In a serendipitous twist of fate, Ryan Andrew Yee, a 38-year-old hair stylist and owner of Yee & Co., found his way to Collingwood. Yee shared his journey and insights in an exclusive interview for this edition of “People of Collingwood.”
A Journey from GTA to Collingwood
Born in downtown Toronto at Mount Sinai, Yee was the first Canadian-born member of his family, whose roots trace back to Trinidad and Tobago. His parents immigrated to Canada to grant him Canadian citizenship, a decision that would significantly shape his life.
Growing up in Richmond Hill, Yee’s childhood was marked by a whirlwind of activities. He was a dedicated athlete, participating in competitive hockey and soccer year-round, alongside commitments to Kumon and tutoring. Yet, it was a pivotal moment with friends during his high school years that ignited his passion for hairstyling.
As an enthusiast of cars, Yee often found himself in the garage with his friends who were skilled with tools, unlike him. When one of his friends needed a haircut before an appointment, Yee seized the moment, took out a pair of kitchen scissors and a trimmer, and gave him a haircut. Soon, friends flocked to Yee’s garage for impromptu haircuts while their cars were serviced, leading Yee to realize his true calling.
Upon finishing high school, Yee honored his parents’ wishes by pursuing post-secondary education to obtain a formal qualification. Afterward, he wasted no time in embarking on his hairstyling journey, starting as an apprentice at a salon in Aurora.
Yee’s career soon took him from Aurora to downtown Toronto, where he worked for most of his professional life in the bustling district of Yonge and Eglinton. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 presented unforeseen challenges.
Facing the closure of the hairstyling industry and the anticipation of his first child with his wife, Nadia, Yee sought a change. He reached out to a friend, a renowned colorist in Beverly Hills, with a proposition to move to Los Angeles. His friend, however, revealed plans to open another salon in Miami and invited Yee to join the venture.
Without hesitation, Yee and his family sold their belongings, including furniture, and embarked on a journey to Miami, where he began working at the new salon. Additionally, he became part of his friend’s bi-coastal team, which saw him traveling between New York, Los Angeles, and Miami to provide his hairstyling services.
A Dream Job with Celebrity Clientele
Yee’s career in Miami was a dream come true. He was deeply inspired by the Beverly Hills hairstylists who boasted a clientele of A-list celebrities. His roster included actors, models, athletes, and affluent individuals.
Yee’s list of clients featured notable names such as Christopher Plummer, Tye Sheridan, John Travolta, Gwyneth Paltrow, and involvement in events such as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). While he was living his dream professionally, his wife, Nadia, struggled with the move and the challenges of raising a newborn in a scorching Miami climate. Initially traveling with the family, she later decided to stay home, feeling isolated and uncomfortable.
Yee engaged in a heartfelt conversation with his wife about their future, leading to the decision to leave Miami. He was resolute about not returning to the Greater Toronto Area, and it was Nadia who suggested the possibility of Collingwood or Muskoka.
A Full-Circle Connection to Collingwood
Collingwood held a special place in Yee’s heart because it was the site of his first date with Nadia, orchestrated by a client who played matchmaker. Their inaugural outing was a snowboarding trip to the town, bringing them to Bent Taco, where they shared their first meal. Yee reflects on the serendipity of this connection, given that he and Nadia recently opened their hair boutique in close proximity to that very restaurant.
This connection to Collingwood also harks back to a conversation he had with a couple he met in Costa Rica around eight years ago. They were from Collingwood, and after learning about Yee’s ambitions, they mentioned they co-owned Bent Taco. Yee had expressed his desire to one day establish a hair boutique in Collingwood, and the realization of that dream felt almost like the universe responding to his aspirations.
Embracing Collingwood’s Unique Charm
Ryan Andrew Yee and his family officially made the move to Collingwood in July 2022. Yee praises the town’s unique and appealing characteristics, particularly the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Collingwood residents exude a relaxed demeanor, engage in friendly conversations while waiting in lines, and share a sense of community support.
The town offers a diverse range of activities, including access to mountains, beaches, trails, and parks. Yee enthusiastically notes the strong community spirit and the residents’ commitment to supporting local businesses, preserving the distinctive Collingwood charm.
The contrast with city life is evident, as Yee fondly describes the vibrant presence of active older individuals who seem to radiate energy. For him, Collingwood is a truly beautiful place that resonates with a sense of fulfillment and belonging.
