The on-going education at the SalonCentric Education Loft in St. Petersburg, Florida is fantastic. Although just opened two years ago, the facility has become the “go-to” destination for hairdressers and colorists looking for expert education. It is in use almost every day of the week for both internal and external education, and there are classes and workshops held throughout the year for licensed cosmetologists, covering everything from basic to advanced education.

Just launched in 2019 is the “Elevated Education” program designed for in-depth facilitation from high tier artists and influencers. MODERN was there to help host the “Balayage and Social Media Bootcamp”, designed to up attendees' skills on advanced balayage and using the images from the class to get more recognition and new clients. Ashley Sylvestro, Education Manager, says, “This class combines social media education with one of the most important color designs today. More and more people are finding their beauty professionals through social media so we wanted to help today's stylists feel more comfortable with various media platforms while educating them in a real hands-on way with one of the most requested in-salon techniques." Adds Rebecca Bray, VP of Corporate Communications and PR for SalonCentric, “Technology has disrupted the old ways of doing business, both for us as a professional products distributor and for our salons and stylists. As we grow in our digital offerings as a distributor, we feel we should also arm our stylists with the digital tools and education they they need to stay successful and grow their businesses."

This most recent event, held in early May, 2019 had a special bonus – a competition for the attendees where the winner won a feature on MODERN’s site and a social media feature.The two-day workshop included intense training from L'Oréal Professionnel Educators Sophia Avera (@ssophiahaicolor) and Tanya Acevedo (@tanyamarie_beautystylist). 

Day one began with a 90 minute Instagram and video/live “Best Practices” presentation by MODERN’s Maggie Mulhern, followed by a “20 Minute Balayage” application presentation by Avera. The colorists then practiced their newfound skills on mannequin heads with guidance by Avera and Acevedo. 

Live models were used on day two where the artists were challenged with using their new techniques to do “something different from what they’ve been doing in the salon,” Avera says. “We forced them to do something new based on the advanced balayage education they learned the day before.” The live models had either virgin or grown-out and faded hair color, making this a true in-salon challenge.

After consulting with their models, the artists were given a gift card and taken on a shopping spree to the on-site SalonCentric store to purchase the L’Oréal Professionnehair color needed. The attendees were also given a fabulous swagbag from Colortrak that included all of the tools necessary to complete the look, and to use in the future. Pink Pewter also offered a special discount code for the class. 

After given the bulk of the day to work, the artists then presented their transformed models, sharing details on the consultation, formulation and application. It was impressive on many levels and gave insight on real life salon situations.

The high point was announcing the winner of the makeover challenge: Payal Patel (@HairByPayal), of Devine Designs Salon and Spa, Brandon, Florida. Patel spent the day utilizing her new skills which included perfect placement and appropriate formulation. “I learned that speed is important,” Patel says. “I realize that if I am able to balayage more efficiently, and paint with intent, I will ultimately be more successful."

When Patel was announced as the winner, there were tears all around, most coming from Patel herself who gave a short but effective speech, grateful to the support from all the other artists from the Devine Designs Salon and Spa in attendance (there were five.) Although Patel wins a feature story from MODERN, everyone realized the best “prize” was a fantastic education and experience.

Check out this short video and meet winner Payal Patel who offers an overview of her model: