The Wire

A John Paul Mitchell Signature Gathering

The jewel of the desert—Las Vegas—shone that much brighter when a beautiful crowd of 2,000 stylists, salon owners and Future Professionals converged on the city for John Paul Mitchell Systems' (JPMS) Signature Gathering. Held in July at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, the event's theme underscored what's "Behind the Bottle," showcasing all the ingredients that, when blended together, make the culture infectious at the 27-year-old company.

 CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: John Paul DeJoria addresses the audience at the Signature Gathering; Robert Cromeans and Stephanie Kocielski take a stroll down the stage; JPMS co-owner and platform artist Angus Mitchell works his magic on stage; the ARCS Angels from A Robert Cromeans Salon pose with models;inspirational hair was all the rage; feathers embellish a dramatic hairdo.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: John Paul DeJoria addresses the audience at the Signature Gathering; Robert Cromeans and Stephanie Kocielski take a stroll down the stage; JPMS co-owner and platform artist Angus Mitchell works his magic on stage; the ARCS Angels from A Robert Cromeans Salon pose with models;inspirational hair was all the rage; feathers embellish a dramatic hairdo.

Day one was all about good deeds. After welcoming attendees, John Paul Mitchell Systems' founder and CEO John Paul DeJoria talked about the Beverly Hills-based company's recent philanthropic efforts on behalf of Paul Mitchell stylists worldwide. DeJoria was joined by daughter Michaeline, Senior Vice President and Creative Director Nanette Bercu and Creative Consultant Robert Yates, who together introduced the company's new teen-oriented "Head for Change" advertising campaign that showcases a number of Paul Mitchell the School Future Professionals and sponsors athletes who emphasize philanthropic and environmental issues.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: Takashi Kitamura guides a stylist through a cut in his Hands-On Cut & Color class; hair couture from the Angus M presentation; bold crops rule the runways; Linda Yodice's Hands-On Colorcutting class; JPMS PAC artist Pamela Perettie, left, and a fellow student strike a pose in a classroom; Scott Cole gets creative.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: Takashi Kitamura guides a stylist through a cut in his Hands-On Cut & Color class; hair couture from the Angus M presentation; bold crops rule the runways; Linda Yodice's Hands-On Colorcutting class; JPMS PAC artist Pamela Perettie, left, and a fellow student strike a pose in a classroom; Scott Cole gets creative.

Next on tap was an opening ceremony, hosted by JPMS Artistic Director Robert Cromeans, which featured show-stopping hair. Presentations included a runway show, flawlessly executed by Future Professionals from various Paul Mitchell Schools, as well as a lively segment from Linda Yodice and Scott Cole, artistic directors for Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color, which showcased the new Earthstones Fall '07 color trend. For their part, Angus Mitchell and the Angus M Team, along with the ARCS Angels from A Robert Cromeans Salon, kept the momentum going with a parade of models sporting fashion-forward hair. In addition to lively stage presentations, attendees also got the chance to participate in interactive classes where learning cutting-edge techniques was the name of the game. Among the highlights: Hands-On Cut & Color with Stephanie Kocielski and Takashi Kitamura; Hands-On Styling with Jimy Angel, Melissa Jacqua, Maureen McCarthy and Pamela Perettie; and a witty yet wise "Seriously" Business Seminar led by the incomparable Cromeans.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: Color plays a major role on the catwalk; JPMS PAC team member Melissa Jacqua demos a technique in the Hands-On Styling class; Kocielski, center, presents a circus fantasy that earned rave reviews from the crowd; Winn Claybaugh motivates the attendees; Earthstones trend models add color to the catwalk.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: Color plays a major role on the catwalk; JPMS PAC team member Melissa Jacqua demos a technique in the Hands-On Styling class; Kocielski, center, presents a circus fantasy that earned rave reviews from the crowd; Winn Claybaugh motivates the attendees; Earthstones trend models add color to the catwalk.

Day two of the agenda featured equal parts motivation and inspiration. Winn Claybaugh, dean of Paul Mitchell the Schools, kicked off the morning with a talk about the importance of keeping the lines of communication open in business circles and personal situations. Later that same day, hair again took center stage with a finale that featured Cromeans' cutting and styling segment set to a rain-themed soundtrack, Kocielski's circus-influenced extravaganza and a hands-on styling presentation that sent a mélange of models down the runway.

