ICA Podcast 9 – Kati Whitledge
Today’s guest is an entrepreneur, professional speaker, and author. She started three beauty industry businesses, wrote her first eBook, and has presented nationwide all before the age of thirty-five. Kati Whitledge joins ICA President, Sheila Zaricor-Wilson as they talk about the value of her team environment and the difference marketing has made in her business.
Empower yourself with actionable insights and strategic foresight to propel your salon business to new heights of success. Embrace continuous learning and adaptability as catalysts for sustainable growth in a dynamic industry landscape. By crafting a narrative that highlights the practical benefits and actionable insights derived from the learning content, you can effectively market the outlined strategies to potential participants or business stakeholders.
Participants can expect to:
The salon industry is in the early stages of a coming technological (r)evolution, with AI at its core. Over the next few years, salons that are forward-thinking and embrace change could be transformed in several key areas, significantly enhancing their business operations, marketing efforts, and the service experiences they provide to clients. Gordon Miller, a leading voice in AI for our industry, will update us on this fast-moving technology – including where it will likely take us over the next 5-10 years.
Bonus:Gordon will facilitate an ICA Owner Panel discussing how AI is beginning to be integrated into their day-to-day business – and how AI impacts future opportunities for those willing to embrace leading-edge technologies-- today. Panelists: Sam Brocato; Michaela Blissett-Williams, Shelia Wilson
Curls, coils or waves. When it comes to perming hair, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around. That’s why Lisa Vann will be showing off some of her creative perming techniques that she has been using behind the chair. This is something every salon professional should know about. Her signature way at looking at hair cuts then creating the perfect texture with innovative technique’s will be shown for the first time on the intercoiffure stage.
4 techniques will be demonstrated for you live on stage with a modern finished outcome. Don’t miss out of this new introduction to permanent waving.
Stef Fox is a passionate beauty industry advocate and 3x beauty business owner. Her career has spanned 20+ years in beauty ranging from executive roles with large brands like Aveda and Phorest Salon Software to her beauty tech startup, Matchable™. Stefanie was an award-winning salon owner before her business sale in 2020 and is now an entrepreneur working to solve the salon industry’s recruiting challenges through her two sister brands, Talent Match™ and Matchable™.
Stefanie works with salons across North America to support them in building strong recruiting processes through education, consulting, and software. Stefanie is often referred to as a “data nerd” and is well known as a keynote speaker on the subjects of her beauty workforce data, salon recruiting, and leadership innovation. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her two young sons and spends her free time hanging with her boys, reading books, or enjoying the lake.
Kathleen's presentation style is fun and approachable, and she has the ability to make complex subjects easy to understand. You will walk away with a practical to-do list that complements the culture of your salon and will help grow your business.
Kathleen Turpel is the owner of the award-winning Imaginal Marketing Group, an agency that specializes in the fashion and beauty industries. Among her clients are some of the top salons and spas in the world. Prior to Imaginal, she worked as a marketing executive for a Pulitzer Prize-winning, Fortune 500 media company and for Neill Corporation, one of Aveda’s distributors. Kathleen has spoken at industry conferences including Serious Business, iSPA and PBA.
Daniel Johnson is the founder of the Green Beauty Community, an initiative promoting sustainable practices in the beauty industry. Passionate about eco-friendly solutions, Daniel advocates for a more environmentally conscious approach in salons and beyond. In addition to leading The GBC, he owns The Salon Chair Guys, where his expertise in salon equipment repair and restoration shines. Daniel is also the author of a comprehensive manual on restoring Koken barber chairs, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability.
Join us in our mission to make sustainable beauty the new standard.
The Green Beauty Community is a vibrant, inclusive platform dedicated to connecting individuals and brands who share a passion for sustainable beauty. We strive to inspire, educate, and empower our members to make informed choices that celebrate beauty while respecting our planet.
After working in insurance for Metlife, and then as a stylist in New York City and Cleveland, Angie served as a senior regional manager for L’Oreal Professionnel for 7 years. After coaching million dollar salons, Angie opened and ran VANITYLAB, the award winning, 13 chair salon for 12 years. The salon won national and local awards to include “Coolest Places in Cleveland”, “Best of the West”, Best Salon, Best Stylist and more. The salon was featured on NBC for styling tips, in the customer service book, “Rules of Woo” and in print several times in industry publications, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland Magazine.
