How long have you been in professional beauty?

23 years…time flies when you love what you do!

What was your first job in professional beauty?

My very first job…I was a hairstylist for Regis salons in Fayetteville, NY

What’s so great about professional beauty and why?

It’s such a creative industry filled with inspiring people. It’s never dull and there is always something new going on.

What one trait do all successfully awesome stylists share?

They love to learn, they are comfortable in their own skin and they never give up!

What does your day-to-day look like as an Assistant VP of Education?

LOL! Everyday is so different. One day I am working with our amazing marketing teams developing strategies. The next, I could be testing products at the academy and writing education curriculum. The day after that I could be in another state or at a photo shoot. It’s never, EVER boring!

I’m somebody who wants to do your job. What’s the most important thing to know?

You have to be flexible with and ability to multi-task. It’s also very important that you are willing to listen other people’s opinions. Every one has a right to speak and everyone’s opinion is valid. The best ideas are born this way.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

It’s easy to stay motivated when you collaborate, and surround yourself with, motivated people. I love it!

What makes professional education interesting to a working stylist? Is it necessary?

In order to be interesting we have to make it interesting! We have to identify their needs and then address those needs. We also have to inspire them creatively. Education is absolutely vital to keeping stylists motivated and helping them to be successful. From proper usage of product, to cutting and styling techniques, to improving business skills, I really believe that the most successful stylists take full advantage of all the educational opportunities available to them.

Who is the greatest style icon of all time and why? Male and Female.

As far as men are concerned, I would have to stay current and choose Tom Ford for his beautifully crafted clothes and his own flawless personal style.

In regards to women, I’ll reach back a bit. I grew up in the Madonna era. She had such an influence on the fashion and hair industries…and she’s still going strong. I have such fond memories of being in beauty school and recreating her look on my family and friends.

Los Angeles or New York?

I love both cities so much for different reasons. I grew up in upstate NY, my parent’s still live in the same house I grew up in and it’s such fun to be a train ride away from my family. I currently live in Manhattan and the city has so much to offer from museums to shopping to amazing neighborhoods. There is so much history and some of the best restaurants in the world.

I love LA too! I moved there with Wella in 2001 and had a one year contract. I thought when the year was up I would move back to the east coast. I stayed for 12 more years and truly LOVED it. It’s the opposite of NYC. You have sun, mountains, beaches and the ocean. I have my closest friends that still live there, so I return often. I could never choose one city over the other, though.

I’ve heard that Tequila and Fresca can help a guy unwind. Is this true?

YES it can! I love this drink, it taste like a light margarita, with less calories.

[box] What is that you say? This may be The Hair Nerd’s new drink of choice… Only show season will tell..[/box]

Personal Motto?

“It is what it is” and “That which does not kill us makes us stronger!”

Matrix product you can’t live without.

For hair color I can not live without COLORINSIDER. For hair care I love Biolage Cooling Mint Shampoo and for styling I love our Biolage Blow-in Control, shape memory cream and Pliable Paste, Matte Texturizer.