Hairbrained Conversations

The newest member of the renowned @Randco Collective, Richy Kandasamy (@richykanda) is a renowned colorist and respected international educator. A native of the tropical Seychelles Islands, Richy has a uniquely global point of view when it comes to fashion, hair color, and trends. Listen in to a conversation that touches on everything from color consultations in the era of Covid-19 to R+Co's unique take on events, education, and color.

Multiple NAHA winner @MichelleOConnorBeauty is known throughout the industry for her work as both Artistic Director with Matrix Professional and Creative Director for SALON BY INSTYLE inside JCP. In a deep conversation that covers everything from shifting from her early passion and commitment to dance to evolving into a successful and varied career in hairdressing, Michelle shares her personal insights into what it takes to make it in the world of professional beauty. We also dig deep into #BlackLivesMatter and what it might mean for our industry going forward. Another great episode. HIGHLY Recommended

@Oribepro ambassador @StaceyCiceron joins Gordon for a deep conversation on life & work in the midst of Covid-19, reflections on the Black Lives Matter movement, race & America (and the salon industry), the powers of mentorship and role models, and her work with and love of Oribe.

Returning guest @RuthRoche, the 5 times NAHA winner and renowned global educator on coping in a faster-than-ever changing world (and professional beauty industry), hairdressing education in the new normal and much more. Be sure to check out our Episode #17 for more on this iconic @redken artist's life and career story.

PBA's Executive Director Steve Sleeper walks us through the many programs and initiatives provided by the industry's largest professional association (@probeautyassoc) - at a time when we need their support more than ever. From ISSE, NAHA and Beacon to Covid-19 related grants and other charitable programs - plus the longstanding work promoting meaningful legislation and regulation for the industry- we dig into the history as well a bit of the future of this critically important organization.

Salon owner, award-winning colorist, and L'ANZA Global Color Director Leah Freeman joins Gordon for a freewheeling, inspired conversation. From her challenges as a young learner with Dyslexia and early days behind the chair to her journey to becoming a successful salon owner and renowned educator with L'ANZA, Leah shares the story behind her 20+ year career as well as lessons learned along the way.

Cherry Petenbrink (@hairbycherryp) is a renowned celebrity stylist, colorist, platform artist, educator & Artistic Director for Olivia Garden International. Perhaps best known for her work on The Hunger Games series (making her a trailblazer in the 'fashion color' trend we all know so well), Cherry shares her experiences as a long time working professional, former salon owner and colorist to the 'stars'.

Owner of one of the leading @Aveda concept salons in the world, @VanCouncil joins Gordon to talk about pandemic related lessons learned from the re-opening of his renowned Van Michael Salons in Atlanta, Georgia. Among the 1st salons to reopen in the USA following the widespread Covid-19 related shutdowns, Van talks about the practical aspects of his reopening strategy and related experience plus his take on the coming 'new normal' - including changes to salon environments, the evolving expectations of guests, salon business model trends, e-commerce and more.

@TabathaCoffey joins Gordon to talk MONEY(yours!) and offer her thoughts on why it's more important than ever to have a personal plan to make the most of yours. Whether planning proactively for unexpected emergencies, buying your first house (or salon) or retirement, how we think about money matters - and Tabatha gives us lots to think about in this episode. Tremendous thanks to @SalonCentric for supporting this series; and to @Matrix Global Business Ambassador Tabatha Coffey for joining our important conversations related to salons re-opening successfully in the face of coronavirus. #ItTakesAPro

NYC based salon owner, consultant, and educator @LoreanCairns shares her thoughts and experiences around her reopening salons across multiple states in the face of a global pandemic. The author of Culture Fox: How to Cultivate a Lasting Culture walks us through key strategies and tactics in facing the near term of reopening - as well as thoughts on the longer term, quickly approaching 'new normal'.

Owner of the iconic Manhattan-based salon group, a longtime L'Oreal Professionnel Color salon, Frédéric Fekkai joins Gordon to discuss salons adjusting to the coming 'new normal' (given Covid-19), the power of greatbranding, becoming a salon owner, finding the right partnerships and more. One of the most recognized Celebrity Stylists of all time, @fekkai also gives his take on the changing social and digital media world - and its impacts on salons and professionals.

Sam Villa on the evolving salon experience and how professionals can proactively adapt to our fast-changing world. Thanks to SalonCentric for bringing the co-founder of SamVilla.com, @Redken Global Artistic Ambassador, and @SalonCentric to our ongoing, important conversation related to salons re-opening in the face of coronavirus.