"From the beginning we were determined to create a company that went beyond the products we created," DeJoria says. "Of course, we continue to develop outstanding products that help hairdressers perform their best and we always will, but we also have the passion, programs and people that make us who we are today."

J BEVERLY HILLS HOSTS ACADEMY

More than 28 beauty aficionados from East Coast-based DePasquale Salon Systems headed out to the J Beverly Hills Academy in May for two days of hands-on training that showcased fashion-forward concepts and taught them the essential educational elements necessary to enhance their careers. The event took place at the Juan Juan Salon in the heart of Beverly Hills.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: J Beverly Hills founder Juan Juan, right, congratulates attendee Jeffrey dispensa; Masaki talks technique with attendees; J Beverly Hills Academy attendees strike a pose in Beverly Hills; Masaki uses shears to perfect a cut for the crowd; Eric Bachelet cuts a model's hair.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: J Beverly Hills founder Juan Juan, right, congratulates attendee Jeffrey dispensa; Masaki talks technique with attendees; J Beverly Hills Academy attendees strike a pose in Beverly Hills; Masaki uses shears to perfect a cut for the crowd; Eric Bachelet cuts a model's hair.

The agenda included presentations on innovative cutting and styling techniques taught by Masaki, a world-class artist, and International Creative Artist Eric Bachelet, who works backstage at the New York City, Paris and London collections. Director of Corporate Operations Suse Sullivan and Education Coordinator Valerie Perez also spoke, touching on product knowledge for the comprehensive line and providing a company overview.

The event concluded with a dinner, where attendees got to mix, mingle and spend quality time with J Beverly Hills founder and celebrity stylist Juan Juan. "This educational opportunity not only provided stylists with simple, effective and realistic techniques that they can take back to their salons and use behind the chair, but it also underscored J Beverly Hills' ongoing commitment to the industry," said Juan Juan.

NCA'S SALONLIFE '07: INSPIRATION, EDUCATION, MOTIVATION

More than 600 salon professionals from all across the country gathered in Las Vegas July 17–18 for a learning experience like no other: NCA's SalonLife '07. The two-day event focused on helping busy beauty pros find balance in their personal lives so they can build a strong foundation for career success. The amazing lineup of speakers featured both lifestyle experts and industry leaders focused on the topics of health and wellness, wealth and finance, and happiness and balance. They included Oprah's health expert and best-selling author Dr. Mehmet Oz; financial guru David Bach; American Idol hairdresser Dean Banowetz; lifestyle coach Amanda Gore; co-founder of CND (formerly Creative Nail Design) Jan Arnold; owner of Arrojo Studio and hairdresser on the makeover show What Not to Wear, Nick Arrojo; artistic director of John Paul Mitchell Systems and owner of A Robert Cromeans Salon, Robert Cromeans; beauty and wellness expert and author Mary Beth Jannsen; psychologist, motivator and author "Dr. Lew" Losoncy; and Ann Mincey, Redken's vice president of communications, who served as the event's emcee.



DR. MEHMET OZ, co-author of the best-selling books YOU: The Owners Manual, YOU: The Smart Patient and YOU: On a Diet, presented "YOU: The Extended Warranty," an entertaining tour through the body with advice on how we can stay healthy longer. Dr. Oz recommends making these five adjustments: regulating your blood pressure to 115/75, not smoking, exercising 30 minutes a day, eating a healthy diet that's easy to love and controlling stress. He also believes that waist size—not weight—is a better predictor of health risks. Your ideal waist size should be half of your height; measure at your belly button. For more health tips from Dr. Oz, visit realage.com.

DAVID BACH has written seven consecutive best-sellers including Start Late, Finish Rich and The Automatic Millionaire. He explained to the SalonLife attendees that to build financial security and set themselves free, they first must answer these five questions:

1. Do you want to be rich? If so, why? Who do you want to help?

2. Do you pay yourself first? You must find a savings formula that works for you and invest that part of your income automatically for life. Salon professionals might save the earnings from the first client of the day. Salon owners might save the earnings from one day a week or 10 percent of one day a week. The money can be invested in a 401k/403b plan, an IRA or SEP IRA.

3. Do you know what your latte factor is? What do you spend on little extras that you can save? Ten dollars a day is $300 a month, which is $3,600 a year. Imagine how much that amount would be if you saved it instead for 35 years, investing it at an 11-percent interest rate.

