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If you don't know the name Ara Sassoonian, you should. In 2010 alone, the Lebanese-born, hairdresser, photographer and filmmaker racked up 13 awards for his photographic work including five Mirror Awards and four NAHA's. When not behind the camera, Sassoonian is a stylist at Montreal, Salon Pure - an opportunity to be around "creative people. "We recently caught up with Sassoonian to find out more.

How did you get your start as a Industry?

I was born during the Lebanon war. I have seen the ugly side of life before I discovered beauty. I learned to appreciate

light by being in the dark. I was inspired by my father who was an amateur artist and through him I was first introduced to beauty.

I decided to go into the hair profession because knowing of many well known hairstylists at the time in Montreal,

I saw how I could possibly express myself creatively through this art form. And the journey began.

You've been with Salon Pure since 2002. When did you transition from hairdressing to photography?

I never made a transition, I still practice both professions. As a hairdresser at Salon Pure in Montreal who compete in hair image competitions extensively, I decided I to compete but soon realized how expensive it was. I decided to shoot my own work and to see what came out of it.

Call it beginner's luck because the very first competition I entered, won me Mirror 2006 Canadian Long Hair stylist of the year.

You've won countless awards over the years. What is your biggest accomplishment?

The first two awards I won the Mirror Awards in 2006 and an international photography competition in Paris that I entered. Out of 2000 entries, I won a gold medal. These were the trampoline that projected me towards getting more awards and contracts and pushed me to 'raise my own bar' to better myself constantly.

You've discovered a passion for another art from: filmmaking.

I'm gaining experience in the film industry before I jump in bigger projects, by making short films. One I recently made is called "Inner Beauty"

I am now working on a second one which is going to be a little more complex… but i like challenge .

What is the best piece of advice you can give to someone just starting out in the field?

listen to what the right people have to teach you and surround yourself with those who are going in the right path and succeeding and learn from the best. The best equipment you should have in you bag is the right attitude.

interview by Canadian Hairdresser Magazine Feb 2011

Ara has been working for big brands and top hair salons (cross Canada North America) such as salon Pure Montreal, L' Oreal Matrix, Kerastase, Saco hair, beauty and education in London, Montreal and San Diego, Elizabeth Arden RED DOOR SPA NEW YORK 5th avn. and more...He's been in fashion industry for more than 10 years. His reputation comes from Paris, by winning world wide photo contest in 2006

In March 2009, REVISION PRODUCTION invited him to become there official photographer.