Salon professionals often preach about balance and wellness, but a lot of them will admit they seldom live it. Now, Gordon Miller, executive director of the National Cosmetology Association (the world's largest organization for the advancement of cosmetology professionals), along with the NCA's board of directors, are about to change all that with Salon Life '06. Taking place July 17-18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas and open to salon owners, stylists, nail techs, estheticians, students and educators, the program will focus on the importance of life skills as a foundation for career success and a happier, healthier lifestyle. "Our goal is 2,000 attendees, whom we hope to inspire to make some positive adjustments in the way they manage their lives and their businesses," says Miller.
 Brett Vinovich |
The roster will include both mass-market speakers, who will present their expertise on how to better manage your life, your health, your money and your happiness; and the best from the professional beauty industry to help connect the dots between living an inspired life and having a brilliant salon career. Mick Fleetwood (yes, of Fleetwood Mac fame), Winn Claybaugh (Paul Mitchell The Schools) and James Morrison (Toni & Guy) will be speaking on life balance. Personal finance will feature talks by financial guru/talk show host Suze Orman, Robert Cromeans (Robert Cromeans Salons/Paul Mitchell) and Sam Brocato (Brocato America). Oprah's health and nutrition trainer, Bob Greene, wellness expert Marybeth Janssen and Redken's goodwill ambassador Ann Mincey round out the lineup. The wrap-up, keynote address will be by motivational speaker Amanda Gore, whom I wrote about in this column in December.
 Suze Orman and Bob Greene are among the experts providing professional advice. |
This is an event with no sponsors—another first. Salon Life '06 will be setting up a logo shop selling manufacturers' donated items, with all proceeds going to the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina project.
For more information on Salon Life '06, visit www.salonlife06.com, or call 866-871-0656.