Vancouver based Clara Amaguru was born and raised in Uganda, East Africa. Clara’s interest in braiding started at the tender age of six and this paid off in the years 2000 and 2004 when she put Canada and Uganda on the world map by winning the world’s best braider coming in first place and third place respectively in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She won this title after competing with stylists from United States and England. African hair sculpture is an art form that has been passed down from generation to generation. It requires manual dexterity and patience as many styles are intricate and time consuming. Clara has readily embraced this and for her, hair has become a medium for self-expression.

Clara is a licensed cosmetologist, educator, artist and business owner. She started her training at Gail Bishop’s salon in Victoria then worked at Abantu Salon in Vancouver before proceeding to business ownership. She has also been taught by some of best in the natural hair care in the United States. Clara continues to keep herself abreast of all the latest techniques by getting advanced education abroad. Clara’s unique style of braiding and artistic flare has made her a much sought after stylist in Vancouver, Canada. Her creative self expression is the main factor for the following achievements and recognition:

1. Working with the film industry and sports arena in Vancouver. Some of Clara’s clients include Keith Cobb from “Andromeda” and “Young and the Restless”, Vivica Fox from “Two can play that game”, Lynn Whitfield from “A thin line between love and hate”, Grant Long from former Vancouver Grizzles basketball team, John Adams from “Dead Zone”, Little Romeo from “Romeo” show and Jason Mamoa from “Stargate Atlantis”.
2. Technical educator for McBride Research Laboratories. Educating salons and cosmetology schools on Design Essentials salon systems.
3. Feature stories in the Vancouver Sun, the Canadian Hairdresser, Burnaby Now, Afro News, the Source, VTV breakfast news and MTV appearances.
4. Instructor for the Cosmetology Industry Association of B.C. Teaching professional development workshops on hair extensions, dreadlocks and hair relaxing.
5. Sole proprietor of Amaguru African hair Gallery located at 5107 Kingsway, Burnaby since 2003.
6. Professional development workshop Instructor since 1998. Developed and teaches workshops on hair extensions, braiding, cornrows, interlocking extensions and dreadlocks across Canada.

Clara has 9 years of teaching experience within BC. She has developed the following workshops to cater to stylists interested in expanding their scope of professional techniques. These workshops are geared at providing stylists with the skills needed to diversify their services. These unique techniques are guaranteed to increase their clientele and revenue. The format for the 2007 – 2008 classes has changed. We are now combining all the new techniques and giving attendees more guided training time. You can choose between our 2-day hair extensions class or 1-day advanced class. For more information, visit www.amaguru.com