American Salon Stories

Candy Shaw Codner is the head of the Atlanta-based Jamison Shaw Hairdressers (salon) and founder of Sunlights Balayage, a new product line specifically formulated for Balayage highlighting. Nicknamed “The Balay Lama,” Candy is a renowned educator and celebrity stylist who also works behind the chair (with the aid of up to six assistants, she sees up to 35 clients per day!).  Listen in as Candy shares her passion and story with Gordon. 

Recorded Live at Luxury Brand Partners' Idealogue, NYC:  Pt 1. Panel discussion on "Instagram and the Barber Culture" with @juliuscaesar and @popular_nobody (John Mosley), moderated by Gordon Miller.  Julius is a leading Wahl educator; John is an educator with both Hartori Hanzo and Paul Mitchell. Pt 2. Lupe Voss, founder of Hair Color Magic and leading Aveda educator, on building your business with social media.

Oribe Hair Global Ambassador James Pecis is one of the leading voices in the world of editorial and runway hair. From Vogue Paris, American Vogue, British Vogue and W Magazine, James regularly collaborates with some of fashion's most innovative names.  As Orbibe’s Global Ambassador, James collaborates on new products, educational events and training, editorial shoots and fashion events around the world. 

Eric Taylor is the founder and CEO of Salon Republic, a game-changing salon suites organization offering private studio space to over 1,000 independent professionals in 12 locations across 3 states. Eric is also the host of the new YouTube-based video series (and podcast), The Hair Game.  Listen in for a far-ranging conversation on the rental space as well as the history of Erik's career in beauty. 

The founder, dean and co-owner of Paul Mitchell Schools, Winn Claybaugh is also the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and longtime host of the MASTERS Audio Club. In 2016,  American Salon named Winn one of the five “Industry Leaders Who Helped Revolutionize Education” in beauty.  In this episode, Winn shares both the story behind his rise to prominence and insights into creating both a successful business and career. 

Stephen Moody, Wella Professionals' Global Dean of Education is one of the most well-known and respected figures in the industry today.  With a career spanning over 30 years, Stephen oversees a global network of over 900 Wella educators while traveling the world in support of working professionals looking to be the very best they can be. Listen in as Stephen shares with Gordon the story of how he came to the industry - as well as some tremendous insights into succeeding in an increasingly competitive business landscape.

Keri Davis-Duffy is co-owner of the award winning, San Diego based Gila Rut Salons. She is also the founder of "Beauty Backbone - a new endeavor focused on helping other owners to succeed, in part, by "aligning beauty and business." One of the industry's most respected business educators, Keri connects with Gordon to dig into the big ideas behind her nearly 3 decades of building a successful salon culture and team.  

Nick Stenson is Artistic Director and celebrity stylist for Matrix Professional as well as Chief Artistic Director for ULTA Beauty's 1000+ salons.  One of the professional beauty industry's favorite artists and educators, Nick joins host Gordon Miller for a long overdue and free ranging conversation on a variety of inspiring and insightful topics.  

Ian Michael Black is Aveda's renowned Global Artistic Director, Hair Color.  A globe trotting master educator if ever there was one, Ian is a fashion focused, creative colorist committed to elevating the art and science of hair color. Listen in as Ian and Gordon discuss all things hair color related. 

Mark Bustos is a celebrity stylist, men's groomer, educator and artist who spends his Sundays inspiring others through his work around the world with those less fortunate. In this episode, Mark shares with host Gordon Miller his story as well as lessons learned along the way. 

Passion Squared’s Chief Awesomeness Empowerer, Nina Kovner, returns to the Podcast for a deep dive with Gordon into the big idea/trend of "influence" (and influencers) -and what both mean for salons and professionals.  A regular contributor to American Salon, and one of the most social and digital media savvy professionals we know, Nina shares her considerable insights into social and digital marketing as well some great recommended resources for our audience. 

Louisiana native and NYC transplant Sam Brocato has spent over 3 decades traveling the globe to share his experience and insights as one of the industry’s leading salon owners, hairdressers and product formulators.  The renowned artistic educator, author, motivational speaker and industry visionary's honors include NAHA Editorial Stylist of the Year and the NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award.  Sam shares insights from his lifetime of professional and personal experience with Gordon in an inspiring conversation. 

Antony joins Gordon for Part 2 of their conversation about driving success (this time focused on the big idea of “change”).  An internationally acclaimed, award-winning stylist turned salon owner turned educator, motivator, author and business coach, Antony Whitaker has shared best practices and big ideas on salon management, marketing, team-building, finance and retailing to audiences in more than 50 countries.  His best-selling, 4 volume series of books, Grow, is a must-have for every salon’s library. 

Charlie Price is one of the industry’s most recognizable faces – and voices.  His iconic performances as a platform artist and educator have been featured on stages around the world. The 2 time North American Hairstylist of the Year, and 1st ever NAHA People’s Choice award winner, has a career total of 25 NAHA nominations.  Charlie is regular behind-the-scenes at Fashion Week, working with a long list of both leading and up-and-coming designers.   In this episode, Charlie and Gordon discuss everything from beauty and fashion to career and business.

Internationally acclaimed educator, motivator, business coach and best-selling author Antony Whitaker shares his significant insights into creating career and business success.  Riffing off both his weekly  “Two Minute Salon Manager” YouTube videos and 4 part series of “Grow” books, Antony and Gordon have a conversation filled with big ideas for salons.   

A favorite career and business thought-leader/coach, Michael Cole is the founder of Summit Salon Business Center.  He is also a top global business educator for the L’Oreal Professional  Products Division  (which includes Redken, Pureology,  Matrix, L’Oreal Professionnel, and Essie).  In today’s episode, Michael digs deep into the whys and hows behind creating success using the power of social media in the salon. 

Jo Blackwell-Preston, owner of the renowned DopDop Salon in NYC,  is known around the world for her passion for the professional salon industry.  The renowned colorist is a L’Oreal Professionnel artist and educator who has been sharing her insights into color, the business of beauty and career development for over 30 years. Listen in as Jo shares her story, passions and learnings with Gordon. 

David Stanko is a top haircolor consultant for Redken 5th Avenue, author of Formula Boss™, and acclaimed colorist at Licari Cutler Salon, NYC.  Having developed, evaluated, launched and taught professional haircolor all around the world, David’s work has been featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, Glamour, In Style and other leading publications. He is also a  longtime contributor to AmericanSalon.com.  In this episode, David shares his wisdom in creating a great career in color. 

Johnny Ramirez and Anh Co Tran are owners of one of LA’s hottest spots for cut, color and style, the iconic Ramirez | Tran Salon.  Known throughout the professional beauty industry –and much of the consumer fashion world - for their trademark “lived-in” looks, Ramirez and Tran are also partners in the new Academy Ramirez | Tran.  Both are L’Oreal Professionel Ambassadors –and leaders in the social media beauty space.  In this weeks conversation, Johnny and Anh cover a far reaching list of topics – providing insights into what makes their trademark looks stand out, the keys to business partnership, social media best practices and much more. 

A 25-year beauty industry veteran, Daniel Kaner is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Oribe Hair Care. He is involved in virtually every aspect of the Oribe brand, from product development to education, packaging design to sales and marketing strategies. In this episode, Kaner discusses the importance behind creating memorable experiences, the big ideas behind doing so and offers some great advice on using experience to drive success.