Angie has been on the board of directors for Girls with Sole, YWCA and Key Bank; women owned businesses. Angie also started a local salon network, Velvet Rope Salons where salons met to discuss business and fundraising together.
Currently as the Director of Business & Sales Training for Davines based out of New York and Parma, Italy, Angie enjoys spreading the sustainable beauty and business message worldwide.
The passion for helping salons profit runs deep with the salon facing Sustainable Business program Angie built; by salons, for salons. She and her 30+ business coaches help salons worldwide to be their best with private coaching, Business Gathering events, online and in-salon seminars.
Angie developed and heads up the Davines Sales Academy to help Davines distributors and sales consultants to successfully learn and represent Davines to the fullest. From E-Learning, virtual and in-person events, the Davines Sales Academy helps our sales teams represent Davines better, faster, happier.
Dawn Graeter, President and CEO of Southern Security Federal Credit Union is an extremely accomplished, trailblazing finance executive who has led Southern Security to triple-digit growth since she took the helm in 2011. As one of the few female bank CEOs in the Greater Memphis area, Dawn has over 35 years in the finance and banking industry and has held almost every position there is as she worked her way from teller to CEO.
Dawn’s focus on the foundational pillars of people, community, and technology have ignited record-breaking results year after year and includes specific efforts for teamwork-building, employee relations, a genuine grassroots community outreach effort, and adopting technology solutions to provide greater functionality and service to customers. These efforts have increased the Southern Security full-time workforce by 37 percent and increased the annual net income of Southern Security by 127 percent poising Southern Security for even greater growth in the future. Dawn’s successes have not gone unnoticed as she was voted one of Power Poll Memphis’ Most Power People in 2023 and named a Superwoman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal in 2012. Also, named University of Memphis Outstanding Alumna in 2019. Dawn and her team are proud that Southern Security has been named Best Credit Union by the readers of the Commercial Appeal for six years running.
Dawn works tirelessly to support professional and community organizations close to the industry and community she loves. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Confluent Strategies, which specializes in consumer credit, commercial and mortgage credit reporting, background checks, employment screenings and association management. She also serves on the board for the Tennessee Credit Union League whose mission is to promote and support the success and advancement of credit unions in the State of Tennessee. Dawn correspondingly serves on the board for Share One which serves credit unions across the country with a comprehensive core processing system named New Solutions. As a credit union service organization (CUSO), Share One designed New Solutions directly alongside credit union clients.
Recently, Dawn was asked to serve on the Le Bonheur National Leadership Council, on the Youth Program’s Inc. Captain’s Club, charitable foundation and host organization of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and the Board of Carnival Memphis, all benefiting local children and children’s charities.
Dawn previously served as chairman of the board for HopeWorks, an organization that offers jobs and support to the under-resourced and recently incarcerated working in conjunction with the Shelby County Department of Corrections Hope 2 Hire program. Her work with HopeWorks is what she is most proud of, helping train adults for vocational careers and life outside of the Department of Corrections system. Dawn has a real drive to help adults help themselves, to be able to provide for their families, and find a skill or career they are proud of every day.
Dawn has served on various nonprofit boards over the years including Leadership Millington, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-South American Heart Association’s Executive Leadership Team. Dawn also served at the Greenshoe Gala, benefitting Shelby Farms.
Dawn gives back to her alma matter, the University of Memphis as she is serving as an Executive in Residence for the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, on the 901 Women’s Athletic Advisory Board, has served as a member of the University of Memphis Alumni Association from 2000-2003, serving as treasurer from 2002-2003. She continued her service as the University of Memphis Alumni Association President from 2004-2005 while also being a member of the Board of Visitors for the U of M. Dawn was a participant in the U of M Women’s Leadership Council and was chairman for Homecoming Golf Classic for the Alumni Association.
