Hairbrained Conversations

Editorial hairstylist, renowned educator, and Amika Naeemah LaFond joins Gordon for a far-ranging conversation that delves into her fascinating career and life's journey, including her deep love of fashion and its connection to hair, as well as the story behind her role at the uber-cool Amika. Naeemah also reflects on the impact made by her viral #blacklivesmatter-inspired "Brand's Guide For Hiring Equality" as well as the current state of racial and social justice in the professional salon industry. "A new personal favorite episode." —Gordon

@HeggyGonzalez is not only a NAHA-winning #crafthairdresser and Aveda Artist who has inspired many with her artistry and passion, but she's also a serious fashionista and designer. With a deep love for her profession and the transformative power of hairdressing, Heggy shares the story behind her journey from beauty school to the winners' podium at NAHA as well as the iconic Aveda Congress Main Stage.

Paul Mitchell Editorial Director @NoogieThai is a renowned platform artist and master educator, known not only for his passion and mad skills in hairstyling and design, but also for his winning personality, sense of humor and—simply put—joyful presence. Noogie shares his life's journey, from the early struggles he and his family faced as immigrants to becoming a globe-trotting member of the iconic JPMS team. We discuss the unvarnished truth of life on the road as an educator, overcoming adversity and getting through the pandemic.

Few segments of the professional salon industry will likely be as impacted long term by the pandemic than education. From how schools teach (and students learn) to the ways in which professionals choose to engage with education, CHANGE is the operative word these days in pro beauty education. Longtime leaders in the global education space, Joakim Roos and Yolly ten Koppel have spent decades traveling the world teaching students, professionals and their fellow educators in the finer aspects of our craft. Listen in to a great conversation digging into the changing needs of learners, how geography impacts education, the evolving role of technology and what it all might mean for the professional salon industry.

SalonCentric #ItTakesAProTeam artists Christopher Aaron and Daniel Mason-Jones join Gordon to share their personal and professional experiences as members of the LGBTQ+ community, and what it all means for our larger industry. We get up close and personal with Daniel and Christopher to discuss "growing up gay;" what Pride means to them personally; the power of inclusivity, empathy and representation; and how we all can be allies and better support the LGBTQ+ community.

@Bumbleandbumble Global Fashion Director Laurent Philippon, one of the world's leading session stylists, has worked with many of the top names, brands and creatives in the worlds of fashion, celebrity and media. Laurent discusses lessons learned during his early days assisting the legendary stylist Alexandre de Paris, as well as working with icons Julien d'Ys, Orlando Pita, and Sam McKnight. The author of *Hair: Fashion and Fantasy*, a book devoted to the art of hair, Laurent also talks about hair fashion history and the powerful inspiration of his mentors—including iconic Bb founder Michael Gordon and acclaimed fashion photographer David LaChapelle.

Olaplex national trainer and "on-air spokesperson" Danielle Frank hosts the popular Beauty Uncovered podcast, the latest role in the evolution of a long career that began behind the chair. We discuss her journey to and through the industry, starting as an assistant at the iconic Maximus Salon and Spa, owned by Richard Calcasola. Fast forward to today and Danielle represents one of the fastest-growing brands in the professional beauty industry as host of a podcast that touches thousands of professionals and consumers alike every week with guests like Tracey Cunningham, Guy Tang, Chad Kenyon and more.

Moroccanoil Co-Founder Carmen Tal shares the story behind her love of fashion and beauty, and how that led to her opening a small Montreal-based salon in partnership with her hairdresser. This was followed soon after by the discovery of a little-known product that would one day revolutionize the salon industry: Moroccanoil. We discuss the ideas behind the brand, its storied launch and history, Moroccanoil's education evolution during the pandemic, and the plans for reopening the NYC-based Academy while maintaining a strong online learning presence.

