ULTA Beauty will interpret the Beauty Changes Lives Experience theme “Exposed” on the runway, Saturday, April 29, at the iconic Art Institute of Chicago. The ULTA Pro Beauty team will mentor ULTA’s Next Gen artists. ULTA Beauty Pro team members pioneer trends for ULTA Beauty and translate these trends into seasonal cut, color and style offerings while ensuring that more than 100 ULTA Beauty Artistic Educators are equipped to take the trends to ULTA stylists.  Below, meet the ULTA Beauty Pro team and the NextGen artists they will mentor:

ULTA Beauty Pro Team:

Sean Godard: A native of Canada now residing in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sean is a Redken Certified Colorist and an Artistic Trainer for the Redken artist network.  His work has been featured in popular fashion/lifestyle magazines and he has appeared as a makeover expert on popular TV programs. Sean has worked backstage at the MTV Video Awards, working with Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift among many other performers. Throughout his career, Sean has spread the Redken message across Europe, Asia and North America. His artistry is on display at the Redken Symposium in Las Vegas, the largest single manufacturer event in the world, drawing 10,000 attendees. 

Sonya Dove: Global Ambassador for Wella Professionals, owner of The Doves Salon in Los Angeles, and Hair Color Council Creative Director of Intercoiffure America / Canada (ICA). Sonya Dove is an industry icon who continues to inspire, educate and mentor salon professionals around the globe. In 2010, she was recognized by the National Cosmetology Association for her commitment to the industry through educational contributions and received the prestigious “Icon of the Year” Award. In 2016, she proudly accepted the highly coveted “Favorite Overall Educator of the Year” award at the Stylist Choice Awards. Sonya is fueled by her passion for beauty; whether she’s in the salon creating looks for clients or on stage, sharing her technical expertise and educating salon professionals worldwide.

Ammon Carver: With seven NAHA nominations and awards for Master Hairstylist of the Year & Salon Team of the year, Ammon is one of today’s most sought after hairstylists. Ammon recently joined ULTA Beauty as Chief Artistic Director where he sets the course for salons and services through trend development; training and advising stylists at more than 950 salons across the nation.  Two years ago, Ammon opened the hybrid salon and photography studio Ammon Carver Studio in New York City.  The studio helps Ammon stay true to his core principles of authenticity and likeable luxury.  Ammon previously served as Artistic Director at Matrix before being named Creative Director for L’ANZA Healing Haircare. His work has appeared in leading fashion and beauty outlets and his celebrity clientele includes Kate Beckinsale, Molly Sims, Amanda Seyfried, Kirsten Dunst and Leighton Meester.

Nick Stenson: As Vice President Salon Services & Trend for ULTA Beauty, Nick flexes his fashion muscle to establish an ever-changing vogue in beauty innovation. An international beauty authority and celebrity stylist, Nick also serves as Artistic Director for Matrix, a L’Oreal brand. Representing Matrix, his creativity is on display as a platform artist and spokesperson. Nick’s video education series has taught techniques to thousands of hairstylists and he has received multiple NAHA nominations. As a color specialist, Nick has developed some of the industry’s most popular color trends which he shares in each issue of The Colorist. His work has graced the covers of leading magazines and on national broadcast programs including Good Morning America, Today and the Wendy Williams Show.

Carmody Homan: Raised in New Zealand, Carmody’s interest in hairstyling stems from his grandmother and father’s fashion design careers. Carmody began styling hair for his father’s fashion models at age 15. Hair quickly became his need and thread. Carmody is currently a Session Stylist where he works with fellow Pro Team members to embody the concept of “Artists Supporting Artists.” Prior to his affiliation with Redken 5th Avenue, Carmody served as International Artistic Director for Toni & Guy UK.  In addition to his work appearing in leading fashion and beauty outlets, Carmody has provided image consulting for major brands in the industry.

Danielle Keasling:  One of the most powerful and influential women in hairstyling, Global Artistic Director for Matrix and  four-time NAHA nominee Danielle Keasling’s work is avidly followed and covered in leading consumer and industry media.  As an ULTA Beauty Pro Team member, she collaborates with fellow leaders from multiple brands who embody the concept of “Artists Supporting Artists” as they elevate the industry. Most recently, Danielle was named Chief Executive Creative Director for Great Lengths USA where she leads the design team’s exciting direction of imagery and brand development. When she is not travelling, Danielle manages her salon in South Carolina.

ULTA Beauty NextGen Artist Rachel Betts

With a career in beauty that has evolved from hairstylist, upscale salon owner and business of the year nominee, to ULTA Beauty Artistic Educator, Rachel has a passion for hair color, makeup artistry, hair extensions and bridal beauty. Since selling her salon and joining the ULTA Beauty Design Team, Rachel’s work has graced multiple photo shoots and New York Fashion Week runways.

ULTA Beauty NextGen Artist Leo Valencia

Since styling Barbie’s tresses as a child, hair has always been Leo’s creative outlet of choice. Coupling his passion for art with a drive to succeed, Leo became an Elite Stylist within four years of starting his career, achieving more than $100K in sales. Leo enjoys paying his success forward, serving as a mentor to emerging hairstylists.

Tickets for the Beauty Changes Lives Experience are available at https://beautychangeslives.org/bcl-experience/