The 2019 Intercoiffure (ICA) Fall Atelier Gala hosted at the New York Midtown Hilton, on Sunday, October 13th featured an inspiring presentation from Wella Professionals in partnership with Intercoiffure and top cosmetology schools across the nation.

Conceived by Wella Professionals to remind the salon industry that established talented hairdressers need to inspire the next generations. Like those before them, four talented young hairdressers were paired with two Intercoiffure members as their mentors. This ultimate mentorship experience culminated in a mainstage presentation at the legendary ICA Sunday Night Gala.

Aptly named Art Alchemy, the young talent team was comprised of Nikki Londene, current student at Hays Academy of Hair Design, Salina, KS; Emily Evans, current student at Ogle School of Hair and Beauty in Hurst, TX; Bryce Black, current student at Beau Monde Academy of Cosmetology in Portland, OR; and Briana Margarito, recent graduate of Bellus Academy in Oceanside, CA. Selected as their mentors were Diane Stevens, Nioxin Top Artist, CEO and Artistic Director of Cole Stevens Salon in Washington, DC and Michael Haase, Wella Professionals Top Artist and owner of Salon Platinum Black in Los Angeles.

“Being a mentor is so important to the future of our industry and I was honored to be chosen for this project,” said Stevens.

Haase added, “Mentoring is important because it is a commitment to the future of hairdressing.”

After months of workshopping and mentoring sessions, the team brought their concept together for more than 400 guests at the Sunday Night Gala. The “Connect and Communicate” presentation drew inspiration from the four elements of earth, air, fire and water.

In addition, the presentation also featured a call to action to the professional beauty industry to invest in mentoring the beauty school graduates of today. The future of the industry is in jeopardy due to the decrease in enrollment in beauty school and cosmetology licensing training. In an effort to transform preconceptions of careers, the team rallied attendees to embrace the “Make your Mark” campaign from Beauty Changes Lives to raise awareness of the career opportunities and income available to licensed beauty professionals.

“As beauty professionals, salon owners, manufacturers, we have a responsibility to act to protect the future of the industry” said Carole Protat, Wella Professionals Senior Creative Director. She added, “the biggest challenge that salons and spas are facing is the lack of interest from new and committed talent to join our industry. Get involved with your local high school, beauty school, vocational schools, and help us change the perception that becoming a hairdresser is not a valuable career.”

Nikki Londene was thankful for the opportunity and priceless mentorship as was in awe in response to the presentation. “This was an unforgettable experience, it’s almost overwhelming,” said Londene.
“I learned so much, from so many different techniques, what goes into avant-garde editorial work, what to look for at model calls, the list goes on and on. Not to mention the amazing people I got to work with, my mentors and my teammates have become like family to me. I’m so proud to be a part of this industry.”
“We are so proud of Nikki and her desire to grow in this industry. She has a burning passion to be successful in this field and wants to learn more. This was a trip of a lifetime for some in this industry, and we have been blessed to see several of our students be able to do things like this!” Len Melvin – Hays Academy of Hair Design

“The new generation of hairdressers is coming to the forefront, and it is our responsibility to teach, mentor and share our knowledge. As a company, we are committed to partnering with cosmetology schools across the country to offer mentorship opportunities like this,” commented Victoria Gallo, Wella School Program Director.

For more information on the Make Your Mark Campaign, please visit https://beautychangeslives.org/make-your-mark. For more information on the Wella School Program please visit http://wellaschoolprogram.com. For more information about Hays Academy of Hair Design visit https://haysacademy.edu.

To download images from the 2019 Intercoiffure Fall Atelier presentation please click here.