Southern Security Federal Credit Union and its employees support Mid-South Employee Resource Network, Big Brothers Big Sister of the Mid-South, Youth Villages, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, YWCA, American Heart Association, Keesha Warrior Princess, Collierville Education Foundation and many other local charities through monetary donations and volunteer efforts.
Georgina Davis has been licensed for over 30 years as a Cosmetologist and over 25 years as a licensed Cosmetology Instructor and dual licensed in South Carolina. She has taught at a college and high school level, starting the first high school program that offers a Chemistry credit for Cosmetology. She also brings the experience of owner/mentor of Cosmetology Education Group, specializing in online learning for students and licensed professionals for the past 11 years. Georgina sits on various task forces and advisory boards to provide knowledge about the industry. Educational opportunities have included editorial work with Milady, PSI Proctor Testing, State exam writing/referencing for Experior and PSI, Sexual Harassment classes for ABS in Chicago and public speaking events.
Karen Gordon is the president of Karen Gordon Hair Loss Solutions. She has been a licensed cosmetologist for 40+ years and is a Hair Color Specialist and Certified Trichologist, WTS. Karen has a Master’s Degree in Applied Business from De Paul University.
Karen is extremely active in both the hairdressing and trichology communities. She is a past- president of Cosmetologists Chicago (CC), a non-profit trade association with more than 8,000 members. They own and produce America’s Beauty Show (ABS), one of the country’s largest shows for licensed hairdressers, barbers, estheticians, and nail professionals. Karen has been an educator at ABS for more than 10 years, attracting large crowds as she speaks on business practices and trichology.
Karen is also a member of Intercoiffure America/Canada, the North American chapter of one the world’s most prestigious hairdressing organizations, based in Paris. She has served two terms on the board of directors. In 2022 she was awarded the Ordre of the Chevalier at an award ceremony in Paris for her contributions to Intercoiffure. She is a regular presenter at their ateliers on the topics of hair loss and trichology.
As a leading trichologist in the United States, Karen has served on the advisory board of the World Trichology Society as the Director of Cosmetology, USA. Her goal is to be the liaison between trichology and the hairdressing world. She does four presentations a year for their members on different topics relating to scalp disorders and hair loss and has been a featured speaker at two of their world conferences.
Karen is a past board member of the International Association of Trichologists (IAT).
She was the co-creator of the Hair+ Summit, produced by Modern Salon magazine.
She is the Education Lead for Takara Belmont’s Yume Head Spa division, training and certifying hairdressers in Japanese head spa techniques.
In 2023, Karen was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Midwest Hairstyling Awards for her contributions to the industry.
ANDREW LY HAIR STYLIST OF THE YEAR NOMINATION @ CAFA 2019 AWARD CAFA was created to celebrate outstanding achievement and emerging talent in the Canadian fashion industry. Mandated to grow a stronger appreciation of Canadian talent both at home and abroad, the goal of CAFA as a national platform is to foster the next generation of Canadian talent through an annual awards show and year-round economic development initiatives.
CAFA will host its sixth annual red-carpet Awards Gala on Thursday, May 30th, 2019 – a unique evening that unite Canadian talent and fashion leaders from all over the world. Honouring established and emerging designers, models, image makers, stylists, beauty artists and influencers, the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards has established itself as a premier event in the Canadian fashion industry.
The Hair Artist of the Year Award will be presented to an innovative Canadian hair artist who is emerging as a true creative force in the fashion industry.
Anthony Cole is a Top Artist for the Wella Company. Anthony’s work has been featured in many leading industry magazines such as: Behind the Chair, Modern Salon, American Salon, and Estetica. As well as being a recognized force in the hair industry, Anthony’s work has also been featured in Editorial magazines such as: Elle America, Elle Shanghai, Vogue America, Vogue Russia, Vogue Italia, inStyle, Bazaar and including a cover for New Beauty magazine and two covers of top beauty magazines in Russia.
When he is not leading fashion weeks for New York, Paris and Milan, Anthony generously shares his knowledge and inspires stylists with in-salon education classes for the Wella Company.
