MENU
SEARCHOne of the highlights of the most recent Cosmoprof PBA Beauty Week in Las Vegas was a breakfast forum called Beauty Pitch. The founders of five professional beauty companies, each looking for financial backing and mentorship, pitched their ...
One of the highlights of the most recent Cosmoprof PBA Beauty Week in Las Vegas was a breakfast forum called Beauty Pitch. The founders of five professional beauty companies, each looking for financial backing and mentorship, pitched their products to entrepreneur Mark Cuban and industry icon John Paul DeJoria.
The products were discussed and demonstrated in 3-minute presentations, much like hit show Shark Tank. Although all were polished, professional and deserving, the ultimate winner was 100% Pure. Beauty Pitch drew in 1,500 audience members at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino.
As great as this was, even better for me (personally and professionally) was what happened after the room was cleared. Members of the press were invited to meet with Cuban and DeJoria individually. I had total access with each for 15 minutes. It was great! I should point out that I am a fan, so pardon the slobbering here as I share my impressions:
MARK CUBAN
Height: 6'3"
Net worth: 3 billion (according to Forbes)
Personality: Shockingly personable and friendly. He came off authentic and very casual in a Polo shirt and jeans. Although clearly ready and eager to laugh and have fun, he still takes things seriously. I could have chatted with him forever.
Unexpected response: After the interview (see video) I asked him which, of all the things he owns, is his favorite toy. I even offered up "the plane? the boat? the house?" He said, "I don't care about all the stuff. My favorite toy is my basketball. I just love throwing it around." He's cool.
JOHN PAUL (JP) DEJORIA
Height: Also tall, maybe 6'2"
Net worth: 3 billion (according to Forbes)
Personality: I have interviewed JP several times and am always in awe. He is such a charming, interesting, caring, generous, eloquent and passionate man. He has provided an income and living for thousands of people, which makes him one of the best people of all time. It is obvious he is all about the salon community and truly wants to help everyone reach his or her potential. I am so proud to consider him "one of our own," and when you see his segment on Shark Tank (the last link) you will, too.
Check out the videos below. Cuban and DeJoria offer tips to success, in industry and life, and share some of the behind the scenes scoop on JP's Shark Tank appearance (the last video is so worth watching again or seeing if you missed it the first time):
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.
The 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries encompass industry leaders driving innovation and meaningful change on their own terms.
Though their Astronaut of Hope collection of brushes and clips, ERGO Styling Tools raises $33,000 to support HairToStay, the first and only national nonprofit dedicated to making scalp cooling treatments affordable for cancer patients.
A new professional smoothing collection designed to help stylists control frizz and humidity while maintaining natural-looking results.
At the America’s Beauty Show press conference—hosted in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago—these standout professionals were recognized for their contributions to the industry.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
A new report criticizes the regulations' impact against students and entrepreneurs.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
amika's new Stylist Circle is a community-first model designed to reflect and support the full spectrum of today's working stylists. Find out how you can join.
