American Salon Stories

The Global Artistic Ambassador for Pureology Serious Colour Care, Ruth Roche is an award winning, editorial and celebrity stylist who has captivated audiences around the world.  The self-proclaimed “weirdo” is one of americansalon.com’s favorite (and most viewed) contributors.  In this weeks podcast, Ruth shares with Gordon her views on career, education and social media. 

With 600,000-plus followers on Instagram, @heatherchapmanhair has quickly become one of the industry’s most recognized names. The reaction to her beautiful braids and bridal work has supercharged Chapman’s online presence, as well as increased demand for her online tutorials and real-time workshops. In this episode, Heather shares the story behind her unique professional journey as well as some of the basic yet big ideas in creating a successful online presence in beauty. 

One of the industry’s leading social influencers, Jenny Strebe is an accomplished educator, platform artist, editorial stylist and author.  An early adopter of both blogging and YouTube, Jenny has become one of the most recognized faces in pro beauty.  Listen in to the story behind her success as well as insights into balancing work and family, creating a long-lasting career and more. 

The founder of HairDesignerTV.com, Vivienne Mackinder is one of the most innovative and recognized artists in the world today. An influential editorial stylist, platform artist and educator, she is also the producer/director of the groundbreaking documentary series “I’m Not Just a Hairdresser”.  A five time winner of the North American Hair Styling Awards (NAHA) and the recipient of NAHA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Vivienne shares a wealth of information and insights into building and sustaining success as well as some inspiring stories from her legendary career. 

Hairdresser, salon owner, platform artist, educator, leader and icon -  these are just a few of the words used to describe JPMS Global Artistic and Business Director, Robert Cromeans.  The proud owner of A Robert Cromeans Salons and Walkin Salons by Robert Cromeans, Robert’s deep connection to the realities of every day life in the salon serves as the foundation for his empowering message of artistic innovation and contagious entrepreneurship.  This is a don’t miss conversation featuring  great insights into creating and sustaining success - from one of the smartest people we know. 

An inspiring entrepreneur, master networker and leader, Frank Gambuzza is owner, along with his wife Belinda, of The Visage Group in  Knoxville, Tennessee. The award winning organization includes Salon Visage, Spa Visage, Studio Visage, Frank’s Barbershop and The Visage Advanced Hair Academy, which together employ more than 170 people who provide services to 600+ clients every day. The co-founder of  Strictly Business, a 4-day business seminar for salons, Frank also serves as a board member of the Summit Salon Business Center and is the current President of Intercoiffure America/Canada. 

Cassandra McGlaughlin, aka @cassandraplatinum, shares the inspiring story behind her journey from college English major to successful colorist, salon owner, educator and consultant. Respected as both an influencer and independent educator working with a variety of brands, the successful Platinum Salon Tampa owner talks with Gordon about her experiences building a business with (and without) Instagram, as well as the lessons learned along they way. 

Sam Villa is one of the salon industry’s most revered and respected educators. The award winning, founding partner of the Sam Villa® brand is one of the most dedicated and passionate professionals we know.  Recently named Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue,  Sam is a true pioneer when it comes to utilizing social media to educate and engage our professional community. With over 725,000 followers on Instragram and 40 million views on Youtube, he is leading the way for professionals, salons and brands alike. Listen in as Sam shares his experience as an educator, gives insights into growing and sustaining a career for the long term as well as telling the story behind his iconic career. 

With over 100,000 Instagram followers (@alfredo_lewis), Alfredo is clearly "walking the talk" when it comes to leveraging social media as a far-reaching, game-changing medium for us all. The leader of a team of over 50 influencer brand ambassadors for Brazilian Professionals, parent company of Brazilian Blowout and Brazilian Bond Builder (b3), he shares some of the story behind the brand’s innovative marketing and educational strategies as well as thoughts on how social media is changing the careers of professionals in salons across the industry.  Alfredo also shares some of his own story as a professional in this engaging conversation. 

Gerard Scarpaci is co-founder of Hairbrained,  the world’s leading online community of "craft hairdressers". Gerard is recognized around the world as a leading educator and innovator. His long career includes time with brands such as Sassoon Academy, Aveda, Paul Mitchell and Arrojo.  Following the launch of Hairbrained (along with co-founder Randy Taylor), he has become a leading voice in the social and digital space for salon professionals, and an advocate for the highest standards in hairdressing.  Gerard shares the unique story behind his coming into the industry, key ideas behind building success as well as the big ideas that have made Hairbrained an important resource for sharing ideas, information and art across the globe. 

David Thurston is the founder of Pulp Riot, an innovative hair color line that is part of Luxury Brand Partners family of products (that also includes Oribe, R+Co, and Smith & Cult).  In this episode, David shares his take on the changing industry landscape being driven in large measure by the digital and social revolution in how professionals communicate, learn and make purchases.  David is founder of the Los Angeles based Butterfly Loft salon, co-founder of the affiliated Ubungalows (salon suites) and Butterfly Circus, a traveling collection of educators teaching in an innovative, fast-paced format (that has been a game changer for the industry). David also  offers consulting services on an array of subjects, including building and running salons, salon suites, and social media.   Learn more at pulpriothair.com

Michael Cole is one of the salon industry’s most important career and business coaches. In today’s conversation, Michael shares insights into the fundamentals of creating success, key best practices for utilizing social media as a career building tool, as well as some of the story behind his iconic career.  The founder, stockholder and board member of Summit Salon Business Center, Michael is also a top global business educator for L’Oreal PPD (including Redken, Matrix, L’Oreal Professional, and Essie).  Michael possesses a unique ability to observe industry business trends and translate them into systems and methods by which salons can achieve dramatic growth.  His newest program, Step Up!—Fast Track to Wealth, trains professionals to dramatically grow their income in record time.  Visit summitsalon.com for info. 

We launch our American Salon Stories podcast with Passion Squared’s "Chief Awesomeness Empowerer”, Nina Kovner.   A regular contributor to American Salon, and one of the most social and digital media savvy professionals we know, Nina shares her story and professional passions (along with some best advice) with American Salon Publisher, Gordon Miller.  This from PassionSqaured.net:  "We know that awesome business owners are created from the inside out and we work to empower our clients with a focus on online + offline marketing, strategy, brand development and personal development.  At Passion Squared, we go straight to the heart of the matter to help you heal and gain clarity so you can build an awesome business and life. We are passionate about eliminating confusion and chaos around how to create, build and grow; some of the biggest challenges we have as humans and as creative small business owners."