For the past two years, I've been participating in the internship program at the Medill School of Journalism. Every semester, one or two eager students arrive at our office ready to learn the ins and outs of the real magazine world. And, unlike their colleagues who may end up making copies or fetching pizza at the large consumer books, our interns jump right in—writing, going to photo shoots and attending trade shows.
 |
I have a special fondness for our first intern, Greg Presto. No one in the program had been interested in American Salon, opting instead for the glamourous glossies, until Greg, the nephew of Pittsburgh salon owner Joey Imbarlina, chose us. When I invited Greg to go to IBS New York with our staff, you'd think he'd won the lottery. I'll never forget him running up to me on the show floor, grinning and saying, "Robbin, it's so cool. I love it!"
That excitement always makes me see our industry through fresh eyes. And whether you're listening to Robert Cromeans on the Paul Mitchell stage, enjoying the finale of Ruth Roche's models or watching Billy B. share a makeup technique, you have to agree that the professional beauty industry is a fascinating, vibrant, lucrative market.
 Scott Cole at IBS New York 04 |
See for yourself later this month, April 17-19, at IBS New York. The Main Stage will feature platform artists who will interest industry newcomers and veterans alike, including: Aquage's Brian and Sandra Smith and Luis Alvarez; the BaByliss Pro Design Team; MAC Cosmetic's Bianca Alexandra; Martin Parsons; Paul Mitchell's Robert Cromeans, Scott Cole and Linda Yodice; Redken's Jill Leitz and Scott Borrenson; Ruth Roche; and Rusk's Sandra Yu, whose work graces our cover.
You and your staff can also attend free classrooms on haircutting, coloring, dressing, global texture, makeup, nails and business. The NCA will offer Cut It Out Training for those interested in learning about the signs of domestic abuse and how to help victims find safe assistance. As for me, I'll have a couple of IBS NY newbies with me. I can't wait to see them flip their wigs. For information or tickets, visit www.ibsnewyork.com or call (800) 427-2420.
—Robbin McClain, Editor-in-chief
E-mail Robbin at [email protected]