Salon owner, #crafthairdresser, and educator @BeauBollinger joins us for a conversation sharing the story behind his successful career, his outspoken and proactive attitudes towards the coronavirus' impact on the salon industry -as well as sharing thoughts on how to create a great career in the salon.

Salons across the world are rethinking how to best serve clients - while keeping them safe, healthy, AND happy. R+Co President Dan Langer has long been passionate about creating unique and memorable experiences - and inspiring professionals to do the same in the salon. In the face of coronavirus, Dan offers great insights and advice on how to up your game in every aspect of the business - and to recognize the opportunities to be found by salons and professionals in the 'new normal' ahead of us all.

@TippiShorter shares unique insights into her life as a successful celebrity hairstylist, renowned texture expert, respected educator and so much more. The Global Artistic Director for Mizani has spent decades helping to lead the way in proactively changing attitudes in the professional salon industry around the big ideas of texture and race. From the impact of Covid-19 and the #BlackLivesMatter movement on our industry to a discussion around the larger issue of needed changes in the salon industry, this conversation is one not to be missed.

SalonCentric ambassador, #ittakesapro artist, and corrective color "ninja" Cassandra McGlaughlin shares insights and projections related to hair color services in a post Covid-19 world. With hair color driving the majority of service dollars in salons today, the evolution of client attitudes towards time in the salon will likely play a critical role in color service trends, as well as salon finances. Cassandra shares her take on this issue and much more. Thanks to @SalonCentric for their support in creating this important 6-part series.

@TIGIprofessionals Americas Creative Director & VP of Education Thomas Osborn joins Gordon to share his take on our changing world (and what trends might remain with us post 'reopening'), share the unique story behind his professional career as one of the industry's leading educators, and give us some insights into the future of TIGI and education.

SalonCentric ambassador and renowned influencer @ShelleyGregoryHair shares her insights into life as an independent working hairdresser as we all work our way through salon re-openings following the Coronavirus related nationwide shutdown. An #ittakesapro artist, Shelley shares her approach to client communication, rethinking day-to-day life in the salon, home hair color kits, pricing, and much more. Thanks to @SalonCentric for their support in creating this important 6-part series.

Self-described "LA Curly Hairstylist", educator and Paul Mitchell Ambassador Paula Peralta joins Gordon to discuss #blacklivesmatter, including her personal and professional experiences as a black woman and hairdresser. Paula also shares insights into how we can respond as professionals to the growing calls for racial justice in America and a more inclusive professional beauty industry.

One of the industry's most respected business educators and coaches, Daniel Mason-Jones shares his experience and perspective on successfully re-opening his salon following the coronavirus related shut down of salons nationally. The SalonCentric ambassador and #ittakesapro artist shares his blueprint for re-opening - including effective client communication, teamwork, changes to scheduling and services menus, and much more.

Colin Caruso is a renowned educator, working colorist, owner of Salon CARU, and John Paul Mitchell Systems' Director of Color. In this episode, we discuss thoughts on the coming post Coronavirus 'new normal' - and how salons and professionals can best succeed going forward. We also take a deep dive into Paul Mitchell's newly launched Social Gathering digital resource center and communal platform - designed to support the entire industry in successfully reopening.

Wella Professionals' North American Education Director Stephen Moody is one of the industry's most recognized and respected educators. Stephen shares his observations related to possible coming trends as the world begins to consider a new sort of normal in day-to-day life.... and in day to day beauty for the consumer. We also discuss Stephen's thoughts on how to come back stronger than ever behind the chair.

Aveda Global Artistic Director, Hair Styling Allen Ruiz is an award-winning artist (NAHA x 2!), editorial stylist, successful salon owner, working professional and renowned educator. Listen in as Allen discusses with Gordon the Covid-19 related changes occurring throughout the industry, and his team's plan to proactively react to ...plus lessons learned as a salon owner and globe-trotting educator for 20+ years.

Kao's Cory Couts (Global President, Salon Division) and Trevor Attenborough (Vice President, Americas Region) offer up an insightful global perspective on how salons are reacting to and recovering from the pandemic. Home to Goldwell, Oribe, and KMS, Kao has recently launched a global effort - the Kao Salon Recovery Initiative in support of the global salon community - the details of which we dig into in this episode.

