NEWCOMER

It's that time of the year again. The North American Hairdressing Awards Ceremony or NAHA is here. Before we kick off the celebration, get to know our finalists for this year's competition.  MODERN SALON recently spoke to the North American Hairdressing Awards or NAHA finalists. These uber-talented stylists invested considerable time, talent and energy into their entries. CLICK the name of the (Todd Kane, Caitlin Charles-Degarmo, Aaron Rogers, Nai'Vasha Johnson, Jeremy McDougle) you would like to meet.

Don't forget to tune in on July 14, 2013 at 10pm EST for the EXCLUSIVE live broadcast of the 2013 NAHA Awards Gala at modernsalon.com/naha. And be sure to join the conversations on twitter with the hashtag #NAHALIVE.

 

Meet the Finalists: NEWCOMER

                                 Todd Kane

                                                Matrix

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"It took a moment to sink in.  It was like one of those moments in a movie when there is a lot going on around you but in your head its completely quiet.  The past couple of years rushed through my mind and then it hit me and I jumped up in celebration!  I didn't have a chance to call anyone, my phone rang and it was my mentor Chrystofer Benson."

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"I was having ice cream with my daughter and sharing a different idea for my NAHA entry when she interrupted me and said, “That sounds kind of complicated daddy. Why don’t you just keep it simple?”  Her comment caught me off guard and stopped my train of thought.  Good thing because it brought me back to our ice cream moment. That’s when I noticed her Neapolitan sorbet.  It seriously took about 15 seconds for it all to come together.  I’d create a single scoop of ice cream, a twist cone, and a sundae using her sorbet as a color pallet. There you have it – “Simple and Sweet”.  Clearly, it pays to listen to your children!"

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"I think its important to put your work and yourself out there.  Even though we do it daily in our salons, there is something to be said for standing in front of your peers and the industry and saying "Here I am, what do you think?"  Regardless of the outcome, there is never a failure, always a lesson to be learned."

What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client? (Do you have an image of it?  Please forward if you can.) 

"Funny that you ask that question.  I often get teased for taking extra time with my clients.  "You're not on stage!", they say with a smile but in my mind every client is a model and deserves the very best I can deliver."

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"This is my first entry.  I was a Beacon winner in 2010 and was selected to hand out the trophies that summer.  I remember the weight of the trophy, the smiles on the faces of the artists.  Backstage I spoke with Ruth Roach, Tabatha Coffey, Brig Van Osten and others.  I was so inspired by the experience that I daydreamed all the way back to Phoenix and rehearsed my acceptance speech out loud in my car!  I've pictured this moment a thousand times ever since.  I feel incredibly fortunate and proud to be a finalist in the Newcomer Stylist category.  Special thanks to my Matrix family - especially Chrystofer Benson, for helping me realize this dream."

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Meet the Finalists: NEWCOMER                           

                      Caitlin Charles-Degarmo

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"When I found out that I am a finalist for NAHA 2013 the very first thing I did was stare at my computer screen in disbelief, at which point my husband gave me a big hug and confirmed that "this is, indeed, real life." I then started crying and simultaneously screaming, "I need to call my Mom! I need to call my Mom!"

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"I ran across a few different things that I drew inspiration from for this collection. First was a portrait by photographer Thomas Lavelle that just stuck with me. The girl in the portrait had skin that had been blacked out, clothing that was black and reminded me of the Victorian era, and lastly surrounded by all of this black she had bright blue striking eyes. Armed with this image and the idea of a gorgeous girl in Victorian clothes walking through a coal mine, I begin to work on my collection. Originally I wanted to put splotches of black (to look like coal) on their faces and mess the hair up, with purpose of course, but the OCD in me wouldn't allow for that. So in the end I would call my collection a modern spin on the Victorian era."

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"It challenges me. Although NAHA is a competition with others, the person it makes me challenge the most is myself. It makes me want to create something better than I have ever done before."

What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client? (Do you have an image of it?  Please forward if you can.) 


"I did a really fun asymmetrical bob on an adventurous client a couple years ago. She was also a very pretty girl so I talked her into modeling a hat that I had made out of hair. The cut she paid for but the hat... I couldn't part with."

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"I first entered NAHA as a student stylist in 2011 when I was lucky enough to get my first nomination. I was inspired by my "Hair Daddy," Eric Fisher, who I ran all of my ideas past and could count on for honest opinions and of course for his amazing photography skills. Also I was inspired by the work of Ann Bray, who continues to inspire me everyday."

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 Meet the Finalists: NEWCOMER                                    

                              Aaron Rogers

                                       Eric Fisher Salon

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"Watching the NAHA Finalist announcement video for the first time was a dream come true. The talent and work, as it always is for this prestigious event, was very inspirational. When my work went across the screen, my heart jumped! I reflected on the journey that has brought me to this point; the long hours spent going through tear sheets and time spent at the studio. I also thought of the people that helped me along the way. I called my mother first. She has always supported me, even when she didn’t understand my switch from business and accounting to Cosmetology school. My next call was to Eric and Mary Fisher. They have also supported me, not only with a job as a stylist at Eric Fisher Salon, but with encouragement and drive for my goals in life.

