SalonCentric, the premiere distributor of professional salon products, recently celebrated the opening of its National Education Academy at SalonCentric’s St. Petersburg-based National Operating Center. The National Education Academy features innovative digital technologies, ample workspace and a creative environment for up to 36 attendees to receive either theory or hands-on classes on the latest techniques or trends.

“SalonCentric is committed to providing beauty professionals with quality education and our National Education Academy demonstrates this commitment in a tangible way,” said Brittany Hickman, VP of Shows and Education for SalonCentric. “It’s located in our National Operating Center and is open to our brands, nearby salons, beauty schools, independent stylists and even business consultants who are looking to help beauty professionals grow their skills and, ultimately, their business.”

What makes the SalonCentric National Academy innovative is its blend of traditional classroom elements with digital innovations. The “smart” classroom has an array of strategically placed cameras, multiple LED screens on the wall, and Peter Millard lighting that allows for color to be seen true to tone but is also ample for filming and photography. These innovations allow for Master Educators to be filmed – either LIVE or for produced videos – and their classes to be broadcast out on social media to salons, suites, SalonCentric stores or beauty schools across the country.

“We even have cameras over the shampoo bowls so attendees can clearly see what the Master Educator is doing at the shampoo bowl,” Hickman said. “The bottom line is beauty professionals do not have to live in St. Petersburg to experience the National Education Academy – we can bring our classes directly to you.” 

MODERN stopped by to see the new facility and met with President of SalonCentric, Bertrand Fontaine and SalonCentric's Corporate Communications AVP Becky Bray to see the facility in action during an intimate class with educator Daniel Mason-Jones:

The prepared release from SalonCentric:

"SalonCentric, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., is the premier distributor of salon professional products in the U.S. Created by L’Oréal USA in 2008 and operating in 48 states, SalonCentric has more than 636 sales consultants, 565 SalonCentric stores and 261 State and RDA stores. SalonCentric’s vision is to be an inspirational force in the development and success of beauty professionals by providing the best brands, the best education and the best business-building support. Our commitment to the industry also extends to proactively fighting diversion, and protecting authorized channels of distribution. Brands distributed by SalonCentric include: Alterna, Bioelements, Bio Ionic, Creative Nail Design, Essie, FHI, Hempz, Kenra, L’ANZA,  L’Orèal Professionnel, Matrix, Mizani, Moroccanoil, Nioxin, Olaplex, Pravana, Product Club, Pulp Riot, Pureology, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, Sam Villa, Sebastian, Sexy Hair, Surface, Tressa, Young Nails and many other fine brands."

For more information, visit www.saloncentric.com.