
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
Meet the mentees and get ready for their incredible journey.

Matrix and Matrix Global Business Ambassador, Tabatha Coffey have announced the five winners of Matrix Mentor Me contest for 2021 – 2022! The five stylists will embark on a year-long journey of education, growth and mentorship alongside Coffey. Their coaching will begin in May 2021, when they will meet Tabatha for the first time and take their first skills assessment. Tabatha will use these assessments to build a robust coursework catalog with a mixture of cutting, color, styling, business and personal growth.
Meet the Mentee’s below and be sure to follow along on the Matrix Instagram account, as well as each winner’s Instagram account to get updates on their journey!
Meet The Mentees

Mark Amponin (@iam.markstephen)
Hello, I'm Mark from Chicago IL, I have 6 years under my belt in the beauty industry. My passion is education, growth and high quality work.

Babs Busch (@littlebabybabs)
Howdy! I’m Babs! I’m from Salt Lake City, Utah. I love my dog, my family, my motorcycle and I love doing hair! I’ve only been in this amazing industry for two years but I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon!

Chavaun DeVore (@chavaundevore)
Hello! I’m from Las Vegas. I grew up mostly in Utah and I recently just moved to Tennessee. I’ve been in the beauty industry as a model since I was in high school but I’ve been a licensed hair stylist for five years. I’m a vivid colorist and I love anything that’s outside the “norm.” I’m passionate about creating, continuing to learn whenever I can, and teaching others. You can ask me just about anything because I’m an open book.

Georgia Tournai (@gstunnah)
Hi there! I’ve been a barber/hairstylist in the industry for 10 years and specialize in clipper cuts and color, with special emphasis in serving the queer community. It's my mission to show whoever you are and however you identify, you can be comfortable in your own skin. It doesn't matter how we define ourselves, just as long as we are ourselves!

Gabriel Urbina (@artistry_by_gabriel)
Currently living in Gaithersburg, Maryland. I finished cosmetology school in 2014 and have been doing hair about 8 years. My passion is creating art to make someone’s day brighter.

This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.

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.