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OUR FAMILY

 AMY - Ugly Duckling Master Educator Amy graduated nail school together with Chrystacle in 2007. Both were taught by Yvonne’s daughter, Kara. Amy has a reputation for perfectly structured nails, and her eye for balance and art. She loves hiking, good movies and her cats (maybe more than her husband Ben? ;-) Amy has a witty sense of humor and will never hesitate to remind us “it’s fine". Amy is a full time nail tech and is actively involved in product testing. She is an experienced educator, and has been featured in Nails and Nailpro magazines. You can follow her on Instagram @amyduclosnails , and Facebook “Amy Duclos Nails” For booking appointments you can visit her website www.amyduclosnails.com  For education inquiries please email amy.uglyduckling@gmail.com

 CHRYSTACLE - As Ugly Ducklings General Manager and Master Educator, Chrystacle's  encouraging, cheerful personality and her skills make for a winning combination. She was introduced to the nail industry in January of 2007. The local Victoria Beauty College recognized Chrystacle's natural attributes, and she started teaching very soon after graduating from the nail program. Within a year of attending her first Academy, Chrystacle had achieved her “Elite” training certificate. By 2009, Chrystacle was a certified International Educator, and had opened a salon and training center. She has worked many tradeshows, taught many experienced nail techs, and has written published articles. Although Chrystacle is recognized for her perfect French, her skills encompass all nail mediums, including acrylic, art, 3D, and gel. Her obsession with bling is reflected in her name.  Many nail techs throughout Canada consider Chrystacle to be a key element in their success. Chrystacle recognizes the importance of education, and continues her growth by training with some of the worlds most renowned artists. Her nails have been featured on the cover and in Nailpro and Nails magazines. You can follow her on Instagram @chrystacle , and Facebook “Chrystacle Does Nails”. For education inquiries please email chrystacle@uglyducklingnails.com

 DEBBIE- Debbie is our quiet and consistently reliable office girl. We often jokingly ask her to “keep it down”. Always ready with (and for) a laugh, she is well familiar with the “runnings of a business”.  Debbie has owned an insurance company, and a hotel/pub in the Interior of BC. Grandma to 4, she goes above and beyond, and insists on bringing her yummy cooking to share. 

 DOC- Doc was a physician for many years in China.  He moved to Canada with his wife Dori, and their 2 children, in pursuit of a good lifestyle with freedom of choice. A handyman, Docs happy place if building furniture and listening to music.  He gets quite excited when a good song comes on. He dreams of one day playing the violin with his son.

 DORI- Dori has extensive experience in the manufacturing industry in China. She graduated in 2019 from Royal Roads University Master of Global Management program where she can utilize her skills, and her personal concern for the environment and our planet. Dori loves all kinds of sports, painting and cooking. She likes to experiment with cooking, and often brings creative foods to share.

 KENT - Kent wears many hats (literally and figuratively).  He is our Production Manager, errand boy, janitor and maintenance crew. A very important member that keeps all the systems running. Always willing to serve. A former firefighter and competitive bodybuilder, the “strong but silent type”.

  NATASHA – Ugly Duckling Master Educator Natasha is the first one to greet you with a happy “hello” when you walk through our door.  She was born in Halifax, but raised in Victoria. Natasha was introduced to the nail industry in September of 2007, a graduate of Chrystacle’s first class. With Natasha's charming enthusiasm, talent, and obsession of nails, it was only natural that she and a partner open (the successful and much talked about), Shabby Chic Nail Studio in 2010. When asked what her hobbies are, Tasha replied “nails (lol), watching nail tutorials, making nail tutorials, nails... and more nails ;) In 2011, Natasha completed her first Educator Training. In 2014, she recertified as an Educator, receiving top honors in the class. Natashas sweet huggable personality has won many hearts. An encouraging and talented educator, she has also been an avid competitor that has graced the cover of Nailpro magazine, as well as being featured in both Nailpro and Nails Magazines. Recognized for her amazing artistic talents, Natasha loves social networking, and has a large following on Facebook “Natasha Does Nails”, Instagram “@natashaharton” and youtube.com/natashahartonnails. For education inquiries please email natasha@uglyducklingnails.com

 

 PHYLLIS- Chrystacles Mom Phyllis recently left her government job, and joined our crazy crew! She is a hard working and reliable member of our team, and we are very happy to have her working with us (especially Chrystacle, who now gets to boss her Mom around).  A devoted Grandma who loves to drink tea and is a coffee snob ;-)

 

 PRISCILLA  - Ugly Duckling Art Educator Priscilla is recognized Internationally for her artistic skills with gel polish. Originally from Paramaribo, Suriname, Priscilla now resides in Holland. Priscilla has a Masters degree in Business. We all know her as being an absolute perfectionist, and amazing artist, and feel very fortunate to have her managing all our social media for us. A lover of animals, we would call her the "crazy cat lady", but it wouldn't cover all the animals she has rescued over the years. You can follow her on Instagram @home_of_deva , and Facebook “Priscilla Van Uden”.  For education inquiries please email priscilla@uglyducklingnails.com


 WENDY - Wendy is an artist and is responsible for all the fine details of the business, like packing your thank you bags with love. After retiring from Greyhound Express, Wendy joined us in shipping and receiving. She has a passion for art, gardening and travel.

   

 YVONNE - In 1978 Yvonne began her career as a self-employed, virtually self-taught nail tech while still attending high school. She has worked in all aspects of the industry from home-based, chair rental, salon owner, distributor and manufacturer, and founded several businesses.  Yvonne is also recognized for her contributions in the Nail Industry as a competitor, International judge and qualified educator. She has many published articles and photos over the years. She opened the first of her salons in 1983, giving Vancouver Island it’s first “nails only” salon. Yvonne has seen the birth of every nail company and magazine that exists in the industry today. Yvonne has trained with the best in the industry, and is privileged to have many of them among her friends. The mastermind behind Ugly Duckling, her true passion is helping others to fulfill their dreams. Yvonne loves her animals, gardening and a multitude of hobbies.

  BELLAH(The Dog)  - For the Ugly Duckling team, an office is not an office without a little animal life!  Bellah joined us late 2015.  She was rescued from a “high-kill” animal shelter in California. Found as a fearful little “bag of skin and bones”, she’s now a chubby little cuddler. Still a cautious girl, we do need to remind her that a first meeting is “greet, not eat”. Once she knows you, she would defend you with her life!

 SOPHIE(The Cat)  - An adorable "Scottish Fold". If Amy was to pick favorites - Sophie would be hers!  We value Sophies life, so (much to Amy's chagrin) she only gets to join in when Bellah isn't in the office :-(

  RYLEY(The Dog)  In Memorium - Ryley is remembered fondly as the first office “mascot”. She started each day by doing her rounds saying good morning to staff and students. Her willing demeanor and eagerness for a cuddle will always be missed.

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