Hairbrained Conversations - podcast cover

Hairbrained Conversations

Hairbrainedwww.hairbrained.live
A weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into the minds of some of the most talented artists, educators, influencers, and leaders in the professional salon industry. Hosted by Gerard Scarpaci, Crafthairdresser and Co founder of Hairbrained

Episodes

REPLAY: Kien Hoang, @oribepro #98

Renowned artist, stylist & salon owner Kien Hoang is also the Principle Educator of Content for Oribe Haircare. The founder of UMBRELLA Salon shares some of the many insights gleaned from his consideable experience in all things hair - including his passion for art, design & fashion.

Mar 09, 20221 hr 2 min

Episode #231: Michael Cole, Myth Busters

@MichaelColeMillionaireStylist, a longtime iconic business/career educator and coach, joins Gordon to deliver much-needed context surrounding the pandemic-driven proliferation of coaches, “new” ideas and what Gordon lightheartedly refers to as Fake Beauty News.

Mar 06, 20221 hr 1 min

REPLAY: Sonya Dove and Briana Cisneros, @WellaHair - #108

Gordon is joined by Wella Professionals' iconic Global Creative Artist @sonyadove and influencer/Ambassador @brianacisneros to talk about everything from their individual career origin stories and learnings along the way to their shared passion for hair color, social media, education and, of course, Wella. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Mar 02, 20221 hr 7 min

Episode #230: @mikiwright, BeautySuperstars.com Founders & Coach

Special #BlackHistoryMonth Episode: Miki Wright has a passion for Black History, especially as it relates to the professional beauty industry. We discuss a great list of iconic figures, from Madam C.J. Walker to Michelle Obama's hairdresser Johnny Wright and Celebrity Stylist Ted Gibson, and share their amazing stories of overcoming adversity to make a mark not only on our industry but also on the larger world. Another must-listen-to episode.

Feb 27, 20221 hr 5 min

REPLAY: Naeemah LaFond, Amika Global Artistic Director - #204

Editorial hairstylist, renowned educator, and @amika Global Artistic Director @naeemahlafond joins Gordon for a far-ranging conversation that delves into her fascinating career and life’s journey, including her deep love of fashion and its connection to hair, as well as the story behind her role at the uber-cool Amika. Naeemah also reflects on the impact made by her viral #BlackLivesMatter-inspired “Brand’s Guide For Hiring Equality” as well as the current state of racial and social justice in t...

Feb 23, 20221 hr 9 min

REPLAY: Greg Gilmore, Artist, Educator, #crafthairdresser - #167

Passionate professional @Greg_Gilmore shares his story and journey from his early childhood interest in salon life to his move across the country—and the challenges he faced in doing so—to expand his career potential and possibilities. Today, Greg is a respected educator, celebrity stylist, working hairdresser and colorist with a deep passion for his profession, and is now supporting @moroccanoilpro’s new color launch.

Feb 20, 20221 hr 13 min

REPLAY: Mahogany Plautz, Hair Historian and Activist - #163

Mahogany Plautz (@muchlovemahogany) is an independent stylist and long-time @paulmitchellpro Educator. She joins us to talk about her passion and purpose—raising awareness and offering insights into the important topic of racial justice and its intersection with our industry, hair history and activism. We also discuss Mahogany's life as an independent stylist and educator plus tips on how to get ahead in these growing categories of interest to so many.

Feb 16, 20221 hr 14 min

REPLAY: Stacey Ciceron, Textured Hair Expert, @Oribe - #153

@Oribepro ambassador @StaceyCiceron joins Gordon for a deep conversation on life and work in the midst of Covid-19, reflections on the #BlackLivesMatter movement, race and America (and the salon industry), the powers of mentorship and role models, and her work with and love for Oribe.

Feb 13, 20221 hr 15 min

REPLAY: Tippi Shorter, @lorealpro Color Artist - #141

@TippiShorter shares unique insights into her life as a successful celebrity hairstylist, renowned texture expert, respected educator and so much more. The Global Artistic Director for @Mizani and @Lorealpro Color Artist has spent decades helping lead the way in proactively changing attitudes in the professional salon industry around the big ideas of texture and race. From the impacts of Covid-19 and #BlackLivesMatter on our industry to a discussion around the larger issue of needed changes in t...

Feb 09, 20221 hr 11 min

REPLAY: #BlackLivesMatter with @ThePaulaPeralta - #137

Self-described "L.A. Curly Hairstylist," educator and @paulmitchellpro Ambassador Paula Peralta joins Gordon to discuss #blacklivesmatter, including her personal and professional experiences as a Black woman and hairdresser. Paula also shares insights into how we can respond as professionals to the growing calls for racial justice in America and a more inclusive professional beauty industry.

