Our Team
Our Salon
Extreme Ends has been proudly serving the Comox Valley since 1994. What began as a small, passionate team has grown into a trusted salon known for creativity, connection, and consistent care.
For over 30 years, we’ve built lasting relationships with our clients—some of whom have been with us since the beginning. That tradition of service has always been the heart of what we do. We believe that when people feel seen, heard, and cared for, the results speak for themselves.
Our visionary team brings together a variety of talents, styles, and inspirations from the world around us. Each stylist adds something unique, creating a space where creativity thrives and clients feel at home.
At Extreme Ends, we know that great service is timeless—and we’re proud to continue that tradition every day.
Find out more about our talented team members below.
Great service is timeless!
Meet Cathy
Owner/Stylist
Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Cathy discovered her love for hairstyling early on, experimenting with friends’ hair long before she made it her career. After studying hairdressing right out of high school, she quickly worked her way up to managing a local salon. But her true dream was to build something of her own—so she launched Extreme Ends with just one other stylist and a vision: to create a warm, welcoming space with a dynamic, passionate team.
Over 30 years later, Cathy’s mission hasn’t changed. She’s proud to lead a salon where creativity and connection come first. Her team feels like family, and many of her clients have been with her since day one. Cathy is known for truly listening to her clients and delivering styles that reflect who they are.
When she’s not behind the chair, Cathy enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff and their family between the Comox Valley and Vancouver. She loves cooking, entertaining, practicing yoga, and never turns down a good glass of red wine—or a competitive game of crib!
Debbie Milan
Stylist
Debbie has been in the industry her whole life. She started with dolls (who had no choice), and her mom became her first client in grade 7—always believing in her talent. Forty years later, her passion for the industry still brings her joy. Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Debbie began her career in the Okanagan before moving back home. Upon her return, she joined Extreme Ends, where she built strong bonds and became part of an amazing team of talented professionals. She loves the variety her career offers, as no two days are ever the same. And a fun fact—Debbie sings far too much at work and apologizes in advance!
Christie Russel
Stylist
Christie has been part of the Extreme Ends team since 1996. Originally from Niagara Falls, she spent her high school years in Prince Rupert. After graduating, she joined the Canadian Forces, attending Royal Roads Military College and later serving in Toronto for five years before settling in the Comox Valley. Christie is passionate about all facets of hairdressing, finding particular joy in creating precision haircuts and flattering hair colors that make her clients happy. Outside the salon she enjoys, hitting the gym, spending time in the outdoors and spending quality time with her two sons
Erin Gnyp
Stylist
Erin has been in the industry for 22 years, with the last five spent at Extreme Ends. Originally from the Cowichan Valley, she began her career in Victoria before finding a true sense of home at the salon. Building a strong work family has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey, making each day enjoyable and fulfilling.What Erin loves most about her career is the ability to connect and relate to her clients. She has a particular passion for shag haircuts paired with natural blonde highlights.A fun fact about Erin—she finds freedom and joy in dancing, drawing inspiration from the creative community around her.
Brittany Freeman
Stylist
Brittany has been a part of the Extreme Ends team since 2018 and has been in the hair industry since 2015. Born and raised in the Comox Valley, she has a deep appreciation for the beauty of the area.Outside of work, she enjoys nature walks and spending time outdoors with her son, Denver. She also loves connecting with friends and family whenever she can.
Tracy Freeman
Stylist
Meet Tracy: A hairstylist with 29 years of experience and a passion for adventure! Growing up in the beautiful Comox Valley, Tracy spent 17 years honing her craft at Extreme Ends. From bold transformations to classic cuts, she loves bringing out the best in her clients! When she’s not behind the chair, you’ll find her exploring new places, crafting creative projects, enjoying the great outdoors, and spending time with her hubby and family. Life is all about those little adventures and connections!
