The Lasting Legacy of ICA’s Sheila Wilson and Anna Pacitto

In 2019, when Sheila Wilson started her first term as Intercoiffure America Canada’s president, she had no idea she would be leading the organization through a global pandemic.

But within months, Wilson and ICA Artistic Director Anna Pacitto found themselves in uncharted territory, figuring out how to host an event virtually to keep members inspired and engaged. 

Pacitto works on a model on stage at Fall Atelier 2024.

Pacitto’s Passion 

“In 2020 we streamed Atelier to 32 countries,” Wilson says. “Anna had a green screen, and worked on all the models, one at a time, in her house. We had 5,000 people click in partially or completely over the two days of presentations at our virtual Atelier.”  

Then, in 2021, Pacitto traveled to Davines headquarters in Italy to create an ICA collection with her manufacturer partner.

“We kept the world connected, and Anna was a key part of that,” Wilson says. “The energy and support we received from Anna and Davines will never be forgotten.”

Wilson adds, “Anna was consistent in bringing us work you could use in a salon. Often, we have an artistic director who is more editorial—Anna was the perfect blend of both.”

Pacitto’s inspiring work featured techniques ICA members could emulate and profit from in the salon. And she brought the first ICA event to Canada, holding the 2024 Spring Atelier in her hometown of Montreal.

“Her delivery of passion, creativity, love of the industry, and her willingness  to share everything she’s got is rare,” Wilson adds. 

Sheila Wilson, ICA President (2019 – 2024)

Wilson’s Legacy Brings in New Generations

Wilson has also left a lasting impression on ICA members, in particular through her dedication to educating schools and students about ICA. 

“I quickly realized schools, teachers, and students didn’t know about ICA,” she says. “So we created two new contests to honor students and teachers at our events—we felt it is important for them to experience one of our events and our members.”

Now, ICA is connecting with stylists while they’re still in school. Teachers are encouraging students to work in ICA salons and connecting them with ICA salon owners.  

“The Honor Your Teacher and Student Competitions have also strengthened our relationships with PBA, ABS, and Pivot Point,” Wilson says. “We’re using our connections and resources to strengthen or build bridges in the industry.”

Wilson’s passion for partnerships also extends to manufacturers. 

“We have become more diverse in the companies we work with,” she says. “We want them to help us make the industry better. ICA should be on the career path of anyone who owns or wants to own a salon.”

Wilson also recognized it was important these partnerships and competitions do not fall on deaf ears.

“We needed a megaphone, so we have also partnered with Imaginal Marketing,” she says. “We had a perception of who we were, but needed fresh eyes to let us know how the rest of the industry perceives us. And, the Imaginal team are experts on how to reach people consistently.” 

ICA presidency has been a journey for Wilson with unexpected twists and turns—but she wasn’t on it alone.

“I had a dream team of board members who helped me,” she says. “We’re a group of people who actively support each other, and I am pleased we have planted seeds to grow the organization.” 

2025 and Beyond

Next year, Scott Buchanan, long-time ICA board member and owner of Scott J Salons in New York City, will take the helm as ICA president. 

“I’m excited to continue what Sheila started, and keep watering the seeds and exposing ICA to schools and people in the industry,” he says. “It’s an honor and humbling to serve as president.” 

With Buchanan comes Wella’s Sonya Dove as ICA’s new artistic director. 

“Sonya has passion and love for the industry, for teaching and inspiring,” says Buchanan. “I look forward to working closely with her in the next year.” 

Scott Buchanan, right, will take over as ICA president in 2025 for Sheila Wilson, left.

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