American Salon Stories: Recent Episodes
Gordon Miller
American Salon Stories is a weekly podcast bringing you the stories behind some of the most interesting, inspiring and successful professionals we know. Hosted by American Salon magazine and .com publisher Gordon Miller, our goal is to share great information, best practices and insights… by way of your earbuds.
Candy Shaw Codner is the head of the Atlanta-based Jamison Shaw Hairdressers (salon) and founder of Sunlights Balayage, a new product line specifically formulated for Balayage highlighting. Nicknamed “The Balay Lama,” Candy is a renowned educator and celebrity stylist who also works behind the chair (with the aid of up to six assistants, she sees up to 35 clients per day!). Listen in as Candy shares her passion and story with Gordon.
Recorded Live at Luxury Brand Partners' Idealogue, NYC: Pt 1. Panel discussion on "Instagram and the Barber Culture" with @juliuscaesar and @popular_nobody (John Mosley), moderated by Gordon Miller. Julius is a leading Wahl educator; John is an educator with both Hartori Hanzo and Paul Mitchell. Pt 2. Lupe Voss, founder of Hair Color Magic and leading Aveda educator, on building your business with social media.
Oribe Hair Global Ambassador James Pecis is one of the leading voices in the world of editorial and runway hair. From Vogue Paris, American Vogue, British Vogue and W Magazine, James regularly collaborates with some of fashion's most innovative names. As Orbibe’s Global Ambassador, James collaborates on new products, educational events and training, editorial shoots and fashion events around the world.
Eric Taylor is the founder and CEO of Salon Republic, a game-changing salon suites organization offering private studio space to over 1,000 independent professionals in 12 locations across 3 states. Eric is also the host of the new YouTube-based video series (and podcast), The Hair Game. Listen in for a far-ranging conversation on the rental space as well as the history of Erik's career in beauty.
The founder, dean and co-owner of Paul Mitchell Schools, Winn Claybaugh is also the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and longtime host of the MASTERS Audio Club. In 2016, American Salon named Winn one of the five “Industry Leaders Who Helped Revolutionize Education” in beauty. In this episode, Winn shares both the story behind his rise to prominence and insights into creating both a successful business and career.
Stephen Moody, Wella Professionals' Global Dean of Education is one of the most well-known and respected figures in the industry today. With a career spanning over 30 years, Stephen oversees a global network of over 900 Wella educators while traveling the world in support of working professionals looking to be the very best they can be. Listen in as Stephen shares with Gordon the story of how he came to the industry - as well as some tremendous insights into succeeding in an increasingly competitive business landscape.
Keri Davis-Duffy is co-owner of the award winning, San Diego based Gila Rut Salons. She is also the founder of "Beauty Backbone - a new endeavor focused on helping other owners to succeed, in part, by "aligning beauty and business."
One of the industry's most respected business educators, Keri connects with Gordon to dig into the big ideas behind her nearly 3 decades of building a successful salon culture and team.
Nick Stenson is Artistic Director and celebrity stylist for Matrix Professional as well as Chief Artistic Director for ULTA Beauty's 1000+ salons. One of the professional beauty industry's favorite artists and educators, Nick joins host Gordon Miller for a long overdue and free ranging conversation on a variety of inspiring and insightful topics.
Ian Michael Black is Aveda's renowned Global Artistic Director, Hair Color. A globe trotting master educator if ever there was one, Ian is a fashion focused, creative colorist committed to elevating the art and science of hair color. Listen in as Ian and Gordon discuss all things hair color related.
Mark Bustos is a celebrity stylist, men's groomer, educator and artist who spends his Sundays inspiring others through his work around the world with those less fortunate. In this episode, Mark shares with host Gordon Miller his story as well as lessons learned along the way.
Passion Squared’s Chief Awesomeness Empowerer, Nina Kovner, returns to the Podcast for a deep dive with Gordon into the big idea/trend of "influence" (and influencers) -and what both mean for salons and professionals. A regular contributor to American Salon, and one of the most social and digital media savvy professionals we know, Nina shares her considerable insights into social and digital marketing as well some great recommended resources for our audience.
Louisiana native and NYC transplant Sam Brocato has spent over 3 decades traveling the globe to share his experience and insights as one of the industry’s leading salon owners, hairdressers and product formulators. The renowned artistic educator, author, motivational speaker and industry visionary's honors include NAHA Editorial Stylist of the Year and the NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award. Sam shares insights from his lifetime of professional and personal experience with Gordon in an inspiring conversation.
Antony joins Gordon for Part 2 of their conversation about driving success (this time focused on the big idea of “change”). An internationally acclaimed, award-winning stylist turned salon owner turned educator, motivator, author and business coach, Antony Whitaker has shared best practices and big ideas on salon management, marketing, team-building, finance and retailing to audiences in more than 50 countries. His best-selling, 4 volume series of books, Grow, is a must-have for every salon’s library.
Charlie Price is one of the industry’s most recognizable faces – and voices. His iconic performances as a platform artist and educator have been featured on stages around the world. The 2 time North American Hairstylist of the Year, and 1st ever NAHA People’s Choice award winner, has a career total of 25 NAHA nominations. Charlie is regular behind-the-scenes at Fashion Week, working with a long list of both leading and up-and-coming designers. In this episode, Charlie and Gordon discuss everything from beauty and fashion to career and business.
Internationally acclaimed educator, motivator, business coach and best-selling author Antony Whitaker shares his significant insights into creating career and business success. Riffing off both his weekly “Two Minute Salon Manager” YouTube videos and 4 part series of “Grow” books, Antony and Gordon have a conversation filled with big ideas for salons.
A favorite career and business thought-leader/coach, Michael Cole is the founder of Summit Salon Business Center. He is also a top global business educator for the L’Oreal Professional Products Division (which includes Redken, Pureology, Matrix, L’Oreal Professionnel, and Essie). In today’s episode, Michael digs deep into the whys and hows behind creating success using the power of social media in the salon.
Jo Blackwell-Preston, owner of the renowned DopDop Salon in NYC, is known around the world for her passion for the professional salon industry. The renowned colorist is a L’Oreal Professionnel artist and educator who has been sharing her insights into color, the business of beauty and career development for over 30 years. Listen in as Jo shares her story, passions and learnings with Gordon.
David Stanko is a top haircolor consultant for Redken 5th Avenue, author of Formula Boss™, and acclaimed colorist at Licari Cutler Salon, NYC. Having developed, evaluated, launched and taught professional haircolor all around the world, David’s work has been featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, In Style and other leading publications. He is also a longtime contributor to AmericanSalon.com. In this episode, David shares his wisdom in creating a great career in color.
Johnny Ramirez and Anh Co Tran are owners of one of LA’s hottest spots for cut, color and style, the iconic Ramirez | Tran Salon. Known throughout the professional beauty industry –and much of the consumer fashion world - for their trademark “lived-in” looks, Ramirez and Tran are also partners in the new Academy Ramirez | Tran. Both are L’Oreal Professionel Ambassadors –and leaders in the social media beauty space. In this weeks conversation, Johnny and Anh cover a far reaching list of topics – providing insights into what makes their trademark looks stand out, the keys to business partnership, social media best practices and much more.
A 25-year beauty industry veteran, Daniel Kaner is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Oribe Hair Care. He is involved in virtually every aspect of the Oribe brand, from product development to education, packaging design to sales and marketing strategies. In this episode, Kaner discusses the importance behind creating memorable experiences, the big ideas behind doing so and offers some great advice on using experience to drive success.
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."