Every once in a while, someone walks into your school and quietly makes the whole place better. At HDC, one of those people is Fernanda, and that is one reason of many that she has been awarded Educator of the year for 2026,

If you’ve been lucky enough to have been taught by her, you already know why. If you haven't; then get comfortable, because her story is one you'll want to hear. From a university degree in Brazil to a whole new life in Halifax, Fernanda's journey is proof that big leaps are worth taking, even when they're scary.

Where It All Began

Fernanda grew up in southern Brazil, right near the borders of Uruguay and Argentina. Her mom is a hairstylist, so you could say beauty was in her blood.

"I was constantly surrounded by the beauty industry," she says, and when it came time to choose a university path, her mom encouraged her to pursue Aesthetics and Cosmetology.

Here's something that might surprise you: in Brazil, aesthetics is a formal university degree. Fernanda studied for three and a half years to become an aesthetician, then completed a post-graduate specialization in Advanced Aesthetics. When she decided she wanted to teach, she added a second specialization in Higher Education Teaching and then spent two more years earning her master’s degree.

Brazil vs. Canada

So how does the beauty industry compare? According to Fernanda, Brazilian aesthetics is exceptionally advanced. With a multi-year degree, students dive deep into human anatomy and physiology, advanced technology, specialized machinery, and clinical techniques. With specialized training, Brazilian aestheticians can even perform more invasive procedures like injections and Botox.

That depth of knowledge is exactly what she brings into our classrooms every single day.

A New Chapter in Canada

Fernanda and her husband were looking for a more politically and economically stable country to raise their family. They were also concerned about the growing intolerance they were seeing at home, and they knew they didn't want to raise their son in that kind of environment, even if it meant building a new life far away from extended family and friends.

A leap like that takes serious courage. Starting over in a new country is no small thing, and she did it all for her family.

How She Joined the HDC Family

This is where the story gets good. HDC sponsored Fernanda's immigration to Canada! Back in 2021, a close friend of hers, who was our Academic Director at the time, recommended her to Tina, our college Director. Tina loved the idea and offered Fernanda the position before they had even met in person.

The immigration process got underway, and in 2023, Fernanda and her family officially made the move. Since then, she's been teaching Aesthetics, Makeup, and Eyelash Enhancements at HDC.

Her Teaching Style

Ask Fernanda what she loves most about teaching and she'll tell you it's knowing that, in some small way, she's contributing to her students' future and professional success. Her style? Relaxed and approachable. She loves using real-world, practical examples, and she thrives when students ask questions (so ask away!).

But above all, she leads with empathy.

"If my students take away just one lesson from me, I hope it's not just about aesthetics, but about how to be empathetic and treat others with kindness."

If that doesn't sum up what makes Fernanda a great instructor, we don't know what does.

Her Favorite Service

When we asked about her favorite service to perform, there was no hesitation: makeup, without a doubt! She loves playing with colors and tapping into her creativity, and she's a firm believer that makeup has the power to transform a face and instantly boost someone's self-esteem and confidence.

And honestly? That's the heart of this industry, isn’t it?

Her Advice for Nervous Beginners

Thinking about starting a career in beauty but feeling a little nervous? Fernanda has been there, and here's what she says: "If you're scared, do it scared anyway!"

Every change in life comes with uncertainty. She says to focus on the possibilities of tomorrow rather than the fear of today. Coming from someone who moved her whole family across the world, we'd say she knows what she's talking about!

She also points to what she loves most about HDC: the emphasis on practical, hands-on training. Theory is essential, but practice is what builds true confidence.

The Bottom Line

We asked Fernanda to describe the energy at HDC in three words. Her answer: Fun, Creativity, and Knowledge.

That's the energy in her classroom, and we'd say that's exactly why she's our Educator of the Year!

Congratulations, Fernanda! Thank you for sharing your talent, your story, and your kindness with every student who walks through our doors.

Are you ready to learn from educators like Fernanda? At HDC, we're committed to helping you build the skills and confidence you need for a successful career in Hair Design, Aesthetics, Lash Enhancement, Makeup Artistry, Nail Technology, or Body Hair Removal through good old-fashioned hands-on practice and education from master beauty professionals.

Ready to kickstart your future career? Learn More or Apply Now!