Devon Brooks

Co-Founder, Blo Blow Dry Bar

Devon defined a new market category, co-founding Blo Blow Dry Bar in 2006. Born from a second year university project, the company spans four countries, with 42 locations, and has collaborated with international mega brands like Mattel, Guess and Gwenyth Paltrow. PROFIT Magazine, and MSN.com have named her 1 of the Top 30 entrepreneurs in Canada. She’s served up belly-laugh inducing, heart-pouring sermons on platforms like TedX, Pecha Kucha, Shaw TV and opened for Dragon Kevin O’leary. A diverse mentor and guide. She supports Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW) Rape Crisis Center, as strategic advisor; and has worked closely with futurpreneur.com (formerly CYBF) mentoring businesses across Canada.
Devon’s resolute disposition for leadership shows up in all facets of her life – She was assaulted in two unrelated incidents at 18 and then again at 21, right after launching Blo, and went through the ensuing judicial process that eventually led to a guilty plea by both men. She was later diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression. Thereafter, her devotion to mental wellness was ignited, inspiring and shape the way she loves, leads and lives.

This year she goes down in history. Canada’s Minister of Labour and The Status of Women, recognized her during Women’s History Month for her contribution to the community and economy; and, McGraw-Hill Ryerson have featured Devon in the textbook edition of ‘Balderson: Canadian Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management’.