Industry veteran John Moroney, VP Creative and Communication for Kao Salon Global (home to Goldwell, KMS, and Oribe), offers a global perspective on salons - as well as details behind #WorthTheWait, a consumer-facing social media campaign reminding clients of their unique relationship with salon professionals. The program is just one part of Kao's Salon Industry Recovery Initiative helping salons recover and rebuild as they emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.

Anthony & Pat Mascolo, TIGI co-founder and International Artistic Director and TIGI Global Make-up Director respectively, join Hb for a talk about the day to day life passions that drive their immense creativity. Married since 1986, Anthony and Pat are also co-editors in chief of Infinge.com -- one of the industry's most fascinating 'media' websites and print publications - one very much focused on 'the anthropology of hair.' Listen in for another inspired conversation with industry legends.

R+Co co-founder @HowardMcLaren shares his passion for art (including his interest in creating collages), as part of his larger interest in creativity - and how it feeds his work as a globally renowned artist hairdresser. We also discuss the impact of "Stay at Home" response to Coronavirus on professionals and how to make the most of our changing world.

Lucie Doughty is Creative Director for John Paul Mitchell Systems where she leads the creative vision for the entire portfolio of Paul Mitchell brands. A renowned master educator, platform artist, and award-winning colorist and editorial stylist (including 2020 NAHA!). Lucie shares some of the personal passions that help define who she is as a human -and inspire her work as one of the most creative professionals we know. From the Hb Conversation archives: Check out Episode #20 with Lucie for a deeper dive into her professional "origin story" as well as a look into her day-to-day life at the iconic brand.

Sassoon Salons and Academies International Creative Director Mark Hayes shares a behind-the-scenes look into the passions that have influenced him personally and professionally throughout his 40+ year career. For added context from Mark, listen in to popular episodes #23 and #56- conversations with one of the industry's leading educational leaders.

Alfredo Lewis, Lisa Walker, Paul Falltrick, Desmond Murray, and Constance Robbins each join Gordon for a 1-on-1 conversation in Part 2 of this series focused on bringing to our audience the voices of leading educators and artists from the world of Matrix. This varied collection of conversations offers up a diverse list of lessons learned, great advice, and varied experiences. Go back to Episode #118 to experience Part 1.

Next stop - a lakeside home not far outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota where @antoinettebeenders, Global Creative Director, Senior Vice President of Creative for @Aveda, took the time (while 'self-isolating') to share the stories behind her passions for photography, art, fashion, nature and more. One of the industry's most highly recognized and awarded artists, Antoinette never fails to inspire.

With Coronavirus taking over so much of our collective conversations as of late, we are changing things up a bit by digging into the personal side of some of our favorite educators/artists. First up is Anh Co Tran, creator of "Lived In Hair" and Global Creative Director for Milbon, who shares many of his personal passions as well as a conversation about how they fit into his professional work.

Neeko and Tanya Abriol are successful celebrity stylists and co-owners of the Lab Lounge in Beverly Hills. Four-time NAHA winner Neeko Abriol has helped make over clients like Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett Smith, Nathalie Emmanuel, Tyra Banks, and Pink. Partner in business and life, Tanya Abriol counts Sandra Bullock, Kate Hudson, Salma Hayek, and Gwyneth Paltrow among her roster of A-list clients. Listen in for some great insights into developing a long-lasting career, suite life (versus traditional salon) – as well as advice on working in the salon as a married couple.

Pulp Riot founder & CEO David Thurston joins Gordon for a talk about coping with Coronavirus, how to best prepare for the coming, post-crisis 'new normal', and much more. Known throughout the professional salon industry as an entrepreneur, educator, and disrupter, David is passionate about sharing his considerable insights on how to adapt to the changes caused by the digital revolution and thrive in the new world.

Longtime Hairbrained community member Shannel Mariano says she graduated beauty school "not knowing how to cut hair. People would tell me how much they admired my passion for learning. They were wrong. Fear drove me to education, not passion." Fast forward to today and Shannel has found her true passion: educating others by way of her unique approach to teaching the fundamentals of haircutting. With 346,000+ followers on Instagram, it's clear that many are being inspired by her passion - and we are thrilled she is sharing a bit of that passion with us on today's episode.

Inspired conversations with two of the industry's leading coaches and voices. Tabatha Coffey, Matrix Global Business Ambassador & Nina Kovner, founder, Passion Squared each share thoughts on how to best cope with the challenges facing salons and professionals in the wake of COVID-19.