4. Do you rent or own? Home owners get leverage, tax breaks and start building wealth. You have almost no chance of becoming rich if you rent. Salon owners should also consider buying their space or building.

5. Do you give back? Bach is on a mission called the 1-percent solution. He believes that if everyone can take 1 percent and not give it away but put it to use, we can make the world a better place.

For more tips from Bach, visit finishrich.com.

DEAN BANOWETZ, American Idol hairdresser, keeps stars such as Ryan Seacrest, Leeza Gibbons and Kelly Clarkson looking their best. He shared his personal story with the SalonLife audience of growing up the 13th child in a family of 15, raised on a farm in Iowa. Not quite sure what to do with his life, he joined the Army, where he learned the value of hard work and discipline and then returned to Iowa to become a hairdresser. Banowetz took a class in Hollywood on styling hair for television and movies and made such an impression on his teacher that she insisted he had to audition for a show. Just weeks after taking the class, Banowetz found himself hired as the hairdresser on the TV show Extra. American Idol followed, and since the beginning, he has turned fledgling singers into full-on pop stars. He says he's stayed grounded by working hard and being true to himself. And if he crosses paths with a diva? "You have to keep it real," Banowetz says. "When someone is off the edge, you have to be in that moment with them. Touch them, listen to them. So many people talk and don't listen."

For more on Banowetz, visit deanbanowetz.com.

ROBERT CROMEANS, who owns five successful namesake salons, shared some financial targets and discussed dialogue in his SalonLife presentation, "Seriously: Taking Your Career to the Next Level." First, the numbers. Cromeans' goal for every 1,000 square feet he rents or buys is $1 million. He also believes every chair should generate $100,000 a year. He offered a few suggestions for elevating the dialogue in the salon. "Try calling your receptionist a reservationist," he said. "And call an appointment a reservation. People are less likely to cancel a reservation." Cromeans also suggested having your stylists tell their clients, "The greatest honor I can experience as a hairdresser is to have your friend as a client." At all of his salons, the sink and bowl have been renamed the "Lather Lounge." "Doesn't that sound more enticing than telling a client you're taking them to the sink?" he asked. As for bang trims and partial highlights, Cromeans suggests removing those services from your menu. Why? They indicate a discount.

To learn more about Cromeans, visit robertcromeans.com.

JAN ARNOLD, co-founder and style director for CND has a busy career and travel schedule that demands creativity, leadership and energy. She told the SalonLife attendees that exercise is her secret to total balance. She suggests making time for exercise every day—no matter what—so you can experience the endorphin rush. Even simple tasks such as taking the stairs, parking your car far away or getting out for a walk can make a difference. "When I travel, I run," says Arnold. "I get to know the city, and I meet people on my run, but best of all, it's my time. I have fun in the business because I feel good and have energy. I'm able to be present with people and focus on them." To learn more about Arnold, visit creativenail.com.

DR. LEW LOSONCY, psychologist and author of If It Weren't for You We Could Get Along and Early Poppers: Those Who Get It and Make the Most of It reminded the audience that today is the most important day (it's all we have). He also talked about the joy of turning your job into your life's work and the power of proceeding as if challenges have solutions.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: Dr. Lew Losoncy makes a point; American Idol's dean Banowetz talks about the challenge of working with celebrities; Dr. Mehmet Oz outlines his plan for waist management; motivational speaker Amanda Gore connects with her audience; attendees participate in a motivational exercise.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: Dr. Lew Losoncy makes a point; American Idol's dean Banowetz talks about the challenge of working with celebrities; Dr. Mehmet Oz outlines his plan for waist management; motivational speaker Amanda Gore connects with her audience; attendees participate in a motivational exercise.

NICK ARROJO, owner of New York City's Arrojo Studio, discussed his career path beginning with his arrival in the United States and his years at Bumble and bumble, and from launching his salon Arrojo Cutler to breaking away to start a Downtown salon just one week before 9/11. It took him two years to recover and start back on a serious growth plan. He shared with the SalonLife audience how now, after six years, he plans to sustain growth in his salon. "If I'm going to succeed, I have to create a culture," says Arrojo. "I want people to be nice because clients like nice people, and I want to make every staff member a professional and a business person."

