Behind the Swatches

, we’re proud to introduce to you our new monthly newsletter, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of professional hair color and hair treatment consultation and marketing tools. Innovation, design, sustainability, and craftsmanship — step into the world of Aspasie, where every detail matters.

Discover Aspasie

BIR - THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY REPORT

In June, the leadiIng magazine amongst professional beauty manufacturer and distributor executives in North America, published an in-depth feature on Aspasie. Over the next few months, we will share with you highlights from the article.  

Behind the Swatches: How Aspasie combines art+science

Matching a color swatch is like creating a fine perfume or a vintage wine—it takes skill, instinct and years of experience. When you own a professional hair color brand, placing a luxurious swatch book into colorists’ hands tells your story with impact.

With more than 50 years of delighting customers, Aspasie combines attention to detail, creativity, proximity, and the expertise of a passionate team. Renowned for its leading hair color marketing tools, including swatchbooks, rings, charts and promotional materials, Aspasie is a multi-generational female-founded and family-owned company that recently passed the torch to the next generation. Beauty Industry Report had the pleasure of meeting their team last year, and was intrigued with their vision and story. We are delighted to share our conversation with our readers.

BIR: Welcome, Friends! Many of our readers know your work but might not know your story. Tell us about Aspasie’s origins.

Nicole Gélinas (chairperson & co-founder): Absolutely.  Aspasie was founded in 1971 in St-Barnabé Nord near Trois-Rivières in Québec, Canada. Back then, it was rare to see women leading manufacturing businesses—especially in beauty.

My husband, Gaston, and I started the company with a passion for the hair salon industry and creating the best hair color marketing tools. Over the decades, the company evolved into a family legacy. Recently, we passed the reins to our sons—Maxim, who is our CEO; Antoine, our general manager; and David, who focuses on other businesses. Their leadership allows me to focus on philanthropy, knowing the company is in strong hands.

BIR: The name Aspasie is unique. Where does it come from?
Nicole: Aspasie was an influential intellectual woman in ancient Greece—respected for her eloquence and boldness. I chose her name because she represented everything I wanted this company to be: brave, intelligent and visionary. That same spirit still defines us today.

CONTINUED NEXT MONTH

Luc Vincent Color

Aspasie worked with Luc Vincent Coloration for the launch of his hair color collection in Québec drugstores, and soon across North-America.  

Aspasie created and produced the display header, the shelf swatch scallops and the swatch fans attached to the side of the display.  It is exciting to see a start-up brand succeed in such   a competitive marketplace.  

SURVEY ALERT!

Aspasie is conducting a first-of-its-kind survey, aiming to better understand the relationship colorists have with their swatchbooks.

Share the survey link and lets get more people participating!

 COMPLETE THE SURVEY

The first round of results are in! 

COSMOPROF NORTH AMERICA - LAS VEGAS JULY 2025

SOLENN BÜTTNER
Our Account Executive, Solenn Büttner, was on site ready to connect with hair color and hair treatment manufacturer marketing and creative teams. She had conversations about Aspasie craftsmanship, precision, and custom solutions tailored to a brand’s identity.  If you missed her there, you can now reach her at solenn.buettner@aspasie.com

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