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SEARCHThe industry loses a legend with the passing of Eveline Charles. As her family shares their thoughts, we share her history, as well as some of our favorite stories featuring this passionate entrepreneur.
Professional Beauty Leader Eveline Charles passed away January 12. An entrepreneurial force, Charles had her hand in almost every aspect of beauty, getting her start as a stylist; eventually owning salons, med spas and an academy; manufacturing personal care products and as a franchisor.
Recognized internationally as a leader in the salon and spa sector, Charles was the founder and CEO of the multi-million-dollar business, EvelineCharles Salons|Spas|Beauty MD|Academy, based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is the first woman to be inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame and was listed in the Top 100 of Ivey School of Business and Scotiabank Group’s ‘Canada’s Most Powerful Women’ in 2007.
Charles was also named ‘Marketer of the Year in 2001 by Alberta Venture Magazine, and was consistently listed in the top 50 for Profit Magazine’s 'Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs' from 2004 to 2007. Charles received two Global Salon Business Awards for Canadian Entrepreneurship, first in 2004 in London, then in 2006 in Barcelona. Throughout her 40 years in the beauty industry, Charles has been honored for her leadership, innovation and remarkable business accomplishments. Her countless entrepreneurial awards include Canada’s 'Top 100 Most Powerful Women of 2011' and Ernst & Young’s 'Entrepreneur of the Year.'
Charles started as a hairstylist in 1974, and she continued to grow her business in the following years with EvelineCharles Salons|Spas|Beauty MD. In 2005, the first EvelineCharles Academy was opened in Edmonton. The beauty institute offers cosmetology, esthetics and makeup artistry courses and is the largest in Canada. EvelineCharles Labs opened in 2016, manufacturing products in the personal care business. The company expanded into franchising with salons in Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Involved in the community, Charles was a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Compassion House Foundation, where breast cancer patients receive support during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Other organizations that Charles supported include Youth Emergency Shelter Society, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Diabetes Association, United Way and Unicef.
Upon her passing, her husband Barry Charles posted a loving tribute on the company’s social media, while hundreds of people responded to his request to honor her memory by celebrating the beautiful moments they shared with Charles.
The announcement on the company site read:
“With the heaviest of hearts, we share the passing of Eveline Charles on January 12, 2025. She was a remarkable woman whose warmth, kindness and bribrant spirit touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
“An incredible friend, and entertainer who brought joy to every room, and a devoted wife and mother, Eveline leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration. As a successful entrepreneur, she inspired those around her with her determinations, creativity, and unwavering passion. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her deep love for her family and friends, made her truly one of a kind.
“Eveline was admired deeply by her friends, family and colleagues and she will be missed beyond measure.
“Let us honor her memory by celebrating the beautiful moments she shared with us and keeping her spirit alive in our hearts.”
SALON TODAY remembers Eveline Charles through some of our favorite stories featuring her and her businesses:
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