April Nagle
The Cosmoprof Fashion Frenzy Finalists will be traveling to the 2014 Intercoiffure Fall Atelier at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on October 19th and 20th where they will compete LIVE for the Grand Prize. Working directly with mentor Luis Alvarez of Aquage®, they will also participate in a photo session with NAHA award-winning photographer BABAK.
April Nagle
Casal Aveda Institute, Austintown, OH
What inspired you to enter the beauty industry?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with the beauty industry. I would spend all of the money I earned on clothing, or browsing for hours at my local Ulta/Sephora stores. I was always the one in the family doing something “crazy” with her hair. I would devour the latest fashion magazines- always wanting to know what the new trend was…the next “best thing.”
I went off to college and chose communications, thinking that my creative side would flourish with my words. As it would happen I didn’t get a job in communications; for the past 5 years I’ve been in healthcare doing patient advocacy (utilizing those PR skills I honed in college.) Although I am proud of my accomplishments and believe the job I do is important, it has been just that to me- a job and not a lifelong passion.
Two years ago (within the same week), my father was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, and I was laid off from my job. During the free time I now had, I spent it with my father and did quite a bit of soul searching. I realized that now was the time to pursue my love of all things beauty- and a quick tour later at my current school sealed the deal.
I believe competing is important because…
It challenges you. I’m always looking at the popular hair trends and thinking of ways to recreate them- to put a spin on them. Competitions force you to be your best, to do your best- and for me, to outdo what I did in the past.
I would trade my best friend before I would live without this product…
Aveda’s Light Elements Smoothing Fluid is a godsend for thick/frizzy/unbearable hair like mine. Whether I’m going straight, or putting a wave in my hair this is a MUST to tame those fly aways.
In five years, my dream is to be…
Working for a salon that is big on education and supports their stylists in pursuing their dreams. I would love to be a master in all areas- most definitely in color and style, have a full book and be a master educator for the company I work for (or pretty close to becoming one.) I will also never stop competing in competitions and WILL have a NAHA award one day.
Who are you most inspired by and why?
If I had to pick one person it would have to be Ian Michael Black- the hair that he produces and the color is just phenomenal! His work is beautiful and well executed- things I hope to achieve in the work I produce.
It also goes without saying that I am inspired by a lot of the artists that I follow on instagram (too many to name); I find inspiration every time someone posts their work- from a backstage glimpse at a NYFW show, to a photo shoot, to what someone did behind the chair for the day- I have to give credit where credit is due and I follow a lot of amazing people.
What was your reaction to finding out you were in the final 6?
I was at work when I called Rachel back (because of course I couldn’t wait until I got home) and I believe there was a lot of “Are you serious?!” followed by tears. Haha. Needless to say I had quite a few employees around me by the end of the call wanting to know what I was freaking out about. That was a good day.
Follow the journey of ALL the Cosmoprof Fashion Frenzy Finalists at: