Sponsored by KEVIN.MURPHY

Sponsored by Arachne

Interview with Sarah Lund

Sarah Lund is a dedicated hairdresser with over 17 years of experience in Education, Stylist Business and Editorial Hairdressing. Currently serving as the North American Director of Education at KEVIN.MURPHY, Sarah specializes in guiding hairdressers and sales teams through enhanced communication, educational learning journeys, and inspirational approaches to the brand.

Prior to her current role, Sarah excelled as a STYLE.MASTER for KEVIN.MURPHY, where she led teams of hairdressers nationwide, contributed to global fashion weeks, and cultivated a career in editorial hair styling. Her natural ability to connect with audiences has consistently driven growth and heightened brand affinity within the competitive beauty market.

Sarah is deeply passionate about fostering a harmonious blend of business acumen and creativity among hairdressers and herself. She continues to actively contribute to KEVIN.MURPHY campaigns, present on stage, and serves as the official Hair Director for PARAISO Miami Beach during Miami Swim Week. Sarah also plays a pivotal role in leading and creating content for SESSION.SALON, a specialized business program designed to empower hairdressers, as well as conducting Sales Trainings and Events aimed at fostering deeper connections in salon environments and enhancing brand messaging through the Brand podcast and PR Events.

Interview with Rocky Rumpel

Rocky Rumpel is the General Manager of KEVIN.MURPHY North America, a senior executive and entrepreneurial leader with over 20 years of experience in executive management, acquisitions, marketing, and account management within the global beauty industry.

He is recognized for building and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams, and for a collaborative leadership style that leads by example. Rocky brings a strong track record in both domestic and global strategy, consistently driving growth with optimism, energy, and a forward-thinking mindset.

Rocky has a deep-rooted connection to the professional beauty industry, both professionally and personally. Having a brother who is a hairdresser gave him an early appreciation for the craft, the community, and the meaningful impact the industry has on both artists and clients.

Passionate about leadership, Rocky has a proven history of developing top talent and fostering cultures that empower individuals and teams to perform at their highest level.

Obsessed or Over It?

Sponsored by Denman Professional

Sponsored by Function of Vex

Interview with Tyler Kelbert

Tyler Kelbert is a multi-award-winning hairstylist with 13 years of experience and is widely recognized as a leading expert in haircutting, social media, and tool education. His work has been featured in top magazines, award shows, commercials, and tradeshows worldwide, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer.

With a deep passion for education, Tyler has travelled across the globe to share his expertise with hairstylists and instructors, introducing modern, innovative techniques that redefine the craft. His ability to inspire and educate has earned him ongoing partnerships with respected beauty and barber brands throughout the United States and internationally.

Precision, consistency, and humility define Tyler’s approach. His dedication to excellence has made him a sought-after mentor and collaborator within the industry.

Born in Miami, Florida, Tyler’s career has taken him far beyond his hometown. He has lived and educated in England, Italy, and Japan, expanding his global perspective on hairstyling. In addition to his industry expertise, Tyler holds a bachelor’s degree in digital media, which has played a key role in shaping his success as a content creator.

As an innovator, educator, and creative force, Tyler Kelbert continues to push the boundaries of hairstyling while empowering the next generation of professionals.

Obsessed or Over It?

Sponsored by Function of Vex

Interview with Nicole Tran and Michael Lam

NICOLE TRAN — Creative Director & Co-Founder

Nicole Tran started as a self-taught nail artist studying Korean and Japanese artists on loop, chasing a feeling the industry hadn't given her yet. She earned her license, built a career, and hit every milestone the industry had to offer. And then she built something the industry didn't.

Function of Vex was born from frustration, obsession, and the belief that nails aren't an accessory — they're the art. Every product she creates asks one question: why doesn't this exist yet? Function of Vex is the answer — built for every artist ready to ask the same thing.

MICHAEL LAM — COO & Co-Founder

Michael Lam is the backbone of Function of Vex — the infrastructure behind the vision. While Nicole dreams big, Michael makes sure the foundation holds. The finances, the hard calls, the reality checks.

He believes passion isn't enough. That a great company has to take care of its people first — employees, community, the artists Nic is building for. Where Nic is focused on impact through product, Michael is focused on impact through people.

That tension — and that trust — is exactly what makes Function of Vex work. Honesty and difficulty have always gone hand in hand.

Obsessed or Over It?

Sponsored by Wella Professional

Sponsored by Hello Salon Pro x Rule Breaker Awards (Davines and Denman)

Interview with Jeffery Orrell

Jeffery Orrell is a seasoned professional with over 37 years of proven success in the personal hair care industry. Starting his career in 1987 as a Distributor Account Executive with AVEDA, Jeffery quickly earned a reputation for enhancing the retail performance of salons he served. His efforts caught the attention of ED Wyse Aveda of the Pacific Northwest, who recruited him in 1991 to elevate their business to the next level.

In 1993, Jeffery transitioned into the manufacturing sector as Sales Director at ABBA Pure & Natural Hair Care, where he successfully established and managed major distribution channels. Following ABBA’s sale in 1996, he acquired and operated Rocky Mountain Salon Consultants until 1998, further solidifying his expertise in distribution and sales management.

Jeffery then expanded his horizons by working with Join Soon Electronics MFG, a cutting-edge connectivity and wireless technology manufacturer. This experience proved invaluable in 2000 when he was approached by Jim Markham, co-founder of ABBA, to develop a new professional hair care brand that eventually became

Pureology. Jeffery served as Vice President and Co-founder of Pureology until its acquisition by L’Oreal in 2007.

