Meet the Crew

Hair Crew

Benjamin

With over two decades in the hair industry, education is still Ben’s passion, be it as a student in a classroom, or leading a class on a unique journey into his years of industry experience.

Continued education is the key to success in any industry, but especially in the hair industry. Ben has focused on continuously training and re-training with some of the top names in the industry. Ben has trained with Wella, Matrix, Tony and Guy, Suki international, Martin Parsons, L’Oreal Professionnel, Pravana Naturceuticals, Redken 5th Avenue, and Schwarzkopf Canada, he brings a wide range of knowledge and technique to the table.

“Giving back to the industry that has helped shape my life from a very young age is very important to me. As a stylist/colourist i am able to teach each of my guests a little something to make their lives easier with their hair. As a past industry educator, i have had the opportunity to share my experience with both up and comers and seasoned veterans alike. Even though i may be there to teach, inevitably, i learn a little something from each my students which has helped me be a better, more well rounded stylist as well!”

Rachelle

Rachelle graduated from marvel beauty school but her hair journey started long before that. She spent a semester of high school working at a local salon. After finishing her education she working along side the stylist at our sister location POP. Wanting to pave her own path, Rachelle sought out a position as a barber. Pushing boundaries and making a name for herself has been her goal for the last 4 years. She attends hair conventions and other events to keep up on the latest trends and further her education. Whether it’s participating in a barber competition, educating and inspiring up comers to the industry or creating a colour-filled canvas on your head, Rachelle doesn’t consider this a job. It’s her purpose to create beauty. She has a keen eye for tight barber fades and vivid colours and continues to develop her passion for all areas of the industry.

Ink Crew

Krystal

Originally from Tecumseh, Krystal's been an east Windsor resident for 14 years. Leaving behind a management position of 8 years at her old shop, and bringing 9 years of tattoo experience to the table, Krystal is excited to now be a part of the SODA family. Pairing visual thought and a creative mind, Krystal has a versatile style and a knack for bringing the client's ideas to life.

Peter Baillie

Peter has 15 years of tattooing experience, and over 25 years of producing art professionally. Peter brings experience from the illustration program at sheridan college in oakville, the fine arts program at the university of windsor, and an apprenticeship with rob brown from sanctuary tattoos.

Peter is dedicated and passionate about working with clients to produce one of a kind works of permanent art, and provide a professional and enjoyable tattoo experience

Peter works primarily from POP on ottawa st in windsor, but periodically joins the team at SODA

Cary Wilkins

Cary moved to Windsor in 2006 where he graduated from the Tradigital Animation course at St.Clair College. When finished he started his apprenticeship at 76 Ink for a year then worked out of BlackSheep before finally starting at Soda Hair Ink. He is a multifaceted artist ranging in various styles. Biomechanical, Newschool, Oldschool, Relisism, Color, Black and Grey, Sacred Geometry just to name a few. He is a full custom "pencil to paper" tattoo artist. He likes to take your ideas to the next level and make them Pop.

Zak

Zak has turned his long time passion for drawing and painting, into a career in tattooing. He strives to continuously improve as an artist, and is learning and perfecting his skills each day. With a background in illustration at St Clair College, Zak applies his knowledge and techniques to create custom tattoo designs with each clients individual ideas in mind.

Avery

Avery is an artist born and raised in Tecumseh, ON. She has a passion for creativity and permanent art, that she strives to share with the world. Avery is currently pursuing her Fine Arts degree at the University of Windsor, focusing primarily in drawing and painting. Tattooing being her medium of choice, Avery has two years of tattoo experience working alongside her father. She aspires to attain a career as a full-time tattoo artist. Avery is dedicated to creating a favourable and positive tattoo experience for her clients. She is ecstatic to be a part of the SODA team!

Make-up Crew

Amber

Amber started her makeup career with Pop, Sodas sister location, the day they opened their doors 9 years ago. She continues to work out of both locations, and is also Soda's receptionist. Amber's passion for make-up artistry shines through on each face she enhances. She prides herself on bringing out each client's natural beauty. To her, each face is a blank canvas she can transform.

Amber specializes in wedding make-up, editorial print, runway and special effects make-up.