Feb 04, 202251 min

Episode #229: @ChrystalHairAndMakeup, @alfaparfusa

Chrystal L. (AKA @chrystalhairandmakeup) is not only a suite owner, working professional, educator and brand ambassador for Alfaparf, she's also a passionate humanitarian and activist. She founded the All Hair Academy and Beauty Collective—two programs focused on making our industry more diverse and inclusive—and is co-founder of the BOLD Academy, a non-profit created to support, nurture and enhance the leadership skills of black and brown girls. We dig into Chrystal's impressive life's work and...

Feb 02, 20221 hr 11 min

Episode #228: Richard McDade, @badlyshavedape

Salon owner, craft hairdresser and TikTok content creator/personality Richard McDade, AKA @badlyshaedape, shares the story behind his successful career and his growing presence on Tiktok. His humorous take on an insider’s look at life in the salon has quickly garnered over 70k followers, 2.7 million likes, and even more views. Since TikTok is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving social media space, this is an episode not to be missed.

Jan 30, 20221 hr 1 min

REPLAY: Aga Dondzik Tomkins, Celebrity Stylist - #80

Aga Dondzik Tomkins (@agatomkinsbeauty) is a Hb podcast fan with a twist. The Chicago-based stylist and salon owner also travels the world doing hair and makeup for bands/artists like Carly Rae Jepsen's world tour. She recently introduced herself to Gordon in a Chicago restaurant, and what started out as a casual podcast-related connection led to a deep dive into her professional journey—for all the world to listen in and learn from. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Jan 26, 202240 min

Episode #227: Keri Davis, @GilaRut Salons + @BeautyBackBone

Founder and co-owner of the award-winning @aveda affiliated Gila Rut Salons, Keri Davis is also the founder of *Beauty BackBone*, a one-of-a-kind educational company helping salons to grow and succeed. A renowned business educator, coach and author, Keri shares pandemic-inspired learnings as well as reminds us of many important, long-proven best practices that have 'forever' served salon owners, independents and professionals well.

Jan 23, 20221 hr 2 min

Replay: Leah Freeman, Salon FUSE + L'ANZA - #150

Salon owner, award-winning colorist, and L'ANZA Global Color Director Leah Freeman joins Gordon for a freewheeling, inspired conversation. From her challenges as a young learner with dyslexia and early days behind the chair to her journey to becoming a successful salon owner and renowned educator with L'ANZA, Leah shares the story behind her 20+ year career as well as lessons learned along the way. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Jan 19, 20221 hr 6 min

Episode #226: The Future of Education with Min Kim & Darren Oram

@DarrenOramPro, L'Oréal Professionnel's Vice President of Education, and @MinKimColorist, master colorist, educator, and co-host of @lorealpro's Run Le Hair Show, discuss the huge transformation of education in the pro beauty space over the past two years and what it means for the future. As the industry continues to sort out the pandemic's long-term impact on salons and professionals, one big idea that most seem to agree on is that education is in the midst of a massive transformation—to the po...

Jan 16, 20221 hr 5 min

Episode #225: Angie Hofelich, @DavinesNorthAmerica

January is always a great time to consider new strategies and tactics for the year ahead. To help you have your best year ever, @Angie.Davines, Director of Business & Sales Training for Davines North America, offers her Top 10 ways to drive salon income and profits. The former working #crafthairdresser, salon manager and owner comes to the conversation informed by her real-life experience as well as observations and learnings from some of the best salons around the world. Bonus: Special thanks t...

Jan 12, 20221 hr 12 min

Episode #224: Betsy Hamlett, @alfaparfusa

Business and career-building strategies and tactics for the salon are the focus of our conversation with Alfaparf Milano USA Senior Vice President Betsy Hamlett. From how you define success and the importance of clarity around goals, to creating and delivering a superb experience that encourages client retention and referrals (and much more!), we cover a lot of meaningful ground in this important conversation. Another must-listen episode to start your year off right!

Jan 09, 20221 hr 12 min

Episode #223: Talking 2022 Challenges and Opportunities

To kick the new year off right, Gordon goes solo to share a sampling of highlights from the 2021 Industry Insight Report from the Professional Beauty Association (PBA). Conducted in September (and presented by Gordon at the recent PBA Executive Summit), the full report gives great insights into the impact of Covid on salons and professionals, in addition to the state of our industry's ongoing recovery. Gordon adds his professional context to key points as well as hopes for the future.