Expert Stylist: Michelangelo Salon in Rockville Center, NY
Nicole Revish, a Top Artist for Wella, is a standout colorist, designer and successful salon owner. Known for her transformationational results and expansive experience across the industry, Nicole specializes in curly & coily hair, textured hair, editorial looks and styling. She has been a featured platform artist at the Behind the Chair Show as well as at Intercoiffure America Canada on behalf of The Wella Company.
Nicole has enjoyed commercial success with her work on Mariah Carey, Elle Varner, Paul Sorvino, Malinda Williams, Wanya Morris, Cyn Santana (VH1's Love & Hip Hop), Mel Jackson, The Oprah Winfrey Show and on Jeopardy! Nicole has collaborated with celebrity stylists Frederic Fekkai and Andy LeCompte, and she is most passionate about educating and mentoring fellow hairstylists.
Salon Owner: Nicole Revish Salon & Beauty, Columbus OH
Angie Bullman is continually recognized industry-wide for her creativity and knowledge. Together with her husband, Douglas, she founded the highly successful Salon de la Vie in 2004. Located just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, the salon is known for its style excellence, educational leadership, and it's warm, elevating environment for clients and team members alike.
In addition to her lifelong commitment to the latest hair design trends, Angie is passionate about empowering young women to be financially autonomous in this dynamic industry and has launched the successful careers of many stylists. Indeed, in the coming year, she will officially launch the Salon de la Vie Academy, helping salon owners amp up foundational hair cutting and business development skills for their young stylists.
She has served the industry proudly for 40 years, both behind the chair and in a wide range of educational settings. Angie has been a part of the Intercoiffure organization and attended Intercoiffure shows throughout her career. Angie has been a proud member of Intercoiffure since 2018.
Lisa Houser brings a wealth of experience and passion to the world of hairdressing. Licensed since 1987 and trained under renowned stylist Rene Spagnola at Peter's Place in New York, Her journey took her to Washington state in 1993. Recognizing the need for a salon that embodied her vision, she opened Utopia Salon in 2004.
Her dedication extends beyond flawless cuts and styles. She believes in fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence in her clients. Her approach focuses on the whole person, ensuring that inner well-being shines through outward beauty.
She is equally passionate about cultivating her team. She fosters an environment that supports professional and personal development, guiding stylists in areas like finance, health, and self-growth.
Lisa recognizes the transformative power of hairstyling. She believes that beauty professionals have a unique ability to positively impact the self-image and confidence of their clients. Through careful consultation and quality services, she and her team empower individuals to become the best versions of themselves.
Experience Lisa's inspiring approach firsthand at the Fall Atelier. Witness her commitment to both artistry and client empowerment.
Kindsay is a seasoned beauty professional with over 16 years of experience, initially focusing on color in her career but later recognizing the essential role cutting plays in enhancing clients' dream colors. She refined her cutting skills to achieve a perfect harmony between color and cut, incorporating innovative techniques such as using a calligraphy pen.
Five years ago, Kindsay founded her salon, where she prioritized cutting as she developed her team to ensure they possess top-notch skills for their clients. Emphasizing education for growth, she is dedicated to elevating her team's success and contributing to industry advancements. Kindsay fosters a community of value, innovation, and excellence through ongoing improvement, empowering others in the industry. By collaborating with local and global salons, she cultivates a culture of continuous learning and growth with others.
Inge has been involved in salons since she was 15 years old, starting with an apprenticeship at Bundy and Bundy Salon in Austria. Wanting to see the world and learn English, Inge moved to the United States at 22 and founded Coiffeur Inga Salon (now Salon Inga) in 1988. Then in 2015, the Salon Inga’ brand expanded to include The Barbershop by Salon Inga, a modern concept in men’s hair care.
Inge is motivated by providing superior customer service to her clients through continuous education for her team but also herself as well. One thing she is especially fond of in the salon is hair cutting which includes being a certified Calligraphy Cut Stylist.
Additional education roles include: Regional Education Director for Florida with TIGI for 16 years. Implementation of the Associate Training Program at Salon Inga' which serves as an extensive training program for incoming stylists or recent graduates. And to extend beyond the salon- her Signature Highlight Education program was launched this past year.
