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!
Academy Admissions
KELLY DUARTE
Kelly is passionate about personal health and wellness, and she loves helping people feel their best. She is a licensed cosmetologist and after many years in the beauty industry, True Life Canvas was a natural fit. Kelly also enjoys being a part of our students’ journeys as they discover their passion and start their careers in permanent makeup.
Growing up in North Idaho, she enjoys spending time in the outdoors, camping, and boating with her husband and two young children!
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.
Front Desk Assistant
ELIZABETH JONES
Elizabeth is our new friendly face at the front desk. She moved to the Northwest when she was in High School and attended Washington State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has had a long career in Human Resources, but has always been interested in aesthetic medicine and helping women to feel their best. She will now be at the front desk at True Life Canvas greeting you at all your appointments.
Elizabeth currently resides in Greenacres, Washington with her family. She has a beautiful 3 year old daughter, Grace, a wonderful husband, Ryan and a Bernese Mountain dog, Maple. In her free time she loves cooking, reading and spending time with her family boating on the lake.
“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.