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It's that time of the year again. The North American Hairdressing Awards Ceremony or NAHA is here. Before we kick off the celebration, get to know our finalists for this year's competition.  MODERN SALON recently spoke to the North American Hairdressing Awards or NAHA finalists. These uber-talented stylists invested considerable time, talent and energy into their entries. Click the name of the (Anthony Cress, Lauren Moser, Ammon Carver, Heggy Gonzalez and Dilek Onur Taylor) you would like to meet.

Don't forget to tune in on July 14, 2013 at 10pm EST for the EXCLUSIVE live broadcast of the 2013 NAHA Awards Gala at modernsalon.com/naha. And be sure to join the conversations on twitter with the hashtag #NAHALIVE.

 

 

                                                           Anthony Cress
                                                                  Studio 4 Salon

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first? 

"When I found out I was a NAHA 2013 finalist I simply smiled from ear to ear uncontrollably and my heart started pounding out of my chest from excitement. I texted my girlfriend who did the wardrobe and helped organize the shoot. I didn't need to tell anyone else because within 10 minutes of the Facebook announcement, my phone started blowing up."

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry. 

"This was my first time entering the Texture category, so I wanted to overwhelm each image with multiple facets of texture from the softer smooth surfaces of the skin, the lace in the wardrobe and more extreme textures in the hair. I wanted to create unnatural textures and show manipulation, but not lose the sense that it's the actual model's real hair. The theme and vibe of the shoot definitely has a strong editorial inspiration. I've always loved the high fashion look of no eyebrows and thought it was a great way to have a clean slate for the hair, but also add a special element to the overall look. The manipulation of lighting is something that hasn't really been seen too much in NAHA, which again we pulled from a fashion editorial inspiration."

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser? 

"Entering NAHA has made me a better hairdresser by pushing myself out of my own comfort level. There is a certain high standard of skill in NAHA finalists/winners, and when you realize that, you're forced to step up. It has helped me train my eye to not only see the big picture, but all the fine details hidden in the cracks."

What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?

"I would like to think I create NAHA-worthy looks for my clients on fairly regular basis. I'm sure we all do! We spend a lot of time and energy on our clients, as well as rely on our clients to keep our skills sharp on a daily basis."

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"First year I entered NAHA was 2006 with my friend and coworker Kimmi Le. We got a lot of encouragement and support from Dusty Simmington, multiple time NAHA winner and finalist. I had helped out on previous NAHA entries, but in 2006 Dusty pushed me to step up."

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                                                                Lauren Moser
                                                                        Salon 621

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"When I watched the video announcing the 2013 NAHA finalists I was with my dad, and on the phone with my boyfriend Rodrick Samuels, a fellow NAHA entrant. There was delay in my video and he was telling me that I was nominated, but the call was breaking up, so in all the commotion I couldn't be sure until my category came up. When it did, everything stopped for a minute, and it was a lot to absorb. I was stunned and overcome with emotion." 

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"My collection for the Texture category was about modern texture with an eccentric twist. Each of my looks is a representation of current trends that exude elegance with a fashion forward edge."

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"Entering NAHA was a perfect storm of hard work, intense study of my craft, and an amazing team. I look at this experience as a stepping stone in my career. I firmly believe that things happen in time for a reason, and I find myself at a point where I am ready to take on the opportunities that will come from taking part in the most prestigious competition in the beauty industry. I look forward to having the chance to give back to an industry that continues to inspire me."

 What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client? 

"Every day that I’m in the salon, I pride myself on creating NAHA-worthy hairstyles. A lot of stylists boast about a celebrity clientele, but my clients are my celebrities. I live, I love, and I breathe the beauty industry." 

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"2013 was my first year entering NAHA. While I have been inspired by those before me, and entering has always been a goal, it was Rodrick that made it all happen. He arranged for us to shoot our entries on the same day, as an incredible Christmas present to me. It was a day of great energy, and an amazing experience to have the chance do it together, to support and inspire each other. His unwavering belief in me is a constant motivation to chase my dreams."

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                                                            Ammon Carver

                                                    Mizu Salon

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"I was prepping for a shoot when I found out about being nominated for two NAHAS this year. My best friend Nick Stenson sent me a text message saying 'Really!? TWO??' At first I didn't know what he was talking about, so I called him to find out, by the time he picked up the phone I had figured it out, so the first words out of my mouth when he answered were 'f--- yeah!'"

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"My inspiration began with an artist that I find incredibly unique and inspiring named Tim Burton. I saw an art exhibit of his at the MOMA in NYC, and have been excited by the beautiful, sometimes dark, sometimes ghostly and incredibly creative characters that he dreams up. I love the balance between the beautiful and the strange."

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"Every time I enter NAHA I push myself to do something that I haven't done before, to create something that is creative and fresh, yet still true to my personal style identity. Because of that effort, I have grown to understand myself not thoroughly and with every entry I have become a stronger, more well-rounded stylist."
 

What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client? 

