Hairbrained Conversations

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.