By Terra Williams, Future Professional at THE TEMPLE
To say I was excited to receive the opportunity to work backstage for Paul Mitchell at the Fashion Focus hair show at the National Harbor is an understatement. I could not wait to see some of my favorite hair dressers such as Robert Cromeans, Julian Perlingiero, and Mary Cuomos in action. I knew it would be a memorable weekend and I was not disappointed.
From the moment I walked in that Saturday morning, I felt I was in a sacred place. In fact, I am sure many people recall me describing it like Disneyworld. It is truly something magical to be surrounded by a group of people who are so incredibly passionate about what they do.
Within a matter of hours, this group of stylists, educators, entrepreneurs, and future professionals turned a concrete floor into a full working clinic classroom with a complete color bar, dressing room, and style station. It was incredible. The strategy and game planning came together like a well-oiled machine and in no time beautiful everyday girls were being turned into models!
As everyone began to prep hair and makeup, I began to observe and truly learn. My lessons weren’t about color formulas or foiling, instead they were about teamwork, dedication, and humility. I observed a sense of camaraderie between extremely successful people that is often hard to find. They worked together seamlessly and with appreciation for each other’s talent and skills.
These stylists were excited about being able to show case the company and industry they love and it was infectious.
I can’t speak about other companies because I wasn’t in their backroom but I do know this, Paul Mitchell is a company that practices what it preaches. The professionals representing this brand embrace the culture of kindness, giving back, and humility. As a future professional, I knew my job was support for these big names and I was happy to do it. It was such a wonderful surprise to realize they valued my opinion and knowledge and much as they did one another’s. I was shampooing and cleaning bowls right next to some of the best in the industry.
From shampooing to rocking the stage, the stylists took
every opportunity to share their knowledge and to teach.
Many of them were Paul Mitchell national educators and it was easy to see why. Their enthusiasm was contagious and they were eager to share what they know. This, for me, was the best part of the whole weekend. I have a passion for education and being able to learn from my mentors one on one was amazing and very humbling.
My expectations for the weekend were exceeded! I know I didn’t stop smiling for three days. I loved every crazy, hectic, whirlwind minute of my behind the scenes adventure. It was so much more than I expected and I cannot wait to be a part of it again next year and for years to come. Hopefully, as a mentor to the next generation of future professionals!
