The 2020 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) were announced January 25 in Los Angeles, and SBN members took top honors in a number of categories.
- Congratulations to the Salon by InStyle/JCpenney for winning Salon Team of the Year and to creative director Michelle O’Connor for taking top honors in the Styling and Finishing category.
- Ulta Beauty Creative Director and Pro Team member Ammon Carver won Men’s Hairstylist of the Year for NAHA 2020. The Pro Team also took Team of the Year honors in 2019, and the Ulta Beauty Design Team was a finalist in NAHA 2020.
How can you develop an artistic team that delivers value and exposure for your salon group? In the upcoming launch issue of MUSE Magazine, ISBN will ask members for thoughts and specific tips on how to best utilize and celebrate an artistic team to drive salon business, education, team culture, recruitment and retention, and industry recognition. Here, some initial thoughts from ISBN Board Member and Salon by InStyle/JCPenney Vice President Rachel Jud:
“We are so proud to be associated with such an incredible program that celebrates the creative genius within this industry,” Jud says. “Our creative directors Michelle O’Connor and Dilek Onur-Taylor have entered, been nominated and won on numerous occasions. This year we proudly expanded our participation to include an entry from our Artistic Team of National Educators and we are so thrilled that they won!”
Jud says she and the entire organization are extremely proud of the team and believe that this creative endeavor delivers great value to our salon brand and the ability to resonate with stylists as a place where they can come grow in their creativity and skill. “As a family of salons built on education and creativity, it is paramount that we have presence in the opportunities this industry provides for us to celebrate, support and protect the craft.”
For companies not yet ready to participate in NAHA, Jud recommends forming an artistic team of top stylists and getting them involved in community opportunities.
“Whether it’s doing services for people in need, supporting a local fashion show or shooting content for your salon Instagram, getting artists together to hone their craft in any setting is a tide that raises all ships,” she explains. “Show them that you appreciate their art, elevate them every chance you get, celebrate the ones who are willing to work at their craft and you will experience a ripple effect of positive impacts across your business.”