Sheri Doss is Global VP, Education of Redken (and all of L'Oreal's other American Brands); Suzanne Strum Is VP of Redken Education US- and together they are a powerhouse of insights into the world of learning in professional beauty, and more specifically, education at Redken (the first major haircare company to make professional development a cornerstone of the brand essence). Recorded live at the Redken Artist Connection conference.

Nick Stenson, Eric Vaughn, Danielle Keasling, Mustafa Avci, Daniel Roldan & Philip Wolff each join Gordon for a 1-on-1 conversation as part of this 2-part series focused on bringing to our hb audience the voices of leading educators and artists from the world of Matrix. This varied collection of conversations offers up a diverse list of lessons learned, great advice, and varied experiences. Stay tuned for part 2 in this series in the coming weeks.

Hairbrained co-founders join Gordon and a live audience in the Hb Community Room at PBA's 2020 ISSE show to talk about the inspiration behind some of Hb's most iconic programs and platforms, the evolution of the community, and take some questions from our audience.

Gordon invited 'fellow geek' Ronan Perceval, CEO, creator and founder of Phorest Salon Software, for an inspired conversation about some of the big learnings that come from collecting millions of pieces of data from salons literally across the globe - including best practices for stylists and salon owners based on that data, coming global trends that the data points towards and much more.

With an eye focused squarely on innovation and how it can best benefit the future of salons and professionals, Sylvie Moreau joins Gordon immediately following her visit to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The global leader of Wella Professional, Sebastian, ghd, OPI and more talks about learnings from this future-focused event - and the award-winning premiere there of Wella Professionals' augmented reality (AR) enabled Smart Mirror - and what this kind of technology will mean for the business of salons.

Redken General Manager Leslie Marino and VP, US Marketing Carrington Cole join Gordon for a rare face-to-face conversation in Miami at the Redken Artist Connection Event. With decades of experience between them, these two passionate leaders talk about the opportunities abounding for professionals in today's highly competitive salon marketplace, the importance and power of mentorship as well as insights into Redken's iconic culture, values and history.

British native and recent transplant to NYC Darren Oram is the VP of Education for L'Oréal Professionnel USA. From his early days as a globe-trotting cruise ship based hairdresser to the evolution of his career into that of an international educator, Darren shares great insights into what it takes to succeed in the professional salon industry - behind the chair or in front of the classroom.

Award-winning, international artist Tom Connell joins Hb to share the story of his journey from a young stylist working in his parent's salon in Manchester, England to the newly announced position of Davines Hair Art Director. The former Trevor Sorbie artistic director shares the inspiration behind his love of editorial and session work as well as his growing passion for Davines, it's evolving brand identity, unique culture and commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.

Hb's Director of Engagement Courtney Bright takes over the hosting duties to talk with Gordon about the questions we all have about where salons are headed as digital disruption and new innovations continue to change how consumers experience the world -and how salon owners and professionals can proactively leverage the same as opportunities for growth. Hb's FutureCast conference, an event created in direct response to these questions, is previewed in this episode. For more info, go to www.hbFutureCast.com

NYC hairstylist, salon co-owner, educator, artist, and Dad, @markbustos shares the story behind his rise to prominence, his passion for making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, his dedication to his craft as well as his journey to salon ownership. Another "must listen to episode", not to be missed.

Matrix Global Business Ambassador Tabatha Coffey answers Gordon's call to help identify the steps in finding the right coach to help up one's game in professional or personal life. As always, Tabatha offers great insights and advice into a topic that is getting lots of attention today.

Wella Professionals' iconic Global Creative Artist Sonya Dove & Global Ambassador and influencer Briana Cisneros join Gordon to talk about everything from their individual career origin stories and learnings along the way to their shared passion for hair color, social media, education... and Wella.

One of the industry's most iconic business/career education-focused thought leaders and coaches, Michael Cole is a global business educator for L'Oreal PPD (which includes Redken, Matrix, and L'Oreal Professionnel) and co-founder of the Summit Salon Business Center. In this 15 minute conversation, Michael shares his best advice on setting goals that work. Another 'must listen to' episode!

In this episode, Entrepreneur, Educator & Author Lorean Cairns goes deep into the power of culture to transform businesses, careers, and lives. Lorean's book *Culture Fox (How to Cultivate a Lasting Culture) *was one of Gordon's favorite reads of 2019. Listen in as Lorean shares the story behind her meteoric rise from working stylist to CEO of an international organization, with over 150 employees in 3 states and 2 countries. "Not to be missed episode!"