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America’s Salon Academy

America’s Salon Academy

By ColieOtzel

The Hair Industry! Life & Business Education. We discuss the person behind the success! We want to know their life story - from the beginning in their words! We talk about where they started, how they stay motivated and how they bring calmness into their life. Colie gets the guests to open up on a very personal level! You have NEVER heard a story like this before!
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EMILY BUFFI #8

America’s Salon AcademyAug 16, 2019

00:00
24:58
Adina Pignatare #32

Adina Pignatare #32

Adina started off loving the hair industry from a young age. She went to hair school right after high school in 2007. She became an Assistant at the salon she still works at in 2008, designers edge. As she got booked behind the chair her love for social media grew. Realizing that the hair industry has much more than doing hair behind the chair. Adina won the 2019 licensed to create best dimensional blonde by CosmoProf, 2nd year on the Colortrak crew, got on the BTC team in 2020 & became an educator!

Feb 05, 202120:08
MATT SWINNEY #31

MATT SWINNEY #31

How did Matt Swinney become who he is today?? Listen in so we can discuss life & Business!

The fusion of art, science, and creativity is the driving force behind Matt Swinney’s ambition and passion for the haircare industry.  A four-time North American Hairstyling Award (NAHA) winner, Matt took home trophies for 2017 NAHA for Hair Color of the Year and Salon Team of the Year.

Behind the Chair’s 2017 and 2019 #BIGSHOT award for his incendiary work in the Avant-Garde category. Matt has been highlighted as a Beauty Genius by Elle, and his work has been featured in American Salon, Modern Salon, Behindthechair.com, Estetica, Canadian Hairdresser, and trade publications worldwide. As Global Creative Director for L’ANZA, Matt collaborates with his fellow Creative Team to conceptualize and develop the L’ANZA Collections for the season.  He has led styling teams at New York Fashion Week for fashion heavyweights like HARBISON and Karigam, and regularly travels the globe inspiring stylists with his unique approach to cutting and coloring techniques. At home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Matt co-owns Evolution Hair Studio – the world’s first L’ANZA Healing Center, and 2017’s NAHA-award winning Salon Team of the Year.  Whether instructing a class or touching up a client behind the chair, Matt’s core philosophy remains the same:  Help everyone you touch reach their highest potential while striving to reach your own.

Sep 04, 202022:09
Vivienne Mackinder #30

Vivienne Mackinder #30

Vivienne Mackinder is one of the most highly respected international leaders and innovators in the hairdressing profession today. Vivienne is driven by her mission to continually hone her own artistry and creativity, and to uplift the spirit and image of the profession.

Currently based in the Hamptons, New York, Vivienne grew up in London, where she attended the London College of Fashion. Upon Graduating she immediately landed a position with Vidal Sassoon’s, eventually becoming his Artistic Director. Continuing to climb the ladder of success she became the Creative Director for international icon Trevor Sorbie. While based in London for Trevor, she travelled the world and eventually settled in the USA where she developed and represented the Sorbie Artistic team and product line.

Vivienne continues to be an in demand featured guest artist and educator for events worldwide. She divides her time between, teaching and presenting on and off camera, editorial shoots. Vivienne has designed hair collections for runway fashion collections in New York, London and Paris.

Producer and director of “I’m Not Just a Hairdresser” a Documentary film series designed to inspire new and seasoned hairdressers alike. The series includes “Legends,” featuring Vidal Sassoon and other industry greats “Empires”, a rag to riches story, “Stars Behind the Chair’, all about girl power, and “Discover Your Passion”.
DON’T MISS her advice or YOUR DISCOUNT CODE!
Aug 28, 202031:21
Jessica Goldstein #29

Jessica Goldstein #29

Jessica has been a lover of all things beauty since a very young age. She is best known for her lived in color and hair extension expertise. She is certified in Bellami hair extensions and has brought that knowledge to many stylists in her hometown of Atlanta. Jessica has a very well known clientele list that spans over a decade ( Sara Blakely, Casey Holmes, and Jessie James Decker to name a few).
Over the past 14 years, she has traveled all across the country doing hair for her high profile clients. In 2018 she opened her first salon, J Gold Salon @jgoldthesalon, in Atlanta, Ga. Jessica finds inspiration and a love for what she does through growing people - whether it be personally or professionally. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS HER ADVICE for people who want to do what she does!!
Aug 14, 202017:00
Jeremy Tardo #28

