
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) recently installed its new Board of Directors and Officers at the 2018 Annual Business Meeting.

Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) recently installed its new Board of Directors and Officers at the 2018 Annual Business Meeting.
Pictured left to right (front row): Karen Gordon, President; Robert Passage, Vice President; Lorrene Conino, Secretary; and Chris Damolaris, Treasurer.
Pictured left to right (back row): Mireya Villarreal, Director; Kathy Jager, Director; Chris Valavanis, Director; and Larry Silvestri, Immediate Past President. Not pictured, Nick Stenson, Director.
Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) recently installed its new Board of Directors and Officers at the 2018 Annual Business Meeting. These salon owners and professionals volunteer their time and leadership to develop and to guide the association’s services to its 17,500+ members. Included among the many services are continuing education, legislative and regulatory representation, networking, scholarship funding and great networking among salon professionals.
One of the most important responsibilities of the Cosmetologists Chicago Board of Directors is the oversight of all facets of America’s Beauty Show. The 2019 Show will be held March 30 – April 1, 2019, at McCormick Place in Chicago. More than 80,000 cosmetologists, nail technicians, stylists, colorists, manufacturers and distributors from all over the world attend ABS every year to experience superior education and innovation in all aspects of beauty, as well as gain inspiration to take back to their businesses.
The Board of Directors of Cosmetologists Chicago for 2018-20 includes:
President – Karen Gordon, J. Gordon Designs, Chicago
Vice President – Robert Passage, Pivot Point International, Chicago
Secretary – Lorrene Conino, Salon Lorrene, Palatine, IL
Treasurer – Christopher Damolaris, Frank Gironda Salon & Spa, Naperville, IL
Immediate Past President – Larry Silvestri, Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas, Chicago
Director – Chris Valavanis – Vanis Salon & Day Spa, Schererville, IN
Director – Kathy Jager – Kathy Jager & Associates / Pro’s 15110 Salon, Oak Forest, IL
Director – Mireya Villarreal, Pink Pewter, Bartlet, IL
Director – Nick Stenson, ULTA Beauty, Chicago, IL
“Cosmetologists Chicago is a forward-thinking, action-oriented network with an unlimited future that has a great history in the professional salon industry,” said newly installed CC President Karen Gordon. “I look forward to leaving a very positive impact not only on CC and ABS, but also on the future of our industry. I believe the best place to start is with our young professionals,” Gordon adds.
“It is through the dedication and continued support of our Board of Directors, all enthusiastic salon owners and professionals, that our association is able to effectively serve the needs of our industry,” said Paul Dykstra, CEO of America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists Chicago.
“It is very exciting for the association that Karen will succeed me as president of CC,” said immediate past-president Larry Silvestri. “For years, she has been a strong asset to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and, especially, to the thousands of members of Cosmetologists Chicago.”
Cosmetologists Chicago is an association of salon professionals, whose members include licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, salon owners and cosmetology students. In addition to Cosmetologists Chicago, the recently elected CC Officers and Board of Directors will also govern specialty groups including the International Nail Technicians Association (INTA) CIDESCO USA and the American Association for Esthetics (AAE).
Cosmetologists Chicago supports all salon professionals with opportunities to collaborate with their peers and to experience monthly education to advance careers through our FIRST MONDAYS educational events. CC supports all cosmetologists though the expansive America’s Beauty Show, March 30 – April 1, 2019. More information can be found at www.AmericasBeautyShow.com.

This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.

Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.

Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.

The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.

CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.

Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.

The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.

The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.

Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.

SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.