Hairbrained Conversations

Dec 04 2024 391 ep. 60 mins 45

Hairbrained Conversations Podcast artwork

A weekly podcast that takes a deep dive into the minds of some of the most talented artists, educators, influencers, and leaders in the professional salon industry. Hosted by Gerard Scarpaci, Crafthairdresser and Co founder of Hairbrained

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Episode # 331: Ashley Mooney CEO of ARETÉ

Dec 04 2024 44 mins

In this episode of Hb Conversations, Gerard Scarpaci sits down with Ashley Mooney to discuss Areté, a groundbreaking beauty brand focused on sustainability and innovation for hair professionals. Ashley shares her journey from intern to CEO and the inspiration behind creating Areté, a brand that champions clean, high-performance products while staying true to the needs of stylists

Episode #330: Carlos Rojas (@colorbycarlos), Schwarzkopf Professional Digital Artistic Team

Nov 06 2024 52 mins

At age 29, Carlos Rojas (@colorbycarlos) shifted gears into hairdressing. His years in the food service industry served him well—as did his touch of theatrical flair. Now Carlos is one of the industry’s most relatable voices. Carlos discusses how inspiration in the moment helps him craft his Instagram and TikTok posts, which blend education with comedy and resonate deeply wit

Episode #329: Stef Fox and Jen Baudier, Co-founders of @mymatchable

Oct 20 2024 50 mins

Connections build opportunities, and no other industry proves that point more than the hairdressing industry. In this episode, we’re joined by @stef_fox and @jenbaudier, co-founders of Talent Match (@mymatchable), a groundbreaking platform that works like a dating app to match salon owners and hairdressers. Learn how they’re using data to solve the industry’s biggest hiring c

Episode #328: Ian Mayer-Marszalek, @schwarzkopfusa Senior National Trainer

Oct 13 2024 47 mins

In this episode, we chat with Ian Mayer-Marszalek @ianhairspray, Senior National Trainer for Schwarzkopf Professional, about his journey from hairdresser to educator. Ian shares insights on career paths beyond the salon chair and how he's reshaping education by adapting to hairdressers' needs. We also explore the science behind Schwarzkopf’s Fibre Clinix range, designed for perso

Episode #327, Ben White (@benmichahwhite), Fancy Hairdresser

Sep 15 2024 47 mins

A quick glance at Ben White’s Instagram bio (@benmichahwhite) reveals his unique perspective. From his tongue-out profile pic to identifying his business as a Grocery Store, you can immediately sense Ben’s irreverent approach to life. In this episode, we explore how his creative mind works, how his background as a musician and singer (he's in three bands!) has shaped his outloo

Episode #326: Brittany Byrd, Owner of Blondify Studio

Aug 28 2024 55 mins

In this episode, Brittany Bird @blondebybritt, owner of @blondifystudio, discusses the growing trend of clients taking to social media to criticize their hairdressers—whether justified or not. Brittany recently faced a viral TikTok post from a client upset about pricing, but thanks to her well-established systems, she was able to post a detailed rebuttal that protected her reputa

Episode #325: Stephen Moody, JPMS Artistic Director

Aug 18 2024 48 mins

With decades of experience in the hair industry, Stephen Moody, Artistic Director of Paul Mitchell, is a celebrated educator and innovator. Stephen’s recent wins at the North American Hairstyling Awards have garnered attention, particularly for his bold hair and model choices. In this interview, he discusses his frustration with "Lego" hair, and how this spurred him to enter and

Episode #324 Amanda & Jamie Rourke Owners of Ro Style House

Jul 27 2024 42 mins

After 10 + years of salon ownership with all it's ups and downs Amanda and Jamie decided to build a "home " salon on their property in Florida. We discuss the process from all angles and what the outcome is like after nearly 4 years of work and planning. Ro Style House isn't like any "home" salon you may have seen before and Amanda & Jamie are loving their new venture.

Episode #323: Fred Helou, Vagaro Founder and CEO

Jul 06 2024 60 mins

Sometimes hardships break a person; other times, they make a person. Such is the case with Fady "Fred" Helou (@fredhelou), whose difficult origin story propelled him to create the billion-dollar company Vagaro (@vagaropro). After leaving war-torn Lebanon at 18 and having his life savings pickpocketed en route to the U.S., Fred quickly got a job and began attending night school. In

Episode #322: Ashlee Norman, @schwarzkopfusa Artistic Team Member and @k18hair Ambassador

May 12 2024 51 mins

This Mother's Day, we're giving it up to @ashleenormanhair, who juggles motherhood along with her roles at Schwarzkopf and K18. Of course Ashlee's family (her husband in particular) is central to her success, but she also attributes the diversity of her background as a key factor. She shares how obtaining a degree, interning at a fashion magazine and pursuing advanced education, in