Jeremy Tardo #28

Jeremy Tardo is nothing short of impressive! He is a bicoastal hair colorist with The Wall Group and Benjamin Salon. He has celebrity clientele that includes Miley Cyrus, Jared Leto, The Dixie chicks and Florence and the machine. He has contributed to TOP publications like GQ, Rolling Stone, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire. If you have ever wondered how you can help frontliners during COVID-19 listen in!
Aug 06, 202024:27
Jerilynn Stephens #27

Jerilynn Stephens #27

Jerilynn Stephens is the hairstylist for THE VOICE, SHARK TANK and other top rated shows! She is a Guild award - winner and is 7X Emmy nominated!! She is also the author of the book “The Five “F” Word To Manifesting Your Life.” In this episode she tells us what those 5 F words are, and how to use them to get the career of your dreams!! Jerilynn also talks to us about the fears she had to overcome in order to gain control of her success!
Jun 25, 202023:45
Fern The #26

Fern The #26

Fern is an International Educator & Influencer, licenced in cosmetology and barbering.  He is the CEO of his own company- Knuckle Cutters Club. You can find him teaching his craft all around the world as a platform artist. He teaches students of hair, how to increase revenue by becoming more efficient behind the chair! In this episode, Colie and Fern discuss his life and business! He talks about how cars were his first passion and how to overcome your fears in this industry!! Fern also discusses what success means to him and how he found his!! Don't miss this episode!!!

Jun 18, 202029:00
Mustafa Avci #25

Mustafa Avci #25

Mustafa is known as the KING OF WAVES! He is also a Matrix Ambassador, salon owner, and the creator of Mustafa Avci Pro Tools! Mustafa talks to us about what it is like to have the coronavirus and his advice for hairdressers! We also discuss his life and what success means to him! He is a  ridiculously humble guy full of insight and knowledge for our industry.  He truly cares about the people! 

Jun 04, 202037:05
Briza Garcia #24

Briza Garcia #24

Briza Is a Hollywood based hairstylist who specializes in balayage, color corrections, and colorful color melting. She is also on the manic panic professional team as a pro ambassador. In this episode she talks about how being your full self has power!! Colie also gets a bonus astrology reading from Briza!! In the reading she talks about Kobe Bryant and the coronavirus. For inspiration and entertainment listen in!!
May 28, 202035:44
Ivan Zoot #23

Ivan Zoot #23

Ivan Zoot broke 3 Guinness World Hair cutting records, is a mentor and educator with over 30 years of experience! He is the author of 11 books and an inventor of beauty tools and hair cutting techniques. In this podcast he gives a very clear path on how you can reach success! He is a true business man that has a very different perspective on the beauty industry. Listen in to learn more!

May 14, 202033:20
ROBERT CROMEANS #22

ROBERT CROMEANS #22

Robert Cromeans is an ICON in our industry! He is the Global Artistic & Business Director of John Paul Mitchell Systems. He is also the proud owner of A Robert Cromeans Salon & Walkin Salon By Robert Cromeans.  He inspires hairdressers all over the world and has such an innovative way of teaching.  In this episode, he shares SO MUCH VALUABLE information about success, failures, and how to make the most out of the pandemic as a hairdresser/ business owner. Robert also shares a personal story about being robbed with a .357 when working through beauty school. TRUST US you don't want to miss this conversation!!!

May 01, 202045:51
DANIELLE KEASLING #21

DANIELLE KEASLING #21

Danielle Keasling, won North American Hairstylist Awards and 2018 and is one of the most passionate hairdressers today.  Admired for her passion, drive, and humble nature, Danielle's work is avidly followed by hairstylists, designers, models, photographers and can be found worldwide in print, on the runway, and throughout advertising campaigns.  Danielle's work can be seen in many consumers, fashion and trade magazines such as Instyle, Elle, Marie Claire, Harpers Bazaar, 10Ten, M Mag, Elegant, Dreamingless, Behindthechair.com, Modern Salon, American Salon, Estetica and Beauty Launchpad. We talk about what it takes to become "successful" in this industry and what advice she would give to anyone who wanted to do what she does!! 