"That's easy. My first NAHA entry was on one of my clients. I loved her look so much, and was so proud of her look, that I decided to use her as one of my models that year.

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"I first entered NAHA in 2010. I had always wanted to enter NAHA, and that year Brian and Sandra Smith mentored and coached me through the process, offering priceless guidance and encouragement."

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                              Heggy Gonzalez

                                            Aveda Institute Provo
What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"We had a Future Professional, Ali Deveraux, who entered the Student Hairstylist of the Year Category as well, so we thought it would be "fun" to share the experience together. We decided to have a viewing party at the Aveda Institute Provo, the room was full with Future Professionals, Educators and Team members. I was so excited and nervous at the same time, I have always entered the Avant Garde Category and this was the first year that I stepped out a little and tried something different. I saw the Texture category come up and I think I stopped breathing a little, Ali was right next to me and then we saw my name. As cheesy as this is going to sound, the crowd went wild and I was jumping up and down screaming like a five-year-old. We just started to settle down then the Student category came up next and we saw Ali's name! It was amazing to share the experience with all of my team and my students. They truly keep me going and I could have not imagined a more perfect moment. The next person I wanted to alert was my mom."

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"The collection was inspired by Nefertiti and Ancient Egyptian textiles. I appreciate how the fabric could be so graphic, yet smooth at the same time. I also wanted to take that historical figure and bring a high fashion element to it. The goal was to create highly textured hair and then mold that texture into smooth shapes. I also wanted to keep the texture within the interior of that shape. My objective was to create those shapes without using any hair extensions or fillers."     

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"Every year that I enter it is about challenging myself to create a collection that I am proud of. In the end it keeps me passionate, allows me to be creative and it is the challenge of NAHA that inspires me to be a better hairdresser. More important than that, it inspires me to be a better educator, a few years ago I went to an Aveda Summit and the catch phrase of the week was 'Those Who CAN Teach' and hopefully my aspirations and hard work will inspire them."

What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client? 

"That is a hard one!  I am a full-time educator, education is my passion. I also do a lot of editorial work on the side. Every time I am working on a photo shoot I want to make sure that my client is happy, but I always add a little of my personal flair into every shoot." 

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?

"I entered NAHA for the first time when I was in cosmetology school. We had a guest artist come into our school and share her NAHA experience with us, how she felt when she won and most of all how much passion she had for our industry. I knew that one day I wanted to be a part of the NAHA elite. My boss, Dale LeMonds, has always supported me and my endeavors. Our main goal at the Aveda Inspire Greatness Institutes is to do just that, 'Inspire Greatness' for not only our future professionals but for ourselves. Dale creates an amazing environment, provides opportunities to keep us passionate and always encourages us to reach our goals. My fellow educators, students and friends inspire me everyday. I could have not done it without my models, photographer/makeup artist and my future professionals, who were there to assist me on my shoot and it was amazing being able to share this journey with them. Lastly, I could not have done this without the support and encouragement of my mom and family, they are always my biggest cheerleaders." 

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                                                           Dilek Onur Taylor
                                                                        JC Penney

What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?

"My coworkers and I decided to watch the NAHA finalists announcement together, even though we were in different cities. We were on a conference call and were all watching the video at the same time. When I saw my images I was blown away! I had to pinch myself when I woke up the next morning. The first person I told was my best friend." 

Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.

"I love the glamour, beauty and charm of old Hollywood. I wanted my collection to be a modern, slightly futuristic interpretation of old Hollywood beauty."

How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?

"I have always felt that the amount of detail I put into my work is what would set my apart from others. Working on my NAHA models, I realized that I had to make the camera see what my vision was. It involved everything, hair, make-up and fashion. The attention to detail is what tied my collection together. My NAHA shoot has given me the opportunity to see how every single detail and how the slightest change or movement plays a key role in the finish. This alone has further refined my skills and made me a stronger hairdresser. Being a finalist has given me the opportunity to be recognized for my work by people I have long admired in the beauty industry." 

What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client? 

"A few years ago, I had a client that was getting married. She is a very simple woman but wanted an extraordinary look for her big day. To this day her friends still talk about her wedding day transformation and how no one could believe it was the same person!" 

What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?  

"This is my first year and first submission! Several years ago, I was having dinner with friends and my friend received news that she was a NAHA finalist. I remember how excited I was for her and I remember I couldn't even begin to imagine the excitement she felt. Last year, Nick Stenson was a finalist. I was so proud and excited for him. I couldn't imagine how excited he was. A few months after NAHA 2012, I remember having a discussion with Nick and and my co-workers and he suggested we all individually shoot for NAHA. The next thing I know, Nick was was helping me make my vision come to life. And I got to feel the excitement of being a finalist  myself!

 

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VIEW THEIR ENTIRE COLLECTION BELOW

 

 MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Anthony Cress/Texture
  MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Lauren Moser/Texture
   MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Ammon Carver/Texture
   MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Heggy Gonzalez/Texture
   MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Dilek Onur Taylor/Texture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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