Heather Chapman is a leading educator, artist, influencer and Hairbrained community member. An early adapter to social media and the world of influencers, Heather has evolved her business strategy to adjust to the ever-changing times. Despite having over 685,000 followers on her Instagram page @HeatherChapmanHair, she thoughtfully chose to refocus the majority of her social media efforts onto TikTok (@Heather_Chapman_Hair), where she has quickly grown her following to over 500k. Heather shares the "why" behind her choices, thoughts on content creation, the unique language of TikTok, why the platform matters to professionals, and how being there has reignited her passion.

@Oribepro co-founder and president Daniel Kaner is joined by co-owner of Goldwaves Salon and business coach Leslie Rice to discuss the important topic of leadership - what it looks like, why it matters and how we can all best step up to lead in challenging times. This is an important and wide-ranging conversation that comes at a perfect time for salon owners and managers, professionals, and students alike.

Returning guest and LP General Manager Emilie Poisson leads one of the industry's most iconic haircare brands—and as such, she has a unique vantage point from which to view industry trends as they relate to both professionals and consumers. Listen in to another great conversation where we discuss the evolution of salons as we head toward a post-pandemic "new normal;" the growing importance of salons embracing innovation; sustainability; and more.

@HannahRuthHair is Creative Director for Atlanta's iconic Van Michael Salons, a haircutting specialist, educator, @AvedaArtist....and "bee activist". Hannah shares her positive perspective on change coming out of the pandemic, the story behind her deeply felt passion for the Aveda brand, the importance and power of connecting with your fellow professionals, making a difference in our industry and world, and much more.

While @DavidThurstonOfficial is a renowned entrepreneur, educator, salon owner and disrupter, he's best known for being the Founder and CEO of Pulp Riot Hair. David joins Gordon to discuss the recent announcement of his retirement from Pulp Riot (effective June 1, 2021), what it means personally and professionally, lessons learned as a brand founder and CEO, where the industry is headed post-Covid…and much more.

Patricia Nicole (@paintedhair) is known by her 1 million followers as the creator of high contrast hair painting. The @wellahair Global Ambassador has built a worldwide reputation not only as an IG content creator, but also as a highly respected educator—both IRL and by way of her digital academy—and as an artist and successful working professional. In this episode, Patricia shares how early her passions for art and her ongoing commitment to family provided both career and life-changing opportunities.

For more than 35 years, Sue Remes has worked with some of the most important brands in pro and mass beauty—including her current work with @IntelligentBeautyGlobal (formerly Intelligent Nutrients). Known as an expert in consumer behavior with a deep understanding of how people move through their purchasing process, Sue consults with brands in developing their strategic direction in the areas of sales, marketing and education.

One of the most significant challenges the industry faced during the pandemic was having access to all of the many resources required to properly service (even a reduced capacity) clientele. SalonCentric president Bertrand Fontaine shares how this mega distributor organization pivoted to best serve the hundreds of thousands of professionals that count on them every day. We also discuss Bertrand's take on the current state of the industry and trends that we may see in the years ahead. Another great guest!

Coming to prominence over the last decade as @theConfessionsofaHairstylist, Jenny Strebe shares the story behind the 2020 launch of her Aiir Haircare brand. We talk about all of the many trials, tribulations, AND learnings leading up to launch - just days before the pandemic lockdowns began. We also discuss the story leading up to a critical distribution agreement with @SalonCentric. Another great conversation with an amazing #crafthairdresser and entrepreneur!

@MarkBustos is known throughout the industry as a humanitarian, #crafthairdresser, and entrepreneur. Given the well-documented and unprecedented rise of anti-Asian hate and violence during the pandemic, Mark is speaking out on behalf of his community. By sharing his own life experience as an Asian-American who has been the target of racism throughout much of his life, Mark hopes to bring awareness and action to the issue.

It's rare to meet the president of a global beauty brand who began their professional life actually working from the ground up, starting off a career visiting salons every day as a sales consultant- and from there, falling in love with the industry as part of a journey that lands them at the helm of one of the most iconic brand names in beauty - Aveda. Barbara De Laere is one of those rare individuals who has traveled that journey. Listen in to hear the story behind her career, the values that inspire her in leading the iconic brand -and her unique perspective on the future of salons.