Heidi
Stylist
Heidi has been in the industry since the early ‘90s and has spent the past 17 years as a valued team member at Extreme Ends. With decades of experience, she has built a loyal client base that trusts her expertise and appreciates her dedication. Her passion for the industry and commitment to quality service make her a go-to professional for many. Outside of work, Heidi loves spending time outdoors. Whether she’s camping under the stars, hitting the trails on her mountain bike, or unwinding at home with her beloved cat, Frankie, she makes the most of every moment. With her wealth of experience and warm personality, Heidi continues to be an essential part of the Extreme Ends team.
Linzi
Stylist
Linzi is originally from Port McNeill. She moved here in 2014 and is happy to call the Comox Valley home. She has been a valued Extreme Ends team member since 2018. She loves creating lived in blondes and up-do’s. When she’s not working behind the chair, you can find her out in nature, travelling, drinking coffee, gardening or hanging with her fur babies.
Randine
Stylist
Born and raised in Courtenay, Randine spent a significant part of her career in Victoria as a stylist and salon owner before returning to the Comox Valley—like so many who are drawn back to its beauty. She has been a proud part of the Extreme Ends team for 14 amazing years and still loves every moment behind the chair, creating fresh looks and connecting with new people. When she’s not at the salon, Randine enjoys spending time with family, gardening, cooking, traveling, and savoring a good glass of wine.
Cindy Elstrom
Stylist
Cindy has been working at Extreme Ends for 25 years come this september! She takes pride in providing excellent service and ensuring customers find exactly what they need. Her dedication and attention to detail make her an integral part of the team. Outside of work, Cindy enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband. They love camping in their toy hauler and exploring new places together. She’s also passionate about motorcycle riding and takes every opportunity to hit the open road.
Kenya Kennedy
Stylist
Originally from the coastal town of Tsawwassen, Kenya brings a fresh, West Coast sensibility to her work, with a focus on effortless, natural beauty. As an apprentice stylist, she has a keen eye for colour and a talent for enhancing each client’s unique tones—whether crafting luminous, low-maintenance blondes or rich, multi-dimensional brunettes.
Outside of the salon, Kenya is an accomplished bridal makeup artist specializing in timeless, elevated beauty. She is part of the highly regarded Unbridled Courtenay team, and a graduate of the renowned John Casablancas Institute. Having completed the Colouring Program at Foundation Academy, she is currently expanding her craft through their advanced cutting curriculum. Kenya’s detail driven approach shines through in both her makeup and hairstyling.
When she’s not behind the chair or creating customized bridal looks, you’ll find her off on an adventure with her son, Luka. Or at home enjoying quiet moments with him and their sweet kitten, Blueberry.
Inna
Nail Technician
Originally from Ukraine, Inna recently embarked on a new chapter, moving to Canada with her husband. Embracing a new life, language, and community, she’s excited to bring her passion for creativity and connection to her work. With over three years of experience as a nail technician, Inna truly loves her craft. Her profession allows her to constantly learn, create beautiful designs, and, most importantly, connect with people. She finds joy in making clients feel confident and stylish, one set of nails at a time!
Isabella McKnight
Lash Tech
Isabella grew up on Cortes Island with her family, learning to swim in the lakes and surrounding ocean. She worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor throughout university, where she studied marketing. Once she graduated, she moved to quaint Cumberland with her dog and partner and discovered her love for aesthetics. She is qualified in Classic Eyelash Extensions and loves helping you achieve your brow and lash goals!
Suzanne Pearson
Manager
Suzanne has lived in the Comox Valley for most of her life and began working as a receptionist at extreme ends, one day a week, in 2012. Now as manager, Suzanne takes pride in offering excellent customer service and truly enjoys the rapport she has developed with all of the extreme ends clients and staff over the years. Suzanne is in her element when busily running the front desk as well as doing her best to help her family of stylists and estheticians stay on track. Away from the salon Suzanne enjoys crafting, puzzling, cooking, fishing, hiking and snowshoeing! She hopes to, one day soon, pass on the torch so she can maybe get back to that one day a week and enjoy more of these activities LOL!
Extreme Ends is proud to be a Goldwell Alliance Salon.
