ICA’s Spring Gathering Inspires, Educates and Motivates

ICA members just experienced their first-ever Spring Gathering in Canada on May 5-6. 

Anna Pacitto, ICA Artistic Director, welcomed members to her hometown of Montreal for a weekend of inspiring presentations, education and networking with peers.

Presentation by SACO, with Richard Ashforth and Aldo Furfaro.

Best of Business

On Sunday, attendees immersed themselves in business education after being welcomed by ICA President Sheila Wilson.

“The first ICA event to be held in Canada was nothing less than magical,” said Wilson of the event.” Montréal was as inspiring as the presentations on the stage, and the connection between the attendees and the relevant information that spoke to the challenges we face in our businesses created one of our best Gatherings ever.”

And the business education was second to none. 

Pepper Pastor, founder of Purpose & Policy, kicked it off with a presentation on “Beauty and Beyond,” helping owners develop flexibility for themselves and their businesses.

“As leaders, we need to embrace change and be aware of how it affects others,” she told ICA members. “When we develop ourselves, we can hold space for others to make mistakes and develop their skills. Adaptive leadership is a way of being, it’s who you are, not something you do.”

Beauty Business Profit Coach Ronit Enos continued the business conversation in her segment on “Profit First,” where she emphasized the power of adopting a money mindset.

And Stef Fox, industry thought leader and founder of Matchable, rounded out the business education with advice and tips on how to grow your business five times in five years or less. 

Making an Impact

To honor the entrepreneurial spirit that burns inside every salon owner, ICA hosted an “Impact” panel at Spring Gathering this year. 

The panel focused on the professional journeys of three entrepreneurs: Frederic Fekkai, Roger Azadganan and Greg Starkman, and was moderated by Sam Brocato.Each of these leaders shared how they created growth and success for their companies, how they stay inspired and where they look for opportunities. 

“These three trailblazing entrepreneurs in the beauty industry shared their remarkable journeys to success,” said Brocato. “From the lessons they learned along the way to the strategies that have fueled their companies’ growth, the panel was a valuable source of inspiration and insight for our ICA members.” 

Kathleen Turpel, founder of Imaginal Marketing Group, presented new marketing methods in search marketing, artificial intelligence and social media.

“These tools will make a major impact on how salons attract new guests and stylists,” Turpel said. “Some can even save salons thousands of dollars.”

Style with Substance

ICA Artistic Director Anna Pacitto with a model on stage at Spring Gathering in Montreal.

It wouldn’t be an ICA event without exceptional hair and style inspiration.

ICA Artistic Director Anna Pacitto presented her collection, Audace, and shared the inspiration behind it.

“Audace conveys a sense of daring and boldness, but is eternally classic with courage in expressing oneself through distinctive, and sometimes unconventional, beauty choices,” she says. “It suggests pushing boundaries, embracing unique styles, and being adventurous in one’s approach to beauty and fashion.” 

Pacitto continued, ‘Audace encourages individuals to break free from traditional norms to explore new, creative ways to showcase their personal style with confidence and flair, yet never forgetting that the main objective is to create beauty in its purest form.”

Award-winning hair artist, global Oribe brand ambassador, and freelance beauty and art director, Andrew Ly also presented, paying homage to Oribe Canales, Grace Jones and Philip Treacy. 

“No matter the material or the shape, my job is to help elevate a look and an image,” he said. “Pushing our creative boundaries to see things outside of the box is such an important practice as it makes us better at what we do.”

ICA President Sheila Wilson and ICA board members in Montreal.

Members also had ample opportunity to network throughout the event at brunches and lunches. They were also treated to a Rouge et Blanc themed evening featuring cocktails at Pacitto’s salon, PURE, and food, entertainment and a presentation. 

Save the date for ICA’s Fall Atelier September 29 and 30 in New York City. Not a member yet? Learn more about ICA membership and its events here.