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"For me, inspiration comes in many forms. My NAHA collection was inspired by magazines with very edgy styles. I was also inspired by my boss, Eric Fisher, who is always pushing us to achieve more and to stay educated on current trends. I love texture, so I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to make my collection’s theme based on beautiful curls with full volume. Next, I pored over magazines in search of inspiration that would give me a clear idea of which direction I wanted to take my collection. I was able to find many great pictures and I knew I had a vision: three different colors that would provide contrast within my looks yet remain tied together by the texture and clothing."

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"The caliber of work and preparation involved in entering NAHA has provided me with a fresh outlook and an increased drive to excel in the hair industry. As a newcomer, I was instructed to look at magazines to train my eye. The process of studying others’ work has allowed me to develop a deep admiration for the level of skill and creativity that NAHA supports. Preparing for this competition has vastly improved my perception, technique and ultimately my skills as a hairdresser by giving me a chance to create an original look with meaning and forethought."

What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client? (Do you have an image of it?  Please forward if you can.) 

"I have had the opportunity to be involved in many photo shoots for the Eric Fisher Salon in Wichita, Kansas. The most noteworthy would be our White Collection, a wonderful collection with a fantastic team and team leader, Trish Dool. It has recently been featured in magazines such as Hair Winners 2013, Hairstyle Showcase and Celebrity Hairstyles: Short Hair. This unique collaboration features looks that are bold and strong, but not over the top. My model was colored with a vibrant violet/red color, paired with a short pixie cut. Together, these elements create a strong texture and a beautiful shape. The overall collection is classic with a modern twist."

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"This is my first year to enter NAHA. My co-workers at Eric Fisher Salon inspire me every day with their creative talent and vision. The three stylists that inspire me most are Johnny Garcia, Trish Dool and Eric Fisher. They teach a cutting class every Tuesday night that allows us to stay focused and driven while learning new techniques. Each stylist has their own creative insight and excellent technical abilities which are shared through their passion for education."

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 Meet the Finalists: NEWCOMER    

                          Nai'Vasha Johnson

                                    Nai'Vasha International

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"The phone rang at exactly 1:08pm and it was my friend and photographer, Laretta Houston, screaming and crying in the phone. She kept screaming, 'OMG!!! You did it! You did it girl!!" Then we both started screaming and crying. I ran to my husband while in tears saying, "We're going to Vegas! We did it, I'm a finalist babe!!" So of course my husband was the first person that I told."

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"My theme for my submission was, enchanted edge. I envisioned the collection translating like a sweet dream with edge and a kiss of femininity. I wanted the hair to be exaggerated and my favorite color...violet!"

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"I've always been conscious of the work that I put out, but entering has made me super picky. I make a big effort to produce perfection now."

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"This is my first year entering. I'm bubbling over with excitement!"

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Meet the Finalists: NEWCOMER

 

                              Jeremy McDougle

                                            Lunatic Fringe

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"When I found out I was a finalist I seriously jumped out of my seat and I might have expressed my excitement with some flavorful words. I pulled out my phone and instantly called my brother while texting my bosses. It was such a wild feeling!"

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"The inspiration for this collection was very special to me and a dear friend and brilliant makeup artist, Jillyn Neslen, who I worked with on this collection. The reason this means so much is that it's a tribute to Jillyn's dad who passed a way shortly before our shoot. We were planning on working together regardless, but this gave us an opportunity to pay tribute to her dad. Jillyn's dad sent her to Japan after making many sacrifices to get there. She and I have always been inspired by Asian culture and fashion. We started brainstorming for the collection and we were inspired by a city in Japan called Ibaraki, which has a beautiful flower garden that is right near the ocean. We wanted to create something that was very beautiful and had movement. This collection is what we came up with. We also added a slight darker feel to add more dimension and emotion."

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"Entering NAHA has made me more aware of the work I am producing. It has also made me become more aware and has pushed me to be better."

What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?

"This client came in and she had super thin hair, but had been growing it out and it just wasn't working. I recently just returned from an ABC of cutting course with Sassoon. I was feeling like everything needed to be shorter so i recommended a very classic bob. She was into trying something new and it worked! The cut was probably one of the cleanest I have ever done and she was seriously so stoked. She got a little teary-eyed and just stared at herself. It was that appointment that made me realize how much of an impact I have on people's lives. I'm not sure if had taken it for granted at that point or if I just wasn't aware of it."

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"This was the first year that I entered alone. I seriously have so many mentors and people who inspired me to enter NAHA. Jake Thompson, who is no stranger to NAH encouraged me from day one to shoot and build collections. I assisted him a lot and always wanted to submit but hadn't until this year. My good friend, Fumi Eguchi, taught me so much about photoshoots too and he encouraged me to enter as well. Andrew Carruthers of Lunatic Fringe was entering and encouraged me as well. My brother, Micah, who also is a brilliant hairdresser, has encouraged me in every step of this journey, so him for sure. My mom and dad are huge supporters. My dad built the photography studio we shot in and my sisters are my my cheering squad. Finally, Dennis James has been a huge mentor and supporter through this journey. I was part of the Lunatic Fringe Artistic team that won Salon Team of the Year in 2012. Seriously, I would be nowhere without all of these people, especially not a NAHA finalist."

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VIEW THEIR ENTIRE COLLECTION BELOW

MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Todd Kane/Newcomer Stylist
MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Caitlin Charles DeGarmo/Newcomer Stylist
MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Aaron Rogers/Newcomer Stylist
MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Nai'Vasha Johnson/Newcomer Stylist
MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Jeremy McDougle/Newcomer Stylist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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