
The Industry Remembers and Mourns Educator and Artist Dominique LyVar
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
Meet Mizani new Global Artistic Directors Tippi Shorter and Pekela Riley and Technical Director Evie Johnson.

Mizani announces new education leadership. From left: Mizani Global Artistic Director, Tippi Shorter; Mizani Global Artistic Director, Pekela Riley and Mizani Techncal Director, Evie Johnson
Mizani, revered as a leader in texture knowledge and care, is dedicated to growing and adding texture expertise to every salon around the country through their professional products and knowledgeable stylists and educators. The brand just announced the appointment of three texture savvy women who are known for sharing their insight through leadership and education, as well as by example:
Tippi Shorter IG: @tippishorter - GLOBAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Shorter’s hairstyles have topped the shoulders of many icons including Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Hudson. Not only has her work graced the covers and editorial pages of trendsetting magazines, she is also regularly quoted in beauty articles where she showcases her expert knowledge of textured hair. Her strength as a trailblazer is undeniable as she became the first African-American beauty professional spokesperson for Pantene, the first Global Artistic Director for Textured Hair for Aveda and now joins the ranks as one of the first Artistic Directors for Mizani.
Shorter has a true appreciation for texture, saying, “I am beyond excited to be a part of the Mizani family. It is so refreshing and inspiring to be with a brand that speaks texture every day.”
Pekela Riley IG: @pekelariley GLOBAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Riley is a nationally published celebrity hair stylist, salon owner, hair educator and radio personality who is celebrated for her aesthetics in the texture hair arena. Her innovative work has graced the pages of national hair magazines as well as top fashion magazines’ editorials. Her leadership, dedication, vision and talent have propelled her forward into many achievements, recently being appointed as an Artistic Director for the Ulta Beauty Pro Team and now as an Artistic Director for Mizani.
“I feel so passionate about my new role as a Mizani Global Artistic Director,” Riley says, “I’m honored to share a unique approach to texture that magnifies its unrelenting beauty and empowerment, aesthetically and symbolically, on a global stage.”
Evie Johnson IG: @contactevie GLOBAL TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Johnson is a salon owner, certified trichologist, platform artist and educator and has trained under some of the most prestigious lines in the cosmetology world. You can find her styling showcased in a myriad of outlets, whether it’s thumbing through the pages of trendy hair magazines or gracing the likes of notable celebrities like Tasha Smith and Trey Songz. As the first certified trichologist to teach a classroom-facilitated Hair Practitioner’s Certificate course in the U.S., it’s clear she has an affinity and passion for hair education.
“I’m super excited about my new role with Mizani as the Global Technical Director,” Johnson says. “My goal is to help build our Mizani team with sound knowledge and skills, consistency and facilitation, ensuring proper education and helping to secure the confidence of our Mizani artists.”
Kate Oechsle-Truesdale, AVP of Global Education for Mizani, shares, ”I have known these three women for a long time and it makes my heart so full to know that Mizani will have the best and most well-rounded team of Global Directors working with us to curate relevant, aspirational and impactful content and trends that will put us at the top. They come with a long history and have built their careers from scratch, using their strength and passion for texture as the driver. That is beyond admirable to me, and I hope that they serve as an inspiration for those want- ing to expand or begin their professional texture journey. We cannot wait for you to see what we have in store!“

Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.

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