
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.
Committed to creating an inclusive and loving salon community that is free of judgement and hatred, MOP professional hair care announced an exclusive partnership as the Official Hair Care brand of SafeInMyChair.com (SIMC).




Mia Catherine Smith in Chicago IL. at Barbara and Barbara Salon
MOP professional hair careis the official hair care sponsor ofSafeInMyChair.com (SIMC and #SafeInMyChair), both a movement and website for the transgender community to locate certified stylists who respect and embrace their community. Created by Mia Catherine Smith, a transgender stylist with over 20 years of experience, SIMCoffers salon professionals sensitivity training and education on how to best serve transgender clients as well as patrons who suffer from PTSD or who have experienced domestic abuse. As the official hair care company of SafeInMyChair.com, MOP will support the organization at their stylist training classes as well as through various promotional campaigns.
“This is a powerful movement that stands for the values we are striving to embody through the MOP brand,” Austin Baskett, Chief Marketing Officer of MOP, says. “SIMC offers salon professionals sensitivity training and education on how to best serve transgender clients as well as patrons who suffer from PTSD or who are victims of domestic abuse. We couldn’ t be more proud to support such an initiative.”
The idea for SIMC started many years ago in response to a heartbreaking moment Smith faced as a teenager in a salon prior to her transition. "The stylist] said something about how beautiful my eyes were and how gorgeous they’ d be with a little mascara,” says Smith. “When I told her I wouldn’ t be against that, she pushed herself away from the chair and asked if I was one of those ‘ cross-dressing faggots.' Everyone turned to look. I wanted to crawl into a hole. It was a terrible experience that no one should have to face. SIMC is my way to ensure that no one has to.For me, the salon is more than just a place. It's a spiritual experience. I started this movement to help transgender clients and other people who have been discriminated against to find a safe, warm and welcome salon experience."
MOP will support the organization at their stylist training classes as well as through various promotional campaigns.
To read Mia Catherine Smith’s Modern Original story, visit www.mopproducts.com/blog
To attend an SIMC certified workshop, visit www.Facebook.com/pg/SafeInMyChair/events
Originally posted on Salon Today

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