Hairbrained Conversations

Olaplex is one of those rare brands that in many ways changed the game in the pro beauty space. Both Jeff Schwartz, Senior Executive Vice President North America Sales and Distribution, and Joe Santy, the now-retired VP of Success, were there since the now-iconic brand's early days and witnessed what can only be described as a meteoric success story. These two longtime industry veterans and best f...

One of the industry's most successful salon organizations,  @VanMichaelSalon is renowned globally as a leader in best practices in every aspect of their business.  A long-time @Aveda Concept Salon owner, @VanCouncil shares a great list of insights into what makes his organization so uniquely successful. This is a not to be missed episode! Note: recorded pre-pandemic

Chelsea Riggs is a founding member and Brand President of @Amikapro, an uber fun, accessible, and affordable luxury haircare brand. Under Chelsea's leadership, Amika has grown into an industry leader focused on a  "future in which beauty contributes to a world where people and the planet prosper".   Listen in to hear the story behind Chelsea's pro beauty journey, the key values behind the brand, a...

From four years in a high-school beauty school program to traveling theworld with Rhianna, @ursulastephen has had a unique and inspiring path to success. This "architect of style" is a celebrity stylist, salon owner, working professional and emerging educator with a great outlook on life and career. Listen in for some great lessons learned! Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Meet Craig Boa (@doing_it_rong), owner of Edmonton, Canada's Weekly Salons (@weeklyyeg) & the Take Care Cafe (@takecarecafe) --2 boutique salons and a connected coffee shop in Edmonton, Canada. Inspired in part by a passion for inclusivity and sustainability, Weekly has been recognized by local press as the "go-to salon for people who expect a unique experience and elevated level of service." Crai...

James Pecis (@jamespecis) collaborates with some of fashion's most innovative names. A leader in the world of editorial and runway hair, James is also very involved in Oribe product development, education, editorial shoots and fashion events. In this episode, James shares with Gordon a BTS look at his life in hair and fashion. Important note: this episode was recorded pre-pandemic.

This week's guests come to you by way of I-N,  the groundbreaking haircare company formerly known as Intelligent Nutrients. Marlo Boyle is I-N Education Director while Lindsey Larson is a working salon pro and brand "I-NNOVATOR".   Both are passionate about protecting the health of clients, their fellow professionals, and our planet. Perhaps more timely than ever, this episode digs into the issues...

SalonCentric ambassador and colorist Caroline Guiney shares insights into salon suite ownership, a career option that is transforming the industry.  From the  pros and cons of suite owner to insights into her success as a colorist, Caroline shares some great information.  With appreciation to SalonCentric for sponsoring this important series.

Renowned salon owner & educator Daniel Mason-Jones on the ins and outs of owning your own salon. The 1st guest in a series of 6 special episodes on key topics related to growing your career & business, Daniel dives into the big ideas that have propelled him to success as both an owner & working hairdresser. With appreciation to Salon Centric for sponsoring this important series.

Cassandra McGlaughlin, aka @cassandraplatinum, is an award-winning colorist, 2-time salon owner, educator, coach, brand consultant, entrepreneur, and @Redken Ambassador.  In this popular past episode, Cassandra shares some of her considerable knowledge on both social media and business-building best practices. 

James Jordan (@hairdresser007) is a @schwarzkopfusa brand manager who is also a long-time licensed professional. Over the course of the last 20+ years, James has had the unique opportunity to represent the hairdressers' point of view as brands he has worked with develop products, related education and marketing. James shares his unique story as well as insights learned over the course of a long, s...

Sofie Pok (@staygold31) is an award-winning educator, platform artist, member of the Barberology and BaBylissPRO Team, and Barbercon's 2017 Female Barber of the Year.  In this very popular episode, the co-founder of @STMNT shares the fascinating stories behind her career, success on Instagram, her journey to stages across the industry, and so much more. Note that this episode was recorded pre-pand...

