The beauty in being yourself

At the Shoppers Drug Mart^® location at Bloor and Bedford in Toronto, Ambrose Doucette (he/him) has become much more than the store’s Beauty Manager. For more than 15 years, he has built lasting relationships with customers, team members and the community, creating what he fondly describes as “the little corner store we all love to go to in the neighbourhood.”

The store is known for its beauty selection and busy downtown location, but it has also become a destination for customers who travel from across Canada to meet Ambrose. Much of that attention comes from the store’s Instagram account, @shoppers_bloorbedford, where Ambrose’s energetic videos have built a loyal following.

Known for his colourful wigs, costumes, humour and fast-paced product reviews, his creative one-take videos have attracted viewers from places as far as Australia and China. “You have to be creative to capture people’s attention, and I love talking about what’s happening at Bloor & Bedford.”

Ambrose’s connection to beauty began long before his time at Shoppers. Growing up, he struggled with severe acne, which led him to discover the confidence that skincare and cosmetics can bring. Inspired by his older sister, who studied aesthetics, he followed a similar path, building a career that has included salons, spas and medical aesthetics - a career that has now lasted more than 40 years.

“When I started at Shoppers, it was meant to be a part-time job before retirement,” Ambrose says. “One thing led to another, and I moved into a full-time role and eventually a manager position. I have no regrets. It’s very rewarding work.”

For Ambrose, the most meaningful part of the job is connecting with people, whether he is helping someone build a skincare routine, recommending a product or simply listening. “I love interacting with clients one-on-one, and I’ve been supported by such a great team,” he says.

As a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Ambrose brings his full self to work and is committed to creating welcoming spaces inside and outside the store. Over the years, he has helped organize drag brunches, supported transgender meet-and-greet dinners and provided makeup consultations for members of the community looking for guidance, confidence and connection.

One moment has stayed with him. A young customer who was beginning their transition came to Ambrose for help finding foundation and concealer. During their conversation, the customer said, “I hope one day I can be like you. You show confidence and power.”

“When I was younger and coming out, things were very different,” says Ambrose. “People would yell things at you for simply being yourself. I told them to trust themselves and take their time." Ambrose is looking forward to participating in this year’s Toronto Pride Parade on the Shoppers Drug Mart float. He first attended Toronto Pride in 1989, when the parade was much smaller. “Back then, I was just a kid walking down the street in high heels,” he says. “So to now be on the Shoppers Drug Mart float, representing both the community and a company that supports inclusivity, is incredibly special.”

For Ambrose, Pride is about reminding people they are not alone. “We should never hide who we are,” he says. “Visibility matters because someone out there may still be questioning themselves, and seeing representation can change everything.”

Today, whether he’s helping a customer find the right skincare product, filming his next beauty reel or celebrating Pride, Ambrose continues to lead with kindness, creativity and heart, reminding those around him that authenticity can help people feel truly seen.