* Senior Director of Brand Education, Artists & Events for the Wella Company Carol Protat joins Gordon to talk about the future of education and events in the pro beauty space as well as her best advice on what it takes to be a great educator - and learner in the coming new normal.

@paulmitchellpro's Valerie George (@cosmetic_chemist) is a scientist, popular podcaster & PM YouTuber (#triplethreat) who has the unique ability to make science interesting, understandable & ….FUN! Responsible for leading one of the most important R&D teams in the professional salon industry globally, Valerie shares not only her story but a look behind the 'obvious' in hair & skin, digging down a bit into the weeds of science.

Global @Redken Ambassador and award-winning Australian session stylist Richard Kavanagh returns to the podcast to talk about building/re-building your clientele efficiently and quickly as we move through the pandemic and towards a new normal of sorts. As always, Richard is a wealth of knowledge and experience - and once again delivers some highly useful and impactful teachings. Go to Episode 87 to hear more great insights from Richard.

Clubhouse is the newest sensation in digital and social media apps and platforms - and the professional salon community is showing up in a VERY big way. Salon business coach/thought leader Nina Kovner joins Gordon for a highly engaging conversation on how 'social audio' can benefit professionals, where the platform might be headed, and what it all could mean in the larger context of innovation and beauty. Note: Look for Gordon on Clubhouse every Monday @1pm ET/10am PT in our Hb Salon Success room.

If ever there was an example of the opportunities open to licenced salon professionals, it is @paulmitchellpro's Kristin Firrell. Starting her career as a hairdresser at Sassoon in San Francisco, Kristen's career has taken her to positions in Australia, New York City and Beverly Hills. Today Kristin is a VP at one of the largest hair care and color companies in the world. She joins Gordon to share thoughts on creating and sustaining success during these difficult times, the coming new normal industry-wide, and much more.

Brooklyn-based salon owner and Goldwell educator @ShannonWilliamKing shares the backstory behind his long and successful career. "Born into the industry", Shannon (the son of 2 hairdressers) found ongoing continuing education early in his career -and in time was sharing with other professionals literally around the globe. In this insightful conversation, we talk salons, education, pandemic, #BlackLivesMatter, and more. boosts#toggleFormOnEscOrEnter" data-boosts-adding-class="boosts--adding" data-boosts-deleting-class="boost--deleting">

@SebastianPro_official Global Artistic Director, educator, and master of the 'blade' (as in razor), @ShayDempsey1 shares his story, some of the lessons learned along the way, as well as his positive take on the fast-changing landscape in professional education - and how we teach and learn as an industry.

Renowned educator, Andrew Carruthers has recently been named Culture Ambassador for @SamVillaHair and just launched The Journeyist, his new life and career coaching program for professionals. Andrew joins us to discuss the story behind his iconic career, the evolution of his own journey as an integral part of the Sam Villa education team - and his longtime passion for the power of effective life coaching to change lives for the better.

Salon owner, world-class competitor, and working professional @JimmyVanBoxel used much of his pandemic related downtime to conquer TikTok. Today, Jimmy's page has 1 million followers and over 100 million video views. An official TikTok 'creator', Jimmy shares insights into this fascinating social platform - as well as lessons learned as a long time competitor in OMC HairWorld's World Championship of Hairdressing.

Ronan Perceval, CEO, creator/founder of Phorest Salon Software joins Gordon to discuss the future of salons and professionals - based on the reality of data collected from thousands of salons across the globe using Phorset throughout the pandemic.

Gordon (@gordnm) turns over the hosting duties this week to Amy Dodds, Hb Senior Director of Engagement - and shows up as our guest to share some of the stories behind his 40+ year career in pro beauty & his journey to Hairbrained, thoughts on the evolution of digital and social media, and answers the big question "why are you so passionate about hairdressers and the larger salon industry".

