On May 9, 2023, a post appeared on Jon Paul Holt's Facebook page announcing he had passed unexpectedly. All who knew him were in shock, and I for one thought his account had been hacked. I needed confirmation. When it was received, I was floored. I hadn't noticed a single sign he was anything but his normal self - full of energy, bursting with creative ideas, and lifting up and supporting all of us in the community who were lucky to know him.
By the age of 19 he finished his apprenticeship and opened his first salon; he eventually went on to co-own a chain of salons across England called “Alan Paul.” 30 years ago he walked away to start anew in Vancouver and opened Avant Garde in Yaletown. This thriving salon boasts ten of its original employees and Holt can be found there five days a week, seeing ten clients a day and still loving every minute of it.
40 years in the business have provided Holt with many opportunities. He produced hair shows in the United States and Canada where his trademark was to invite the top six local salons onstage for the finale. They competed with each other (and with Holt) to create the most amazing work. Designing avant garde hair styles for charity events and publication—like the ones he created for “Bald is Beautiful,” a series that pays tribute to women undergoing chemotherapy—also keeps him challenged.
When asked about his top career moments, Holt cites participating in London's Alternative Hair Show at the Albert Hall as a part of the Canadian team, not as an ex-Brit: “You have to present six models in only six minutes and are competing with the biggest teams in the world. Can you imagine the pressure when the person before you is Vidal Sassoon and the person after is Toni & Guy?”
When mentoring students and stylists he has several lessons to share. First, love what you do and think outside the box (“Stand on a chair and you'll see the world differently”). Second, if you are going to produce a show write every single thing down: “The job of a show producer is to be so detailed that nothing can go wrong. Don't take anything for granted.” Lastly, he reminds them to focus on good staff because “it's all about your staff.”
The next year promises to be busy as Holt will be launching a new concept in the spring called “WOW.” It includes the development of his own cosmetics and skincare lines, a full line of hair products and a studio that combines high end makeup application with blow-dry and hairstyling. Energy and passion mark all aspects of his life and this new venture promises to be no exception. (Note - this last paragraph is very out of date)
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