Jan 05, 202255 min

REPLAY: Tom Connell, @DavinesOfficial - #112

Award-winning, international artist @TomConnell shares his journey from a young stylist working in his parents' salon in Manchester, England, to becoming Davines Hair Art Director. The former Trevor Sorbie artistic director shares the inspiration behind his love of editorial and session work as well as his growing passion for Davines, its evolving brand identity, unique culture, and commitment to quality, sustainability and community. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Jan 02, 202256 min

REPLAY: Whitney Vermeer - #94

@WhitneyVermeer is a renowned men’s groomer, educator, award-winning editorial stylist and entrepreneur. The Andis Creative Lead of Global Education & Mizutani platform artist shares her backstory, many of the lessons learned along the way as well as some great insights into creating a long, diverse career. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Dec 29, 20211 hr 3 min

Episode #222: Strategies for 2022 with Dan Langer, @RandCo + @IGKhair

One of Gordon's favorite pro salon industry thought-leaders is Dan Langer (@theoriginalDL), Group President of R+Co & IKG Hair. Featured regularly in leading fashion and beauty publications to talk "trend," Langer joins us to discuss the pandemic-related evolution of the salon experience; shifting consumer expectations and behaviors; authenticity and flexibility; and so much more. A not-to-be-missed discussion for anyone looking for insights into 2022's big opportunities.

Dec 26, 20211 hr 14 min

REPLAY: Chad Kenyon, @olaplex - #83

Celebrity colorist, Olaplex brand ambassador and educator @ChadKenyon goes deep into the very personal story behind his rise to success. Chad also offers up a lot of great insights and advice on building a long-lasting, fulfilling career. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Dec 22, 20211 hr 4 min

#221: Coby Alcántar, @OribePro

Coby Alcántar (@CobyWon), the Brooklyn-based salon owner of @LittleAxeSalon, is a working professional and renowned @Oribe educator. Known throughout the industry as a master razor cutter, Coby shares her unique journey and lessons learned along the way—as well as a deep conversation about the influence on her career by Oribe Canales, co-founder of Oribe and one of the top editorial and celebrity hairdressers of the last 50 years.

Dec 19, 20211 hr 7 min

REPLAY: John Mosley, @popular_nobody - #26

John Mosley, @PaulMitchellPro Artistic Director, is one of the most sought-after barbers in the industry today. With diverse experience ranging from working in a shop to traveling with high-profile entertainers and athletes, forming brand partnerships and developing education, John brings a wealth of experience to his conversation with Gordon. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Dec 15, 202158 min

#220: Anne Machet + Nabil Harlow, @LorealPro

Global President of L'Oréal Professionnel Anne Machet and LP color guru and celebrity colorist Nabil Harlow join Gordon to discuss the changing face of education in the pro beauty space. We also take a deep dive into the big ideas behind the successful launch of L'Oréal Professionnel's groundbreaking YouTube docuseries, Run Le Hair Show. From the science behind hair color, to global trends driving change, to technical demonstrations and one-on-one interviews, this ongoing series is not to be mis...

Dec 12, 20211 hr 7 min

REPLAY: Tabatha Coffey + Selina Tomasich, founder of Hair Aid - #47

A very special conversation with our friend Tabatha Coffey and humanitarian Selina Tomasich, the founder of Hair Aid, an Australian-based charitable organization focused on lifting people out of critical poverty by sharing basic haircutting skills. Please visit @hairaidinc on IG or www.hairaid.org.au for more information on how you can support this important work. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic

Dec 08, 20211 hr

REPLAY: Geno Stampora - #27

A recipient of the prestigious NAHA Hall of Leaders Lifetime Achievement Award, @GenoStampora is known for his considerable insights into creating career and business success. In this fast-paced conversation, Geno shares the story behind his iconic career as well as a long list of insights into creating and maintaining success. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Dec 05, 20211 hr 4 min

REPLAY: Jo Blackwell-Preston - #30

Jo Blackwell-Preston (@blackwelljo) is the owner of NYC's DopDop Salon and a L’Oréal Professionnel International Artist and Educator. Jo shares her considerable insights into a long list of topics that impacts the lives of salon owners and professionals alike. We also dig into the story behind her iconic career and lessons learned along the way. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Dec 01, 20211 hr 2 min

#219: Pekela Riley, @Dysonhair

@PekelaRiley is a Dyson Brand Ambassador, Celebrity Stylist, Editorial Stylist, Educator, and Owner/Creative Director of Salon PK in Jacksonville Florida (named by Elle magazine as 1 of the top 100 salons in America). Known as a pioneer in the texture movement, Pekela shares her thoughts on the state of the movement today, the story behind her journey to pro beauty, her thoughts on how Dyson is revolutionizing pro tools, and much more.

Nov 28, 20211 hr 10 min