Educator, Author, and Entrepreneur Ivan Zoot shares insights into our changing industry -and what he knows are the fundamental strategies and best practices needed to succeed behind the chair going forward. A renowned figure in men's grooming and barbering, Ivan has always been drawn to the business side of the salon/shop - as a foundation for a long, successful career doing what he loves most - serving clients and doing great hair.

To start the year off right, Hb Co-founder Randy Taylor joins Gordon to talk education - and its fast changing landscape in the age of Covid. Among the salon industry's most renowned photographer/videographers, Randy shares insights into life behind the scenes working with many of the biggest names in beauty, the story behind his own iconic career - and thoughts on digital education and Hairbrained's online learning platform, www.HbLive.me.

Internationally renowned business educator, coach and author Antony Whitaker joins Gordon for a year-end conversation about the state of the global salon industry in the age of Covid, including a discussion focused on the coming 'new normal'. For more great business insights from Antony, check out Hb Conversations episodes #13 and #81.

In #6 of our 6-part series, supported by @randcobleu, Garren shares some of the lessons learned over the course of 50 years of making his mark on the worlds of fashion, celebrity, and style - plus his take on current day life in the era of Covid. One of the most important hairdressers of the last 50 years, @garrennewyork has worked with a stellar roster of celebrities, models, fashion designers, photographers, makeup artists, AND hairdressers. Be sure to visit our episode library on this podcast platform to hear the entire series. Thanks to @RandCo for their support in creating this important program.

Global Artistic and Business Director for @PaulMitchellPro, @RobertCromeans offers his thoughtful take on our quickly changing world and industry -- and how to best think about and meet the challenges ahead. From rethinking your relationship with clients to upping your game by re-crafting the salon experience, Robert offers his insightful take on stepping up in new ways during difficult times.

In Part 5 of our 6-part series, supported by @randcobleu, Garren takes us all on a tour of his work and life in the last decade (2010-2020). After 40 years of hairdressing, Garren finds himself perhaps more relevant than ever - in a decade that will see huge changes in the world's of fashion and publishing, as well as the rise of influencer One of the most important hairdressers of the last 50 years, @garrennewyork has worked with a stellar roster of celebrities, models, fashion designers, photographers, makeup artists, AND hairdressers. Be sure to visit our episode library on this podcast platform to hear the entire series. Thanks to @RandCo for their support in creating this important program.

Inspired by a childhood surrounded by salon pro's, Robert Ham's personal journey has taken him from 'small-town boy' to Moroccanoil Global VP of Education. With digital education taking the industry by storm, Robert shares the story behind the newly launched NYC based Moroccanoil Academy and their pandemic inspired pivot from real-time education to a robust approach to online teaching and learning.

In Part 4 of our 6-part series, supported by @randcobleu, Garren takes us all on a tour of his work and life in the first decade of the '2000's'. From the tragedy of 9/11 -and its impact on his world and work- to the evolution of style and hair fashion and the growing impact of digital media, the new century was fraught with change. One of the most important hairdressers of the last 50 years, @garrennewyork has worked with a stellar roster of celebrities, models, fashion designers, photographers, makeup artists, AND hairdressers. Be sure to visit our episode library on this podcast platform to hear the entire series. Thanks to @RandCo for their support in creating this important program.

Passionate independent professional @Greg_Gilmore shares his story and journey - from his early childhood interest in salon life to his move across the country (and the challenges he faced in doing so) to expand his career potential and possibilities. Today, Greg is a respected independent educator, celebrity stylist, working hairdresser, and colorist - with a deep passion for his profession. "A new FAVORITE conversation" - gordon

In Part 3 of this 6-part series, supported by @randcobleu, Garren takes us back to the 1990s with a tour through his world of hair, high fashion, celebrity, and more. One of the most important hairdressers of the last 50 years, @garrennewyork has worked with a stellar roster of celebrities, models, fashion designers, photographers, makeup artists, AND hairdressers. Be sure to visit our episode library on this podcast platform to hear the entire series. Thanks to R+Co for their support in creating this important program.

