ABOUT US
Owners / Artist / Lead Trainer
AARON & HAYLEY GABRIEL
Being raised in the arts by her father, Stephen Shortridge, a nationally acclaimed artist, Hayley Shortridge-Gabriel followed in her father’s footsteps and became a professional artist in 2005 selling her fine art in galleries from California to Florida.
Hoping to offer her creativity beyond the traditional canvas she decided to apply her skills in fine art to the human canvas and that’s when her business True Life Canvas was formed. Hayley received her certification in permanent cosmetics from Permanent Cosmetique International based in San Francisco, California established in 1989.
In 2012 and again in 2019, Hayley received the coveted title of “Top 30 Under 40 Business Professionals” by the North Idaho Business Journal. She’s been featured in numerous publications, podcasts and has been asked to be a speaker at multiple industry conferences. Because of Hayley’s extensive background in fine art, she is precise at creating a naturally beautiful look customized to your satisfaction.
Whether Hayley is working with a person or a canvas each application is executed with precision and detail. Regardless of the application, colors are hand picked and blended to achieve the perfect shade the client is looking for. So… Do you want just anyone to tattoo makeup on your face? Or do you want a professional-artist who is a certified specialist in permanent cosmetics with a fine arts foundation?
Injection Specialist / RN
RACHAEL VAN VALIN
Rachael has been a Registered Nurse since 2010, working at the Valley Hospital in Spokane for years as a Medical/Surgical RN. In 2019, Rachael shifted gears and started her training in medical aesthetics. She loves to help clients achieve natural looking results and refresh and enhance their natural beauty. She has a passion for making people look and feel their best by providing a customized and individual plan for each client! Rachael is committed to continuing her education, and is always learning and studying new techniques and procedures so she can feel confident about delivering the best results to her clients!
She enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 kids, fishing, hiking, and exploring beautiful North Idaho. She is the co-founder of Village of Hope CDA, a non-profit that supports the local foster care community and social workers and loves to volunteer there in her spare time!
Permanent Makeup Artist
LENA SINDT
Lena has been a cosmetologist for over 17 years and a makeup artist for 12 years. She has always enjoyed art and been fascinated by the way a nicely shaped brow can transform a person, enhancing their natural beauty. She became certified in permanent cosmetics for brows at True Life Canvas in 2020. She owned and operated a salon in St. Maries where she has practiced permanent cosmetics since her training. She decided to take a step back from owning the salon and wanted to grow more in the permanent cosmetics industry and loves the atmosphere at True Life Canvas.
Lena’s husband, Greg, owns his own mechanic and welding business. Her son Brayden is a junior in high school. He plays golf, races dirt bikes and loves the outdoors. Lena loves interior design, art, being on the water, spending time with family and friends, cooking, shopping and sleeping in.
Injection Specialist / RN, BSN
ADRIAN TIPANE
My name is Adrian! I have an amazing husband Louis. We have four sweet kiddos, Everlee, Lincoln, Amelia, and my sweet bonus girl Brielle! We were both raised here in North Idaho and want to continue to raise our kids here.
I have been a nurse for 8 years, the last year and a half being in the aesthetics field! I began my nursing career at NWSH mainly in pre-op and PACU, but it was always a dream to move into aesthetics. I love hearing your stories and goals and helping you feel more confident and beautifully you!
Office Manager
REESE SARFF
Reese is the friendly face at our front desk and manages the day-to-day for our clients and staff. She is a licensed esthetician and also trained at True Life Canvas Academy in permanent cosmetics before joining our team. She enjoys getting to know our clients, helping them feel great about themselves, and being a listening ear who can answer any questions you may have.
She was raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and enjoys spending time with her family at Priest Lake. Reese is a proud Mama who loves doing anything surrounded by her children.
Operations & Marketing Manager
LAURA OLPHIE
Laura is a University of Idaho alumna with a Bachelor’s Degree in Virtual Technology & Design, and first started working with us in 2014. While at Not Without Us, an interactive marketing agency owned by Aaron Gabriel (co-owner of True Life Canvas), Laura designed our website and marketing materials. She also aided in the development and implementation of new marketing techniques, which helped True Life Canvas grow from a “one-woman show” to a thriving med spa. Today, Laura now manages our social media and graphic design, and assists Aaron and Hayley with operations and strategy. She is a believer in beauty / body positivity, and in techniques that enhance our clients’ unique beauty and improve their lives.
Laura grew up in North Idaho, and is married to her high school sweetheart, David, who is a U.S. Navy Veteran and aspiring astrophysicist. In her free time she enjoys all things DIY, gardening, astronomy, and the great outdoors.
“Love love my new brows. They are so great and even. I guess you could say I got permanent beautiful brows and a brow lift all in one. Highly recommend this. Painless and worth the money.”
– Patty T.