In 2007, Jeffery launched Aspire Salon & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, and through his consulting firm, JKO International Consulting, Inc., he facilitated distribution for brands like FHI Heat and became a partner with Enjoy Haircare. He also founded NEUMA, pioneering a clean, sustainable professional hair care brand introduced to the salon industry in 2010. Today, NEUMA is distributed across North America, the EU, LATAM, APAC, Amazon, and NEUMABEAUTY.COM. In 2020 with the purchase of his former Pureology business partner, Cosway Beauty Brands, LLC, was formed, an umbrella company, managing, NEUMA, ColorProof and N4 professional hair care brands. In addition to being the founder of NEUMA RESEARCH, LLC, Jeffery continues to serve as COO of Cosway Beauty Brands, LLC.

Obsessed or Over It?

Sponsored by Wella Professional

Sponsored by Covet Labs by Covet and Mane

Interview with Nick Arrojo

With over thirty years in the industry, Nick Arrojo is a modern icon of hairdressing. He’s known worldwide for his pioneering razor-cutting technique—a precision-based approach that creates fashion-forward, beautiful, and wearable hair while giving stylists the creative freedom to bring their visions to life.

As a revered hairdresser, educator, and industry leader, Nick’s influence is felt across the globe. His work has been featured in the world’s top magazines, he’s collaborated with leading fashion designers, and he spent seven years as the hairdressing host of TLC’s What Not to Wear. Through ARROJO education, Nick shares his expertise and inspiration with tens of thousands of professionals each year, making a lasting impact on the future of hairstyling.

Originally from Manchester, England, Nick began his career at Vidal Sassoon, where he became the youngest Creative Director in the company’s history. His journey then took him to Wella in London, and later to New York as Director of Education at the prestigious Bumble & Bumble.

In September 2001, Nick fulfilled his lifelong dream by opening ARROJO Studio in New York City. Today, ARROJO is a multi-award-winning brand, celebrated worldwide for its excellence, integrity, and dedication to the art of hairdressing.

When you book a haircut with Nick, you’re not just getting a style—you’re experiencing the expertise of a true industry icon. Nick’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with his innovative techniques, ensures that every cut is tailored to enhance your individual style, leaving you looking and feeling your best.

Obsessed or Over It?

Sponsored by the Sebastian Student Competition in partnership with Wella Education

Interview with Anthony Cole

Anthony Cole is the newest Global Ambassador for Sebastian Professional! An artist with a rich history of educating, inspiring, and creating some of Sebastian's most iconic looks. Sebastian Professional is excited to welcome the dynamic talent to elevate through education, set trends, and push boundaries to inspire the world.

 With over twenty years of experience, Anthony Cole is a world-renowned hairstylist and visionary whose artistry has shaped the global beauty landscape. A native New Yorker, Anthony’s work is deeply influenced by the city’s dynamic blend of cultures, architecture, and art. After completing his education in cosmetology, he pursued advanced training at prestigious institutions, including Vidale Sassoon and Jingles International in the United Kingdom, and his career skyrocketed when he embraced the innovative Sebastian Professional training. Anthony’s artistry has been featured in iconic fashion publications such as Vogue, ELLE, and Harper's Bazaar, and he has led runway shows for top designers at New York, Paris, and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks.

As the newest Sebastian Professional Global Ambassador for the Wella Company, Anthony is a key advocate for the brand's vision, using his influence to educate both stylists and consumers on advanced techniques and cutting-edge products. His commitment to empowering stylists through global workshops and platform artistry matches his passion for elevating the industry. With an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, Anthony continues to inspire, innovate, and lead, seamlessly blending artistry and education to shape the future of hair care.

More from TheTease.com

Sponsored by Davines

Sponsored by Top of The Crop X The Tease

Interview with Jill Buck

Jill Buck is a Los Angeles–based celebrity hairstylist, educator, and founder of Jill Buck Hair with over 20 years of industry experience. After beginning her career in Oregon and training in Las Vegas, she moved to LA in 2011 to join the renowned Nine Zero One Salon, where she built a high-profile celebrity clientele across red carpets, television, and editorial. In addition to her work behind the chair, Jill is a respected industry educator and was named Davines North America Color Ambassador, a leading honor recognizing her influence in professional hair color education. Her work reflects a commitment to creativity, connection, and intentional beauty.

Obsessed or Over It?

Sponsored by the Sebastian Student Competition in partnership with Wella Education

Interview with Omar Antonio

Sebastian International artist Omar Antonio has been a Sebastian educator and platform artist for 19 years!! A specialist in all categories, Hair Cut, Hair styling & Editorial Styling. But his true love of hair artistry is his expertise in Avant-Garde Styling. This San Francisco, California native has traveled the globe representing Wella & Sebastian, both in education as well as his very elaborate main stage showcases. Check out Omar’s six-part series, Exposed, on @WElla Education’s YouTube, where they showcase his love of hair and art, If you’re looking for inspiration, Omar Antonio is your guy!

Interview with Jessee Skittrall and Xavier Polo

Jessee Skittrall is the Executive Director of the Board Certified Hair Colorists (BCH) and Founder of Synergy Apprenticeship Systems / Atarashii Apprentice Program. With decades of experience as a hairdresser and salon owner, he works to elevate professional standards, advance hair color certification, and create structured, “earn‑while‑you‑learn” pathways for the next generation of salon professionals.

​​Xavier Polo is the Chief Marketing & Operations Officer at the Atarashii Apprentice Program, where he leads strategy, branding, and operations. He focuses on expanding access to high-quality, regulated apprenticeship programs and elevating the professional narrative around technical training in the beauty industry.

Obsessed or Over It?