There's something magical about gathering around a cocktail, sitting comfortably in an elegant bar, the lights dimmed and the soft murmur of conversation in the background. It's in these moments that hearts open up, feelings escape, and we realize that we're never really alone. We recreate this intimate, almost cozy atmosphere in our new “Cocktails and Conversations” series. Every exchange is a frozen moment, a time to connect and share those truths often hidden behind likes and pictures.
Today, we have the pleasure of having a drink with Marie-Anne Labrie, better known as Pinklablonde. An accomplished entrepreneur and influential figure in the hairdressing industry, Marie-Anne has turned her love of beauty into a veritable empire while remaining true to herself. In a warm and sincere conversation, she reveals her passions, her doubts and her vision of success.
Marie-Anne Labrie, aka Pinklablonde, has created a loyal community that follows her not only for her talents as a colorist but also for her authentic vision of self-care and life's simple pleasures. Behind this pseudonym lies a simple yet symbolic personal story. “My name on Instagram has been Pinklablonde for a super long time, in fact since forever. Pink is simply my favourite colour, Lab is my nickname, my childhood friends used to call me Lab, and blonde... because, I'm obsessed with blonde.” This name, which might seem simple, is now recognized as a real brand in the beauty world.
Despite her nearly 50,000 followers on Instagram, Marie-Anne remains modest about her success. “I don't always realize how much of an impact I have on so many people. It's flattering, but sometimes I feel a little imposter syndrome,” she confides with a smile. She sees “Pinklablonde” as an extension of herself, a way of sharing a part of her life and inspiring others to follow their own dreams.
Far from the glamorous image often associated with social media, Marie-Anne cultivates a simple, authentic lifestyle. “I think social media can sometimes make life seem more extravagant than it really is. But, at heart, I'm a simple person. I love spending time outside, with my sister, my boyfriend or my friends, and enjoying life's little pleasures.”
This sincerity is also reflected in her business projects. The Pinklablonde Group, which includes a hair salon, an academy and an online boutique, is the embodiment of her vision of self-care. She already has ambitious plans for the future. “My goal is to develop the e-commerce even further, to offer a complete beauty experience, even through our website. I want people to be able to discover quality brands, sometimes less well-known in Canada, but which are in tune with our customers' values.” With enthusiasm, she also talks about the importance of packaging and product quality, key elements in offering a unique sensorial experience.
When it comes to her creative challenges, Marie-Anne makes no secret of her desire to explore new avenues. When I ask her which brand she'd love to lead as Creative Director, her answer is revealing. “I love brands like Prada and YSL, but I see myself more in an emerging brand, where there's still a lot of room to innovate and explore new directions. Maybe a brand like Jacquemus, Orseund Iris, Mirroir Palais, Helsa Studio or Arakii.” This bold choice shows that she's not afraid of a challenge, and prefers to take on projects that require hard work and creative vision.
Our exchanges sometimes take a lighter turn, like when I ask her what drink she would choose if coffee were to disappear. “Definitely a Chai Latté! I love it, whether iced or hot. It'll never completely replace coffee, but it would be my backup.” A simple, spontaneous answer that illustrates her love for life's pleasures.
When it comes to inspiration, Marie-Anne doesn't stick to a single source. “There isn't really one specific person who inspires me. I'm inspired by everything: fashion, designers, architects, trends, whether new or old. I love consuming content and being inspired by what's around me.” At just 29, she's already managed to build an empire, and this ability to draw on her environment to create something new and relevant is what makes her so strong.
Marie-Anne embodies elegance without pretension, a balance between authenticity and ambition. Every aspect of her life, from her career to her personal choices, is marked by a deep respect for her values: authenticity, passion and perseverance. When I ask her what her goals are for 2024, she answers pragmatically: “Simply to finish the year on a high note, for my projects to come to fruition successfully, but above all, without exhausting myself.”
Marie-Anne Labrie perfectly reflects what it means to be timeless. “For me, being timeless means staying relevant through time, without ever rushing. It's about moving forward with patience, and making the right decisions at the right time.” And looking at all she's accomplished so far, there's no doubt she'll continue to make her mark on her era, at her own pace and on her own terms.
