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Jessica, Senior Stylist
With over 23 years in hairstyling, Jess (she/her) specializes in transforming hair dreams into reality. From effortlessly sunkissed looks to vibrant fantasy colors, her artistic approach ensures that each style complements your unique beauty and lifestyle.
As a neurodivergent hairstylist, Jess embraces and celebrates the diversity of her clients. Whether you identify as queer, trans, or simply have a unique perspective, you’ll find a welcoming space here. Jess’s goal is not just to craft a stunning look but to teach you how to care for your hair so you can enjoy its beauty every day, even between visits.
Beyond the salon, she is devoted to her family—kids and beloved dogs—and is deeply engaged in her spiritual journey. As a certified life coach, she cherishes the connections she builds with people and finds fulfillment in supporting their personal growth.
Jess strives to create looks that not only meets but exceed expectations, and to empower you to love your hair more every day.
Lindsay, Senior Stylist
Lindsay (she/her) brings more than 16 years of experience to Vespa Hair Design. She is a versatile senior stylist with special expertise in long hair, fashion colours, balayage, baby lights, and updos. You may recognize her from some of her past makeover work on CTV.
Linsday welcomes all clients, including LGBTQ+ folks. She is creative and kind with great attention to detail. Clients can expect a calm and relaxing experience and exceptional results in her chair.
Outside of the salon, Lindsay is a textile artist and loves spending time with animals of all kinds.
Alberto, Stylist
Alberto (he/him) has been involved in the arts from a young age. His passion for design led him to train internationally as an architect, interior designer, photographer, and hair stylist. In Canada, Alberto pursued studies in interior design at Algonquin College and as a Hairstylist at Versailles Academy.
Alberto welcomes guests at Vespa Hair Design with a warm smile and big heart in both English and Spanish. He provides all cutting and colouring services.
In his spare time, he practices traditional Latin American dances, bringing joy to international and local cultural festivals.
Erika, Apprentice Stylist
Erika (she/her)’s interest in hair developed at the age of 13 after she volunteered at a hair salon and fell in love with the industry. She received her hairstyling diploma from La Luna Academy in Guelph in July 2023. There, she received technical, leadership, and customer service training and practice.
Erika began working at Vespa Hair Design in February 2024 and is also pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Ottawa. Clients enjoy her bright and professional presence.
Michael, Founder & Senior Stylist
Michael Vespa (he/him) is a versatile stylist and educator with more than 25 years of excellence in cutting and colouring. He grew up in the salon business and received his hairstyling diploma from the Bay of Quinte Academy of Hair Design in Belleville, Ontario.
After graduating, Michael spent eight years as a top-performing stylist in several salons before opening Vespa Hair Design in 2003. He places a high value on the care of guests and staff and strives to instill that through standards and training.
Michael studied under Martin Parsons, Vidal Sassoon Academy, Daniel Benoit, and has taken many other advanced cutting courses. He received colour training from Davines Academy, Matrix Academy, L’Oreal Academy, Aveda Academy, Redken Academy, and Wella Academy. As an educator for Martin Parsons and later for Matrix, Michael spent 12 years training other stylists and demonstrated techniques and products at numerous national hair shows.
Michael lives in Ottawa with his family
Maria, Salon Assistant
A long-time client and friend of Vespa Hair Design, Maria (she/her) assists at the salon on Fridays. Her focus is on client service, scalp massage, and treatments, as well as helping to maintain efficient salon operations.
When she’s not consulting, editing books, or massaging heads, Maria enjoys partner dancing, creative pursuits, exercise, and sunlight.
We seek and nurture team members who strive for continuous improvement in both care and quality. Our stylists are rewarded with a competitive salary, caring and supportive workplace environment, expert trainings, and ongoing coaching.