Hairbrained Conversations

@AntoinetteBeenders is Aveda's Senior Vice President of Creative and Global Creative Director. The 9-time nominee and 2004 winner of the British Hairdresser of the Year award shares the story behind her professional journey, insights into life in the corporate beauty world, and tips on how to create a sustainable career.

Liliana Maggio (@liltresser) is a two-time Emmy-nominated hairdresser for film and television who shares her unique journey into the salon industry, including some surprising turns along the way. Upcoming film credits include the reboots of both "Sex and the City" and Stephen Speilberg's much-anticipated take on the iconic "West Side Story." Liliana also shares a reality check on life as an on-set hairdresser as well as her best advice for those wanting to follow in her footsteps.

Renowned Colorist, Redken Brand Ambassador and salon owner Johnny Ramirez goes deep into the fascinating story behind his rise to global prominence and success- and lessons learned along the way. Gordon says this is an absolute "must listen to" episode!

@AlisonAlhamed, @RandCo Vice President of Community, is known throughout the industry as a leading voice in supporting the dreams and aspirations of professionals. The former pro beauty media editor-in-chief shares the story behind her unique journey from college-attending Starbucks barista to a long career in journalism before joining the R+Co executive team-- just days before the pandemic lock downs began.

Sam Villa is Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, co-founder of Sam Villa Professional, NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – and one of the industry's most renowned educators and iconic artists. In this episode, Sam shares not only his story but also his passion for helping professionals and salons to grow their success.

@AvedaArtists and Color Squad member Sarah Sibley is co-owner of Dallas-Ft Worth's Lavender Square Salon and a rising star in the world of Aveda salons and spas. Sarah talks about the power of mentorship, the attributes and benefits of the right business partner, becoming an educator, and how being a mom helped her shift her career priorities in a way that actually helped her charge her worth.

Welcome to our weekly REPLAY episode where we re-share some of our most popular episodes: "Media star, best selling author, former salon owner, Matrix Global Business Ambassador and, most importantly, passionate hairdresser (!) Tabatha Coffey talks about the ongoing evolution of her career and the many valuable lessons learned along the way."

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.