Her involvement in the industry includes being a member of Intercoiffure America/Canada for over 25 years where she also has served on the Board and as Secretary. Inge is also the US Ambassador for Education for Life for Intercoiffure Mondial. And has received the Knight Award, Officer Award & Cheena O'Searo Award within Intercoiffure.
Inspirations & Motivations: Ever changing trends, our Youth, Health & Fitness, Mentorship & Teamwork
Diane Cole Stevens has interchangeable roles as creative stylist, top educator, business entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Diane’s impeccable reputation for hair artistry and academician approach to the study of hair texture have revolutionized the cutting and shaping of hair. Armed with a business degree and years of professional hair care, business management and marketing experience, Diane used her savvy business acumen to create two of metropolitan Washington’s most highly sought beauty destinations. Her expertise also offers effective salon management, marketing best practices, revenue growth and profitability and work-life balance instruction to salon owners and stylists throughout the United States and abroad.
Diane Cole Stevens is Owner and Creative Director of Cole Stevens Salon-Greenbelt, MD and Washington DC. Cole Stevens Salon is currently featured in Essence Magazine as one of the Top 30 Salons in the world. Cole Stevens Salon is an A-Member of Intercoiffure North America/Canada and Diane is a Board Member of Intercoiffure North America/Canada. Intercoiffure is comprised of the top 1% of salons in the world.
Diane is Founder and CEO of The Cinderella Foundation a non-profit that (1) inspires and mentors young girls (age 12-17) in the Washington Metropolitan Area through reading, life skills, etiquette and communication skills and (2) provides cosmetology training to women in Sierra Leone, West Africa to create economic opportunity to support their families.
She’s been featured in USA Today, Bill Clintons's Book 'Giving', Salon Today Magazine, JET Magazine, The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Essence Magazine and has appeared on Fox Live, Fox 5, Voices of America, ABC 7 News, News Channel 8, served as Commissioner of Prince George’s County Commission for Women for 4 years and was awarded 'Most Inspirational' at Wella Connect 2017 in Los Angeles.
Frédéric Fekkai renowned celebrity hairstylist and entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Born and raised in Aix en Provence and trained in Paris, Frédéric Fekkai’s French heritage informed his signature aesthetic from an early age. Soon after arriving in New York in 1989, Frédéric Fekkai established himself as a tour de force. With the opening of his first salon atop New York City’s prestigious Bergdorf Goodman, he transformed the salon into a holistic beauty experience and changed how women were treated – and indulged. Today, the FEKKAI salon at the Mark Hotel remains the soul of the brand – the experience Frédéric imagined 35 years ago.
You will hear and learn new innovative solutions to achieve ultimate success with haircolor formulation and techniques. The Color Council will share 'in vogue' ideas and methods you can immediately implement in your salon. This includes mastering advanced color formulations, understanding industry trends and utilizing modern tools and technology. Adopting these innovative approaches can enhance your salon's services, attract more clients and ensure exceptional results.
These three exceptional educators and haircolor artists have a global presence and are undoubtedly at the pinnacle of the Haircolor World. Their foundational education and presentation delivery are not to be missed.
You will hear and learn new innovative solutions to achieve ultimate success with haircolor formulation and techniques. The Color Council will share 'in vogue' ideas and methods you can immediately implement in your salon. This includes mastering advanced color formulations, understanding industry trends and utilizing modern tools and technology. Adopting these innovative approaches can enhance your salon's services, attract more clients and ensure exceptional results.
These three exceptional educators and haircolor artists have a global presence and are undoubtedly at the pinnacle of the Haircolor World. Their foundational education and presentation delivery are not to be missed.
You will hear and learn new innovative solutions to achieve ultimate success with haircolor formulation and techniques. The Color Council will share 'in vogue' ideas and methods you can immediately implement in your salon. This includes mastering advanced color formulations, understanding industry trends and utilizing modern tools and technology. Adopting these innovative approaches can enhance your salon's services, attract more clients and ensure exceptional results.
These three exceptional educators and haircolor artists have a global presence and are undoubtedly at the pinnacle of the Haircolor World. Their foundational education and presentation delivery are not to be missed.