Apr 24, 202024:39
CHITA BESEAU #20

CHITA BESEAU #20

CHITA BESEAU was a finalist on the TV SHOW American Beauty Star and finished in the TOP 3!! She has worked with celebrities such as Tori Spelling, Brie Bella and Cynthia Bailey. She is also in the HOT TOOLS HALL OF FAME!! In this episode she is honest and upfront about everything she’s gone through to get where she is today. CHITA gives advice on how to succeed and excel in this industry!!
Apr 10, 202028:13
ROCKY VITELLI #19

ROCKY VITELLI #19

Rocky is THE KING of hairdressing! He is a 4 time winner of The Canadian hair dresser of the year award. You’ve seen his work featured in magazines all over the world and in AD campaigns for Farouk Systems! On top of all that, he is ridiculously humble and so supportive of the next generation stylists!! Also, We discuss how the coronavirus will change our industry forever!! Don’t miss this one!
Mar 27, 202023:02
CHRISSY DANIELLE #18

CHRISSY DANIELLE #18

Crissy has been doing here for 14 years and specializes in blondes, balayage and hair extensions. She is a BTC team member and is the reason you see the blonde roadmaps all over Instagram!! We talk to her about LIFE & BUSINESS!!
Feb 07, 202021:03
BRADLEY TUGGLE #17

BRADLEY TUGGLE #17

Bradley is an on air personality for QVC, HSN and The Shopping Channel. He understands the art of hair and the importance of business! He is straightforward and transparent in this episode so listen in as we discuss Life & Business!
Jan 17, 202030:37
LEYSA CARRILLO #16

LEYSA CARRILLO #16

Leysa is the curly hair QUEEN, OK!! She is a vivid colorist and textured hair specialist!! She talks about being from Cuba and having to overcome some really tough obstacles! One of the first obstacles was to learn English! She talks about cleaning the floors of her dream salon, hoping to one day work as a stylist!! Amazing story and a great inspiration!! Listen in and be inspired!
Dec 27, 201928:10
YARA DE LA TORRE #15

YARA DE LA TORRE #15

Yara is an Educator, Salon Owner and an inspiration to all hairdressers!! She had an accident in April 2019 that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Her journey through life & the hair industry is like no other! Listen in to hear pure love for the business!!
Nov 29, 201932:33
RAVEN CAMACHO #14

RAVEN CAMACHO #14

Raven is a one of a kind, beautiful soul, & hard working boss! She certainly has one of the most beautiful salons in Texas! In this episode we discuss life, balance, family and fears! She will definitely inspire your journey and help fill your head with positivity!!
Nov 22, 201922:28
November 19, 2019

November 19, 2019

Nov 19, 201900:29
JASON SCHNEIDMAN #13

JASON SCHNEIDMAN #13

Jason is ONE OF A KIND! He believes in order to keep his sobriety he has to give it away!! Listen in as he talks about his mission to help the homeless and how he grew his client list to includes all the leading men in Hollywood! He learned how to get guys camera ready and that’s where he coined the name “The Men’s Groomer”
Nov 01, 201924:58
BRIANA CISNEROS #12

BRIANA CISNEROS #12

Briana talks about how to grow and learn as a hairdresser. Her and Colie discuss what it means to not give into fear - well actually - how to dance with it!! Briana talks about her education workshop, Evolve and how you can get involved!!
Oct 25, 201934:13
Choose A Place Of Peace

Choose A Place Of Peace

Everyone does their best with what they know at the time. You can choose a place of peace but not letting the negativity on the outside get on the inside!!
Oct 25, 201902:18
MIKEY TEEZE #11

MIKEY TEEZE #11

Mikey Teeze like you’ve never heard him before! He gets real about what is means to be a leader and how he got started in the industry! He talks about how his past lead him into his future! Listen in to find out more about his LA Salon and future hair Academy!
Oct 11, 201937:48
Small Choices For Living a BIG Life!

Small Choices For Living a BIG Life!

