
Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced the association’s leadership for the 2016/2017 term.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced the association’s leadership for the 2016/2017 term. Reuben Carranza, Group President, R+Co & V76, Luxury Brand Partners will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board and Beth Hickey, with Spa Specialties Representatives will continue to serve as Vice-Chairman.
The PBA Board of Directors is comprised of 12 industry professionals who represent various sectors of the beauty industry. The following are the industry professionals who will serve on the Board of Directors for the 2016/2017 term: Kevin Barrett (Fromm International), Sydney Berry, (Salon Services and Supplies), Scott Buchanan (Scott j salon group), Reuben Carranza (Luxury Brand Partners), Mark Goodman (The Hair Designers), Beth Hickey (Spa Specialties Representatives), Harlan Kirschner (Kirschner Group), Graciela Santiler-Nowik (Hair Base Salon & Spa), Renee Shakour (RG Shakour), Oliver Steinnagel (Oliver’s Hair Salon), Karl Sweis (Sweis Professional Salon & Spa Products), and Rowena Yeager (Studio Wish Salon). Edwin Neill III’s (Neill Corporation) Board term is expiring and he will be leaving the Board.
“It’s an honor to have such a diverse and experienced Board of Directors volunteer their time and resources to support the Professional Beauty Association. I am looking forward to this upcoming year, as we work to implement our new strategic direction. The Association and the industry will no doubt be positively impacted by their leadership,” said PBA Executive Director, Steve Sleeper. “I also want to sincerely thank our outgoing Board and Advisory Council members. These volunteer leaders have been instrumental in helping move the Professional Beauty Association’s mission forward.”
In addition to the Board of Directors, PBA’s governance model includes four Advisory Councils. These councils are as follows: Beauty Professional/NCA, Distributor, Manufacturer and Salon/Spa. Members of these six-person councils serve as an ongoing resource to provide recommendations and advice to the PBA Board of Directors.
Advisory Council Membership for 2016/2017 is as follows:
Beauty Professional/NCA Advisory Council: Marcia Bird** (Raritan Valley Community College), Jenae Davis (Salon Jenae), Mark Goodman (The Hair Designers), Beth Hickey** (Spa Specialties Representatives), Steven Porter (Steven Porter Hair), and Peggy Sue Schmoldt (Academy of Cosmetology Arts).
Distributor Advisory Council: Jennifer Almonte (Professional Salon Services), Sydney Berry (Salon Services and Supplies), Brandon Ranney (Armstrong McCall), Alex Cohn* (Premier Beauty Supply), Ed Stein* (Four Star Beauty) and Karl Sweis (Sweis Professional Salon & Spa Products).
Manufacturer Advisory Council: Kevin Barrett** (Fromm International), Reuben Carranza** (Luxury Brand Partners), Scott Hagstrom (Helen of Troy), Sara Jones (Joico Laboratories), Harlan Kirschner (Kirschner Group), and Colin Walsh (DevaCurl).
Salon/Spa Advisory Council: Bonnie Conte** (Avalon Salon and Day Spa), Cindy Feldman* (Progressions Salon Spa Store), Kimberly Johnson (Aveda Institute Portland), Oliver Steinnagel (Oliver’s Hair Salon), Rowena Yeager (Studio Wish Salon), and Holly Vaught (K Charles & Company Salons).
PBA also thanked the following out-going Advisory Council Members: Scott Buchanan (Scott j salon group), Edward Neill III (Neill Corporation) and Renee Shakour (RG Shakour).
*Indicates a newly elected Advisory Council Member
**Indicates a re-elected Advisory Council Member

The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.

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.