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: Nick Arrojo discusses his career trajectory; beauty and wellness expert and author Mary Beth Jannsen helped the crowd unwind between sessions; redken's Ann Mincey served as emcee; david Bach tells attendees how to achieve financial security; Paul Mitchell's robert Cromeans was entertaining as usual; CND's Jan Arnold preached the gospel of exercise.
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: Nick Arrojo discusses his career trajectory; beauty and wellness expert and author Mary Beth Jannsen helped the crowd unwind between sessions; redken's Ann Mincey served as emcee; david Bach tells attendees how to achieve financial security; Paul Mitchell's robert Cromeans was entertaining as usual; CND's Jan Arnold preached the gospel of exercise.

To learn more, visit arrojostudio.com.

AMANDA GORE, premiere lifestyle speaker, taught SalonLife attendees easy ways to relieve stress whenever and wherever they experience it. Her basic prescription is to connect—your head to your heart, your heart to other hearts, your heart to the heavens. After that, she suggests letting go. "Build a bridge and get over it," she says. "Be a giver, not a sucker." It's also important to laugh, according to Gore. "Show your endorphins. Laugh out loud; it heals." Love, too, is critical. "Angry hearts are sick hearts. Forgiveness is the antidote. Have a purpose, feel happy and belong," she added. Finally, she suggested that attendees learn, unlearn and then relearn. "Celebrate life, love and living. Ask what's the best thing that happened to you today."

To learn more, visit amandagore.com. —ROBBIN MCCLAIN

P&G Beauty (Wella, Graham Webb, Sebastian) Inks Deal with IBS NY

P&G Beauty, parent company of Wella, Sebastian and Graham Webb, just announced that it will be back at IBS New York in April. "For the first time in six or seven years, we'll be exhibiting on the trade show floor, and we are very excited about our return to New York City because of our direct distribution there and our ability to reach new salons in the Tri-State area," says John Moroney, senior vice president and creative director, P&G Beauty.

A TASTE Of THINGS TO COME: Future Vision '07 featured performances by Sonya and Christopher dove, Nick Arrojo, members of the Sebastian Artistic Team and the Vidal Sassoon Creative Team. Expect more of the same in 2008 when one of the beauty industry's premier events rocks the Big Apple.
A TASTE Of THINGS TO COME: Future Vision '07 featured performances by Sonya and Christopher dove, Nick Arrojo, members of the Sebastian Artistic Team and the Vidal Sassoon Creative Team. Expect more of the same in 2008 when one of the beauty industry's premier events rocks the Big Apple.

The company is also bringing Future Vision '08 to IBS New York with a gala event on Sunday evening featuring Nick Arrojo, Sonya and Christopher Dove, members of the Sebastian Artistic Team and the Vidal Sassoon Creative Team. "This is one of the premier events in the beauty industry," says Moroney.

The event, which encompasses all aspects of beauty, fashion, music and art, will showcase trends and techniques in color, cutting and styling, while offering a new perspective on the art of hair. Meanwhile, a VIP reception will afford top salon owners the chance to network with other stylists and salon owners.

"I am delighted that P&G Beauty has decided to partner with IBS New York and am very excited that they'll be bringing Future Vision '08 to our show," says Dana Lupton, group show director, IBS New York.

Mark your calendars now and don't miss this extraordinary event. IBS New York will be held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center April 27–29. Visit ibsnewyork.com for more information.

Bumble and Bumble Announces New President

Bumble and bumble recently announced the appointment of Peter Lichtenthal to president of the company. Prior to joining Bumble and bumble, Lichtenthal was the global general manager of MAC Cosmetics, where he helped strengthen MAC's global leadership position. He has more than 25 years of experience in the beauty industry. He spent 18 of them at The Estée Lauder Companies, where he was vice president and general manager of Estée Lauder International before being promoted to senior vice president of global marketing for the Estée Lauder Brand.

PETER LICHTENTHAL
PETER LICHTENTHAL

Dennis Bernard Launches New Hairspray

Dennis Bernard Campanaro, president and CEO of Dennis Bernard, Inc., recently launched his new Smart Solutions FHS (Flexible Holding Spray), which was developed by hairstylists for hairstylists. This quick-drying, nonflaking, weightless hairspray is also water-free and clear to leave hair extra shiny. "The FHS oversized can is economically priced with unsurpassed quality," Campanaro says. "Our nondiverted products are welcome additions to every stylist's station and salon's retail shelves."



