Hairbrained Conversations

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.