Working hairdresser/colorist/educator @MarkDolan2 is the newly appointed L'ANZA Creative Director. Similar to many great professionals, Mark didn't start his career in the salon industry. In fact, he never considered it. Instead, he received a degree in psychology and went to work counseling juvenile offenders—soon realizing that this was not the career of his dreams. The rest of his unique story...

This week we REPLAY the inaugural episode of the Hb Conversations podcast.  Hairbrained co-founders Gerard Scarpaci and Randy Taylor share the story behind the evolution of  hairbrained.me in a wide-ranging conversation. If you enjoyed the episode, we hope you will subscribe, like, and share!

Wella Professionals Education Director (and 2021 NAHA Winner) Stephen Moody (@hairmody) is one of the industry's most recognized and respected educators. Stephen shares with Gordon the story behind this 30+ year career as well as his considerable insights into how to create and sustain success in today's highly competitive world.

@ShelleyGregoryHair is a working colorist, stylist, educator and brand ambassador (L'Oreal Professionnel, Dyson, and SalonCentric) who is also one of the industry's most recognized Influencers. Her take on building salon success - leveraging real-time tools and relationships - is filled with great insights (as is her take on the current state of Instagram). Recorded pre-pandemic, this remains high...

Bumble and bumble Global Education Manager @misterchristiaan started his journey as an aspiring painter, but quickly realized that his creative talents would serve him well in his other passion—hair! From his early career days with Rudy's Barber Shop—where he first came in contact with Bumble and bumble—to today being responsible for managing the renowned educational offerings of @bumblepro, Chris...

Robert Cromeans is Global Artistic and Business Director for JPMS. The iconic platform artist, business leader, and salon owner shares with Gordon his inspired take on everything from social media and creating success to the evolution of salon business models and compensation.   

@lorealpro master colorist and educator extraordinaire Min Kim (@minkimcolorist) and renowned international session stylist Charlie Le Mindu (@charlielemindu) co-host the new YouTube-based L'Oréal Professionnel series Run Le Hair Show, which has gained over 2 million views since its recent premiere. We dig into this groundbreaking new show, its unique approach and value to professionals and consum...

Gamechanger salon owner, renowned educator, influencer, and celebrity stylist Najah Aziz talks about the transition (and lessons learned) from life in a corporate 'cubicle' to that of a high-profile success story in the professional salon industry.

CEO and President of the iconic @PenzoneSalonsAndSpas, @DebbiePenzone is firmly committed to innovation—a larger organizational attribute she credits her and her husband's 50-plus years of growing success to. With over 30 years of experience herself, Debbie shares her story from "small town girl" to passionate hair artist and inspiring leader. Debbie offers her thoughts on the power of mentorship,...

@AntoinetteBeenders is Aveda's Senior Vice President of Creative and Global Creative Director. The 9-time nominee and 2004 winner of the British Hairdresser of the Year award shares the story behind her professional journey, insights into life in the corporate beauty world, and tips on how to create a sustainable career.

Liliana Maggio (@liltresser) is a two-time Emmy-nominated hairdresser for film and television who shares her unique journey into the salon industry, including some surprising turns along the way. Upcoming film credits include the reboots of both "Sex and the City" and Stephen Speilberg's much-anticipated take on the iconic "West Side Story." Liliana also shares a reality check on life as an on-set...

Renowned Colorist, Redken Brand Ambassador and salon owner Johnny Ramirez goes deep into the fascinating story behind his rise to global prominence and success- and lessons learned along the way.  Gordon says this is an absolute "must listen to" episode! 

@AlisonAlhamed, @RandCo Vice President of Community, is known throughout the industry as a leading voice in supporting the dreams and aspirations of professionals. The former pro beauty media editor-in-chief shares the story behind her unique journey from college-attending Starbucks barista to a long career in journalism before joining the R+Co executive team-- just days before the pandemic lock d...