Nexxus Awards Sweepstakes Winner

Cheryl Hogarty of Tower's Salon in Lakeland, FL, was the most recent winner of Nexxus' Beauty Accelerator Car Giveaway Sweepstakes. She won a 2007 Mazda Miata after filling out an entry form at the Nexxus booth at the Premiere Orlando 2007 show in June.

Sweepstakes winner Cheryl Hogarty receives the keys to her new 2007 Mazda Miata.
Sweepstakes winner Cheryl Hogarty receives the keys to her new 2007 Mazda Miata.

Get Ready for Matrix Destination 2008

Matrix Destination 2008 at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel & Casino promises to be even better than the first, with more energy, more stylists in attendance and more opportunities to advance your skills. This year's theme is "Craft Your World." C.R.A.F.T. is Matrix's exclusive breakthrough education philosophy, which the company will debut at Destination 2008. It stands for Communications, Resources, Approach, Foundation and Technique, and it will be used to empower, energize and inspire stylists. To find out more, you'll have to sign up for Matrix Destination at matrix.com/destination.

Remember Matrix destination 2006? Matrix destination 2008 in Las Vegas promises to be all that and more.
Remember Matrix destination 2006? Matrix destination 2008 in Las Vegas promises to be all that and more.

Also new this year: For an extra $30, you can sign up for a two-hour, hands-on seminar that will give you a taste of some of the most popular classes taught at Matrix Academy in New York City. It's a great way to see what the academy is like, but you have to register early because it will only be offered four times and each class is capped at 125 stylists.

Like the first Matrix Destination in 2006, next year's will be packed with fabulous shows, opportunities to meet stylists from around the world and inspiring classes. You'll have the chance to stop by and meet the Matrix Communications team, who will help you generate a press release for your salon and answer any questions about publicity.

Matrix Destination is educational, but it's fun, too. It is Vegas, after all. Sign up now on matrix.com/destination to take advantage of the early-bird special. Register by December 31, 2007, and qualify for special pricing of only $395.

P&G Divests Belvedere USA Corporation

Proctor & Gamble recently divested the Belvedere USA Corporation salon furniture and equipment business, enabling North American Professional Care to focus on its core business of haircare, color and styling products. The company will still emphasize its mission of creating demand for salon services through new products, techniques and innovations. Belvedere USA was sold to its current management but continues to market and distribute Welonda-branded salon furniture and Wella large appliances, in addition to Belvedere-branded salon furniture. These products also remain a main reward in P&G Professional Care's "Global Connection" salon loyalty program. Belvedere Canada, a separate entity, was not part of this transaction and is still under evaluation.

Ugly Betty Beautified

The cast of ABC's hit show Ugly Betty enjoyed some off-screen pampering thanks to CND (formerly Creative Nail Design). Tiffany Grecco, an ambassador for the fashion-forward nail company, traveled to the set to add a little panache to the actors' fingers and toes. The star of the show, America Ferrera, received a refreshing SpaManicure and warming Raw Earth Pedicure. She chose Glow, an ethereal gold shimmer, for her fingers and Burn, a bright hibiscus red, for her toes. Ana Ortiz, who plays Betty's image-obsessed sister, got her own beauty boost with a custom-blended French manicure. Other cast members, including Christopher Gorham, Michael Urie and Becki Newton, also indulged in CND's offerings.

Michael Urie and Ana Ortiz show off their manicures.
Michael Urie and Ana Ortiz show off their manicures.

Billy B Hits the Road

The Powder Group presents Billy B's American Beauty Tour, providing makeup artists with seminars on product talk, tips and techniques. It also allows attendees to network with other makeup artists. There are two seminars at each city that consist of demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions and discussion time with Billy B. Check him out in New York City on September 23, Atlanta on October 7, Washington D.C. on October 21 or New Orleans on November 4. To register call 866/876-9337.

BILLY B
BILLY B

A Sneak Peek at Premiere Birmingham

On September 30 and October 1, beauty industry professionals will have the opportunity to come together at the Premiere Birmingham trade show for hair, nail, skincare and business education. Beth Minardi, expert colorist, educator and salon owner, will make her first Premiere Birmingham appearance at this year's show. She will host the Look & Learn Workshop, where she will demonstrate color tricks and techniques. Martin Parsons, one of the industry's most respected educators, is also on the lineup to present on the Cutting Edge Stage. For tickets and more information, call 800/335-7469 or visit premiereshows.com .