Self-described Texture Expert and Colorist, wife, mom, & owner of *A Curl Can Dream* 2-chair NYC salon suite Daryce ('Reese') Tolliver joins us for a deep conversion about the game-changing power of effective consultations and texture clients as her foundation for growth and success. We also dig into Reece's life and career story, her take on mentorship, & much more.

In Part 2 of our 6-part series, supported by @randcobleu, Garren takes us behind-the-scenes for a look back at the 1980's world of hair, high fashion, celebrity, editorial, and his own iconic career and life. One of the most important hairdressers of the last 50 years, @garrennewyork has worked with a stellar roster of celebrities, models, fashion designers, photographers, makeup artists, AND hairdressers. Thanks to R+Co for their support in creating this series.

Mahogany Plautz is an independent stylist and long time Paul Mitchell Educator. She joins us to talk about her passion and purpose - raising awareness and offering insights into the important topic of racial justice and its intersection with our industry, hair history & activism. We also discuss Mahogany's life as an independent stylist and educator plus tips on how to get ahead in these growing categories of interest to so many.

One of the most important hairdressers of the last 50 years, @garrennewyork has worked with a stellar roster of celebrities, models, fashion designers, photographers, makeup artists, AND hairdressers. In this 6-part series, supported by @randcobleu, Garren takes us behind-the-scenes into his world of high fashion, celebrity, editorial, and his own iconic career and life. Watch for new episodes weekly beginning on Wednesday, 11/18th.

Oribe Hair Care General Manager Sid Katari leads global operations for the renowned brand. Involved in just about every aspect of the business (from finance and accounting to sales, marketing, and research and development), Sid brings a unique perspective to our conversation - as well as a clear passion for hairdressers and the larger professional salon community.

Independent Cutting Specialist and Educator Ben Ko (@hellobenjamin) joins us for a very real conversation about rethinking the business of haircutting in the midst of Covid-19 while remaining committed to excellence in the craft. As always, we dig into the story behind the career as well as talk about Ben's shift from long-time Sassoon cutter and educator in a commissioned salon to life as an independent professional in a rental salon.

@DysonHair Ambassadors @AnhCoTran & @MatthewStylist are both renowned celebrity stylists, educators, & artists. These two "road warriors" join us to discuss hairdresser life in the age of a pandemic - what's changing, what might remain changed, & the evolving role of technology in our lives & careers. We also dig into Dyson's unique role in revolutionizing the tool space for salon professionals.

Imagine that pre-Covid, you had 6 months of pay in savings, low to no credit card debt, and a clear understanding of your personal and professional finances. How might your reaction to the pandemic been different? Our hope in sharing this conversation is to help you to: (1) Be inspired to rethink your 'relationship' with money, (2) Open yourself to a mindset of financial success and well-being; (3) Learn how to get started on a path towards financial freedom; (4) Be motivated to build habits that work in creating financial freedom. Thanks to @TabathaCoffey (@matrix) and @MichaelColeSummit (@redken) for their inspired sharing. BONUS:: Get Tabatha's personal finance "Money Matters" complimentary guide/pdf by going to https://bit.ly/3iQRYGe

Renowned Session Stylist and Oribe Global Brand Ambassador James Pecis is a leader in the world of editorial and runway hair around the world. He is also intimately involved in Oribe product development, education, editorial shoots, and fashion events. James shares his thoughts on dealing with change in the face of a pandemic, advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps into session work, and much more.

Linh Phan and Cynthia Lumzy have close to 800k Instagram followers - but more importantly, have developed reputations as respected educators & artists who have a LOT more to offer than simply 'influence'. The two have come together to create an educational initiative around color and texture called "Congregate & Create". We talk about their 'why' behind this important idea - as well as dig into their career stories, life as influencers in the midst of Covid-19, #BLM & diversity in the salon; as well as some predictions as to where our professional world might be going 'post COVID'.