Meet the Individuals Behind the Industry's Leading Brands

Hair Industry Professionals

Gail Federici Hair

Gail Federici, CEO and founder of Federici Brands (Color Wow and Time Bomb)

My main goals with the company: To create authentic, effective problem-solving products that help to advance the professional salon industry.

Leadership means: Never accepting conventional boundaries, having a vision and clearly communicating it, helping your team reach their individual potential, and creating a workplace that encourages growth.

In five years, I see the hair industry: Embracing technology in a much bigger way to achieve more opportunities for both personal and financial growth.

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I get inspired by: People with integrity who make a difference.

My favorite way to unwind is: A margarita and a good book at the beach.

My top vacation destination is: The Turks and Caicos Islands.

When I think of beauty, I think of: Individuality. There is no one standard of beauty.

I work in professional beauty because: I’ve always struggled with my frizzy hair and I’m super motivated to help women deal with unaddressed beauty problems. It’s also a great field where creativity, analysis, inventiveness, science, fashion, and business acumen all come into play—it’s fun, fast-paced and challenging, and there’s never a dull moment!

Ashley Streicher Hair

Ashley Streicher, Celebrity Hairstylist and Member of the R+Co Collective

My main goals with the company are: To add my fresh hair perspective to the Collective, integrating both educational videos and content, and teaching other stylists (as well as clients) how to use the products in many different ways.

Leadership means: Having a vision and sharing it with others. Good leadership also has to do with creativity, and fostering an environment that encourages others to create.

In five years, I see the hair industry: Empowered! People are taking charge and on a mission to be their best selves and finding hair that best represents them.

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I get inspired by: Nature—a departure from the city gives my mind a break.

My top favorite way to unwind is: Hiking in the Angeles National Forest.

My top vacation destination is: I love a good beach vacation, and I spent a few weeks in a small Italian coastal village last summer that I think about often.

When I think of beauty, I think of: My sisters, who I frequently collaborate with, and any woman who’s comfortable in her own skin.

I work in professional beauty because: It’s the only job I’ve ever had—I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m surrounded by beauty daily, and admire how the industry is constantly evolving. I love change and that I get to be creative every day. I also love helping people find the best version of themselves; it’s so gratifying.

Elva Torres Hair

Elva Torres, Brand Manager for Color Edge

My main goals with the company are: To help raise awareness of Color Edge among beauty professionals while simultaneously increasing our distribution network in an ongoing effort to align with people who are as passionate about our brand pillars as we are.

Leadership means: Identifying strengths and areas of development within a company, the leaders themselves, and the individuals they lead.

In five years, I see the hair industry: Becoming more eco- conscious and digitally advanced.

I get inspired by: My life experience. Growing up in poverty, yet watching my parents work hard to give us better lives, taught me to appreciate the luxuries I’m now afforded.

My favorite way to unwind is: By teaching yoga.

My top vacation destination is: The Phi Phi Islands in Thailand.

When I think of beauty, I think of: Love, compassion, kindness, confidence, and grace. I’ve witnessed breathtaking beauty in a variety of forms in my more than 15 years in this industry, but the truth is, nothing is more beautiful than when inner beauty aligns with outer beauty.

I work in professional beauty because: I love that we have the power to alter the appearance of others based on their mood and self- expression.

 

[Images: Courtesy of manufacturers]

 

This story first appeared in the June issue of Beauty Launchpad magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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