About Embu Hair - Aveda Hair Salon in Toronto, ON
Our mission at Embu in the junction is to create a comfortable and inclusive environment while providing unparalleled service and overall guest experience. At Embu in the junction, we not only take pride in how you look, but also how you feel.
Origin story:
Embu Hair was born from a simple belief: everyone deserves to feel comfortable, confident, and cared for in the salon chair.
Founders and lead stylists Kyle Mathieson and Jessica Nguyen spent over a decade in the hair industry, working in fast-paced Toronto salons. While they loved the creativity and connection that came with the craft, they noticed a gap—many clients were being rushed through their appointments or weren’t being heard. The personal touch was missing.
So in June 2019, Embu Hair opened its doors in the heart of The Junction, with a mission to create something different:
A calm, welcoming space where relationships matter as much as results. Where guests feel seen, understood, and empowered to express their individual style—whether they’re here for a big change or a subtle refresh.
The name Embu comes from the idea of embodying care, creativity, and community. It reflects our values— elevated, mindful, and rooted in authenticity.
From the beginning, we’ve been proud to work with Aveda—a partner that shares our commitment to sustainability, wellness, and high-performing plant-powered products.
What started as a dream between friends has grown into a diverse, tight-knit team of stylists who bring a modern approach to hairstyling, color, and texture work. We’re continually evolving our craft, listening to our clients, and staying connected to what makes this neighborhood (and city) so special.
At Embu Hair, it’s not just about great hair—it’s about how you feel when you leave.
Meet the Owners
Kyle Mathieson and Jessica Nguyen are the best friends and business partners behind Embu Hair. What started as a shared dream between two passionate stylists has grown into a salon rooted in creativity, trust, and elevated service.
With over 20 years of combined experience, Kyle and Jessica bring complementary strengths to the chair and the business. Kyle is a colour expert known for his ability to create seamless, personalized tones that enhance each client’s natural beauty. Jessica specializes in barbering and precision cutting, with a deep love for clean lines, detail work, and classic styles with a modern edge.
Together, they’ve built Embu Hair to reflect their values: a luxurious yet approachable space where artistry thrives, individuality is celebrated, and every guest feels at home.