International Women’s Month: An Interview with Elle Patino

To celebrate International Women’s Month (IWM), Livin’ Kolor is happy to honour Elle Patino, Beauty Instructor and Entrepreneur. Read what International Women’s Month means to Elle!

Hi Elle, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about yourself and how you got into the beauty industry?

Hey! My name is Ellesha, but most just call me Elle for short. I am a mother (I have two boys, 16 and 13, and a daughter who is 6), wife, and entrepreneur. Beauty has always been something that I’ve loved, whether it was makeup, nails or hair. I originally studied at Durham college, where I hold two diplomas and a degree from Ontario Tech University, formerly UOIT. I worked for a few law firms and companies, but my true calling and passion were in beauty. Therefore, I worked full time while raising my family and pursued my passions; starting in makeup and continuously studying to add to my resume. Now, over ten years of being in the beauty industry. I run my salon where I offer services in lashes, nails and instruct at a private beauty college.

What does International Woman's Day mean to you?

I like to show appreciation to the women in my life regularly. However, I feel it is a great way to use this day to reflect on your own journey and accomplishments and support the other women in your life as well.

There is a growing rate of women entrepreneurs. What are your thoughts on women who run their own business or work for someone else's?

I think it’s great and inspiring to see so many women entrepreneurs and the visibility within our community. I see women who shine bright working for someone else and just as successful running their own business. Regardless, I feel that it’s important to do your best in anything that you do. Also, it's important that the younger generation understands that they too are capable of accomplishing their dreams.

What does it mean to be a woman in your culture and country?

My mother was born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad and my father is Jamaican. In West-Indian culture, mothers were typically the heart and soul of the family. Natural nurturers. A lot of the women in the generation before me had careers that were more of nurturing nature, teachers, nurses, etc. I feel we as women have evolved and are trying to lead our most authentic lives. We as women are everything! We have careers, raise children, and the list goes on. Being a first-generation Canadian, I learned that I could do anything I wanted to do with education and passion.

What women-related myths or taboos need to be broken?

There are so many...I think not being able to encourage, compliment or congratulate another woman is one. If I see another woman and I like her outfit, or her shoes, I have no problem telling her so. I think we are too often made to think that another woman’s accomplishment or win is a loss or failure for ourselves. However, this is not the case, there is more than enough room for each of us, so we should be looking to build together, instead of competing.

How could you contribute your wisdom, expertise or ideas to empower other women?

I empower other women by sharing my knowledge and experiences in the classroom. I also like to keep in touch with students as it's rewarding when I see their work and growth within the industry.