advanced Nail Artist
Aynslie was born and raised on Vancouver Island in our little town of Sidney. She has over two years of hands-on experience working alongside certified nail technicians, gaining in-depth knowledge of technique, products, and industry standards. In 2024 she earned her certification in the Refectocil Lash & Brow Master class, expanding her talents in the trade. Known for her meticulous, hand-crafted nail designs, Aynslie blends creativity with personal style. When she's not giving you the nails of your dreams, you can find her baking, exploring new places, or spending time with her two cats.