Hairbrained Conversations

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.

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.