In this episode Colie talks about her everyday small choices and how they continue to help her stay mentally strong. You can make adjustments in the choices you choose every day and change your life!!
Oct 04, 201903:52
ROLANDO AQUI #10

ROLANDO AQUI #10

From garage haircuts to a private New York Fashion Week team! Rolando is a down to earth, extremely talented guy! He explains to us the discipline it takes to win in this industry! What an amazing episode!
Sep 20, 201923:57
The Right Friendship Opportunity

The Right Friendship Opportunity

Are you just dealing with people in your life or are they your real FRIENDS? So many times we are friends with people because we think we have to be. Drop the weight and make room for honest Friendship! It’s always pays off!
Sep 20, 201903:42
Grace & Balance within Business & Life

Grace & Balance within Business & Life

In this episode we talk about how have grace while maintaining balance between family & business!! This episode is packed with value! Don’t sleep on this one!
Aug 23, 201911:33
HEATHER MACKENZIE #9

HEATHER MACKENZIE #9

Heather Mackenzie is the real deal hairdresser. She is one of the first UK artists on the Pulp Riot Squad! We discuss Life, Business, social media and how to overcome fear! You’ll love this episode!
Aug 23, 201926:51
EMILY BUFFI #8

EMILY BUFFI #8

Emily Buffi is a nature enthusiast and a badass updo stylist. We talk about her life before hair and what we can expect from her in the future!
Aug 16, 201924:58
Your past is what you did, not who you are!

Your past is what you did, not who you are!

When you know better, you’ll do better! The actions you have taken do not define you!
Aug 15, 201903:13
ANDREW CARRUTHERS #7

ANDREW CARRUTHERS #7

Andrew is the Education Director for the Sam Villa team! We talk about Pizza, Beer, Yoga and West Coast vs East Coast vibe! He describes how he got started in the hair game and who helped him along the way!
Jul 26, 201946:57
Anxiety & Fear

Anxiety & Fear

Getting through anxiety and fear is tough. I think you’ll appreciate this conversation if you need a little push!
Jul 25, 201906:53
J LADNER #6

J LADNER #6

J Ladner opens up about his family and how they influenced his choices and thoughts. Who you surround yourself with is who you will become, so choose wisely! We discuss the emotional side of beauty and where his next classes will be!
Jul 12, 201943:46
Discipline Your Disappointment

Discipline Your Disappointment

Life is not a straight line. Nothing will ever be perfect all the time. Do not let people get inside your mind and throw your mission off track. Learn to discipline your disappointment.
Jul 11, 201903:39
LARISA LOVE #5

LARISA LOVE #5

Larisa Love talks to Colie about her personal life , branding yourself online, her apron line and her love for inspiring others! As you know she is a POWERHOUSE! Listen closely to her tips about the beauty industry!
Jul 05, 201937:08
Love Your Family, Choose Your Peers!

Love Your Family, Choose Your Peers!

Who you are around is who you become! Choose people who challenge you be be better. Choose people who help you grow outside of your comfort zone.
Jul 04, 201904:27
LAURA CONROY #4

LAURA CONROY #4

Laura Conroy is a true New York Queen! You can find her BTS at New York Fashion week, or doing hair for celebrities on the Jersey Shore TV show! She is one of a kind! Listen to learn how she is giving back to her community and all the exciting jobs she’s worked!
Jun 28, 201938:33
Your Thoughts Matter

Your Thoughts Matter

Allow yourself freedom of mind. Believe in yourself and remember YOU MATTER!
Jun 26, 201904:40
GINA BIANCA #3

GINA BIANCA #3

GINA BIANCA is a no bullshit kind of girl! She talks about her mentors, social media, what it’s like to be a salon owner and future education!! This girl is a BOSS!
Jun 21, 201943:51
What is Success?

What is Success?

In this episode, Colie discusses what success is!
Jun 19, 201903:19
WALLAS BARLOW #2

WALLAS BARLOW #2

Learn about Wallace Barlow and how he grew up to become a HAIR ROCKSTAR! We talk about his mentors, what he does before EVERY show and how he feels about the industry today!
Jun 14, 201953:53
ASA Life & Business #1

ASA Life & Business #1

The heart of America’s Salon Academy, is our podcast! Throughout this journey you will learn who the people on stage truly are and why they started doing hair in the first place! Colie will take you through the ups and downs of the leaders in the hair industry! Be ready to get inspired!!
May 19, 201901:41