Hairbrained Conversations

Mahogany Plautz (@muchlovemahogany) is an independent stylist and long-time @paulmitchellpro 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 and 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.

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

@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 and @Lorealpro Color Artist has spent decades helping lead the way in proactively changing attitudes in the professional salon industry around the big ideas of texture and race. From the impacts of Covid-19 and #BlackLivesMatter on our industry to a discussion around the larger issue of needed changes in the salon world, this conversation is one not to be missed.

Self-described "L.A. Curly Hairstylist," educator and @paulmitchellpro 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.

Chrystal L. (AKA @chrystalhairandmakeup) is not only a suite owner, working professional, educator and brand ambassador for Alfaparf, she's also a passionate humanitarian and activist. She founded the All Hair Academy and Beauty Collective—two programs focused on making our industry more diverse and inclusive—and is co-founder of the BOLD Academy, a non-profit created to support, nurture and enhance the leadership skills of black and brown girls. We dig into Chrystal's impressive life's work and more in this episode, including two of her deepest passions: gender-neutral salon pricing and the big issues of diversity, inclusivity and representation in salons. Another conversation not to be missed.

Salon owner, craft hairdresser and TikTok content creator/personality Richard McDade, AKA @badlyshaedape, shares the story behind his successful career and his growing presence on Tiktok. His humorous take on an insider's look at life in the salon has quickly garnered over 70k followers, 2.7 million likes, and even more views. Since TikTok is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving social media space, this is an episode not to be missed.

Aga Dondzik Tomkins (@agatomkinsbeauty) is a Hb podcast fan with a twist. The Chicago-based stylist and salon owner also travels the world doing hair and makeup for bands/artists like Carly Rae Jepsen's world tour. She recently introduced herself to Gordon in a Chicago restaurant, and what started out as a casual podcast-related connection led to a deep dive into her professional journey—for all the world to listen in and learn from. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Founder and co-owner of the award-winning @aveda affiliated Gila Rut Salons, Keri Davis is also the founder of *Beauty BackBone*, a one-of-a-kind educational company helping salons to grow and succeed. A renowned business educator, coach and author, Keri shares pandemic-inspired learnings as well as reminds us of many important, long-proven best practices that have 'forever' served salon owners, independents and professionals well.

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. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

@DarrenOramPro, L'Oréal Professionnel's Vice President of Education, and @MinKimColorist, master colorist, educator, and co-host of @lorealpro's Run Le Hair Show, discuss the huge transformation of education in the pro beauty space over the past two years and what it means for the future. As the industry continues to sort out the pandemic's long-term impact on salons and professionals, one big idea that most seem to agree on is that education is in the midst of a massive transformation—to the potential benefit of all.