This Spring, a group of salon owners and stylists banded together to launch a new organization to foster growth and sharing. PURE, which stands for Professionals United for Real Empowerment, launched its inaugural event on April 28 at Bangz Salon and Wellness Spa in Montclair, New Jersey.

The goal of both the event and the organization, is to empower professional stylists, owners and other industry leaders through the sharing of information and ideas on growth. The group was founded by Brian Grieve and Tracey Smith of Independent Hair Education; Israel Cronk, owner of Bangz Salon; Vito Mazza of Vito Mazza Salon & Spa in Woodbridge, New Jersey; and Amanda Intoccia of Bamboo Salon in Staten Island, New York.

About 80 people attended PURE’s first event held at Bangz. The group’s sharing goal was accomplished as Intoccia and her team from Bamboo Salon tool the stage to explain their philosophy and mentoring program. Understanding what keeps an owner up at night, what their dream and vision of their business are and the mantra “How can I help you?” were all questions that helped Intoccia gain a stronger understanding of her business and motivated her to become a better leader.

With the guidance of industry leaders, PURE’s  sharing platform inspired not only the students but also the teachers.  PURE operates with a few core values: To mentor or be mentored all involved must be ego-, complaint- and product-free. “It’s all about being Pure!” says Mazza.

During the event, the  growth goal was inspired by Cronk and Mazza, both of whom are owners that do not work behind the chair. Under the advanced coaching of Brian Grieve and Tracey Smith, the two owners learned how to cut a one-length bob during a course of about 20 hours. “The message was to encourage others to get out of their comfort zone,” Mazza says. “In order to grow, you have to be uncomfortable. If two salon owners who had never cut hair could get up on stage with live models, then a stylist can learn the metrics of their own business behind the chair

“My live model was my wife Ann!” Mazza says. “It was also a great exercise of respect. To see what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes gave all involved a fresh perspective and appreciation of each other.”