THE EVENT:

Thermafuse Annual Council Meeting THE VENUE: The Embassy Suites Hotel and Thermafuse factory in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

THE DETAILS: Stylists, distributors, sales consultants and owners of salons and spas traveled to North Carolina to get an inside look at Thermafuse's products, its mission and its people. Founder Van Stamey led guests on a factory tour, revealing the operations behind production, printing and its award-winning packaging. Chemist Mark Ragan exposed the secrets behind HeatSmart Complex-the silicone and wheat protein system in every Thermafuse product. Following the farewell dinner, The Fabulous ThermaTones treated guests to a guitar-slinging blues performance.

THE BUZZ: The event included a hands-on workshop with Thermafuse Artistic Director Cosmo Easterly who taught stylists how to cut using an unconventional draping technique to avoid a three-tiered look. "Are the section lines perfect? Who cares!" Easterly said, "Would a sculptor approach a rock and say, ‘I'm going to put an even line here, here and here?' No! We're artists, not just hairdressers." Attendees left with a fresh attitude about their careers. "I loved this class," said Shannan Klahn of Medusa Salon in Springville, New York. "I learned that straight lines are definitely boring."

THE LAST WORD: Van and Toni Rae Stamey thanked guests for attending the event. "You couldn't compliment me more than just by being here," Van Stamey said. "I love you all. Welcome to our family."

Thermafuse Annual Council Meeting
Thermafuse Artistic Director Cosmo Easterly teaches stylists about ‘Hot Spots' during the hands-on workshop.

Thermafuse Annual Council Meeting
Stylists, beauty distributors, sales consultants and salon/spa owners gathered for Thermafuse's Annual Council Meeting.

Thermafuse Annual Council Meeting
From left: MODERN's Paul Amyot, Joni Rae Russell of Joni Rae and Associates, Thermafuse Founder Van Stamey and MODERN's Alison Shipley.

Thermafuse Annual Council Meeting
Thermafuse models flaunt their favorite hair care products.

Thermafuse Annual Council Meeting
Van Stamey with the stylists who attended the hands-on workshop with Cosmo Easterly.

Thermafuse Annual Council Meeting
The Fabulous ThermaTones treated guests to a guitar-slinging blues performance.

Thermafuse Annual Council Meeting
Founder Van Stamey treated attendees to a tour of the Thermafuse factory located on 30 scenic acres of Kannapolis, North Carolina.

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