MENU
SEARCHAt the American Crew All-Star Challenge in Lisbon, Portugal, the two North American finalists share a love of hair that goes back well before beauty school.
Look at that concentration! She is in good hands with eight-year-old Jacob.
It is the city where Vasco da Gama set sail for new worlds so it is fitting that Lisbon, Portugal be the site of the American Crew All-Star Challenge, a hair styling/grooming and photographic competition that launches careers. But first, the finalists from around the world must set out on uncharted waters in a voyage of discovery. (Yes, I am continuing this metaphor...) They must ask themselves, what will my model look like when it comes my time to choose? Will my nerves get the best of me when I pick up my shears? How will my vision translate on camera?
Bradford Davison with the "Flock of Seagulls" fringe and the hold-still smile.
During two days of photo shoots, I watched every hairdresser find their footing, their competition sea legs. Training, experience, muscle memory and their innate talent and drive kicked in and they remembered that they had earned the right to be one of only 14 to compete for a global title.
The North American competitors--Bradford Davison from the United States and Jacob Rozenberg from Canada--spoke with me briefly during a day that took them on a journey--from drawing lots for model choice, to approaching this new canvas and mapping out a plan of action, to performing the actual cut and styling and then walking on set with American Crew founder and accomplished photographer David Raccuglia for their photo shoot. What emerged in our conversations was a peek into their past and the recognition that these men had been preparing for this moment since they were boys.
Brat Tail, Br-ullet
Bradford Davison's first concert--at the precocious age of four--was heavy metal hair band, Twisted Sister. He didn't toddle into the hairspray-infused hall alone; his father took him. And as he grew, Davison's family watched as his hairstyles ran the gamut; he did the Rat Tail, the dreaded Mullet, the River Phoenix heavy, brooding bang and even the Portrait Studio pose.
“My mother said that I always had whatever style I wanted," said Davison. "I also pierced my ear at five and first dyed my hair at seven."
A photo shared on Instagram for #ThrowbackThursday shows an eight-year-old Jacob Rozenberg styling his friend Isabel Johnson's hair.
"I started in Grade 11, taking hairdressing as an elective in school," said Rozenberg. "And since I was 16, I have been at the salon."
Both of these hairdressers have beautifully represented their countries at this global event and they will be with their fellow finalists as the winner of the challenge is announced on Monday night in Lisbon. Watch, too, for the reveal of their final photo pics and more interviews and photos to come from all the finalists. It's smooth sailing ahead when this crew is steering the ship.
It is the city where Vasco De Gama set sail for the new world so it is appropriate that Lisbon, Portugal be the site of the American Crew All-Star Challenge, a hair styling/grooming and photographic competition that launches careers. But first, the finalists from around the world must set out on uncharted waters; what will my model look like when it comes my time to choose? Will my nerves get the best of me when I pick up my shears? How will my vision translate on camera?
During two days of photo shoots, I watched every stylist find their footing and develop their sea legs. (Yes, I am going to continue this metaphor.)
Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.
When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.
Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.
Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.
Erin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.
North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.
For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.
Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.
Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.
For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.
Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
Transformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
