America's Beauty Show: Day One = Success!

I'm a firm believer in getting straight to the good stuff, first. AND, I can't hold this in any longer. I met Vidal Sassoon. No joke. It happened. AND I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE IT! I literally still start getting full of adrenaline every time I think about it. OMG! SO, here's how it happened. As most of the industry knows (unless, you know, you've been living under a rock!)a documentary was just released about the incredible life of Vidal Sassoon: The man who changed the world with a pair of scissors. Well, the movie is absolutely incredible and, in addition to the film, there is a book too! Sassoon is actually ON SITE at America's Beauty Show doing book signings... I knew this would be my chance.

I flew up to the Sassoon Academy booth, did some sweet talking, and was able to meet the man himself! AH! I can't even believe it! He even personally autographed a movie poster for me, and took a picture! Is it the best picture, ever? NO! But, it was the most exciting moment for me in my career in the beauty industry and this is my proof that it actually happened, hah!



Ok, moving along. Another exciting moment was when MODERN did giveaways of 10 CHI flatirons as part of our newest texting initiative. Will you be at ABS? Stay really connected with MODERN editors by texting ModernABS to 313131. Three or four times per day, we'll share breaking news, celeb stylist sightings, special event reminders and details on surprise giveaways at our booth. Today was a blast! Here's some pics of the lucky winners!





It was such a fun day! I also got to check out some cool stuff happening on the showfloor... including THESE wild nail designs from Fashion Nail, booth 317... You can get your pic on your own nails!! So wild.



I had some fantastic meetings with people today, and though I was running around like a crazy woman, I made sure to carve out time to attend the red carpet premiere of Vidal Sassoon The Movie held at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in downtown Chicago. WOW. This movie is phenomenally inspirational, educational and just so moving. If you have friends or family members that "just don't get it," take them to see this movie. SUCH an amazing man full of so much passion. I can't even believe I met him this morning.



After the movie, Vidal did a Q&A with Michael Gordon, the producer of the film and the founder of Bumble and bumble, where the audience was treated to more soundbites from the man himself... and he is just absolutely incredible! All the industry's celebs came out, including Mario Tricoci... such a treat to meet him!



Tomorrow is P&G's Business Forum for salon owners, so be sure to check that out. Connect with SALON TODAY Editor-in-Chief Stacey Soble in this one-day forum for salon owners. Learn how to grow your business with this year's theme: "Smart Thinking-Straight Talk." As an added bonus, for those who can't attend the show, P&G is broadcasting it live online at pgsalonpro.com/ABS. You can also "virtually" attend all of P&G's events on the show floor via the same site.

Also, don't forget the Texture event! Sponsored by NaturallyCurly.com and MODERN SALON, you can see co-hosts Laurel Nelson, Editor-in-Chief of MODERN and Michelle Breyer, founder of NaturallyCurly.com speak to expert panelists and host live demonstrations.

Lastly, I will be on hand at the 2011 Student Assembly, where Ted Gibson will speak on behalf of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools' Beauty Changes Lives program. Later in the morning, P&G Salon Professional will host its first Student Stylist competition.

I am so excited to see what tomorrow brings! Stay tuned!