Welcome to Hair Love Radio! In this episode, our Guest Host Corey Gray welcomes the legendary Ruth Roche to discuss creativity, the impact of AI on artistic expression, and the importance of personal growth in the hairdressing industry. They explore the creative process, the significance of being true to oneself, and how to identify and nurture one's own creative journey.

Ruth shares insights from her artistic background, her Foundations program, and the transformative power of hairdressing in people's lives. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace change, be open to new ideas, and celebrate the unique creative paths each individual takes.

Follow their journeys on Instagram: @hairdustry (Corey) and @ruthroche (Ruth). Don't forget to follow us at @hairloveuniversity.

We hair love you!

Guest Bio's: Ruth Roche has spent four decades redefining what's possible in hair. As Artistic Director for Trevor Sorbie, Redken, and Pureology, she has shaped global trends while earning more than 15 awards, including 7 NAHA wins, the Uncensored Beauty Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Her career spans editorial shoots, celebrity styling, and groundbreaking education, where she's known for blending technical mastery with fearless artistry. Through Vision Craft University, Ruth is channeling her expertise into a bold mission: revolutionizing advanced hair education and igniting creativity for stylists everywhere.

Corey Gray is the Host of Your Day Off Podcast with Hairdustry — winner of the 2025 Hairbrained HVA Podcast of the Year and heard over 2.3 million times. A graduate of Graham Webb International, Corey has spent more than 25 years as a hairdresser, colorist, and suite owner in the Washington D.C. area.

He hosts major events like the Presley Poe and Friends Experience and brings the hair industry's biggest voices to the mic, blending business insight with conversations full of heart. As a volunteer with HairAid, Corey travels to Cambodia to teach haircutting skills to people rebuilding their lives, offering both opportunity and hope.

Corey's work is driven by positivity, authenticity, and human connection — whether he's on stage, behind the mic, or halfway around the world.

Takeaways

Using AI can enhance creativity beyond talent. Creativity is about learning and filling your bucket. You can't compare your insides to someone else's outsides. The creative process involves trial and error. Change is about stepping out of old beliefs. Every artist has their own unique creative process. Being weird can lead to great creativity. The importance of patience in the creative process. Hairdressers have the power to change lives. Creating is essential when inspired.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hair Love Radio and Co-hosting Dynamics 02:13 Welcoming Ruth Roche: A Journey of Transformation 04:09 Getting Happy: Fun Facts and Personal Stories 06:32 Artistic Roots: Music and Painting 08:39 Creativity vs. Talent: The Role of AI in Art 10:50 Creating Music with AI: A New Frontier 14:48 The Impact of AI on Creative Industries 16:39 Identifying Your Creative Process 19:49 The Importance of Learning in Creativity 24:17 Creative Evolution: Reinventing Yourself 25:29 Embracing Change and Letting Go 29:48 The Power of Creation and Love 34:39 Creative Processes and Inspirations 40:20 The Art of Hairdressing and Its Impact 44:04 Reflections on Creativity and Personal Growth