Joanne Powers

Owner/Director, The Salon Professional Academy in Tampa, FL

20 QUESTIONS

• 1. How long have you been in the beauty industry?
  Since 1976. I’ve been a salon owner for 22 years and an academy owner/director for two years.
• 2. Can you tell us a little about The Salon Professional Academy?
  It’s not your mother’s cosmetology school! We believe in growing salon leaders one student at a time. We’re committed to not only helping students pass their state boards, but also to taking them on a journey to a higher level of education.
• 3. What do students learn?
  Our curriculum provides the tools for strong technical skills, communication and business planning.
• 4. What does your position involve?
  My role consists of financial management, coaching the educators, monitoring curriculum and overseeing all the departments.
• 5. How is Redken involved with The Salon Professional Academy?
  Aligning ourselves with a superior product line enables us to stand taller and deliver amazing results consistently. We believe in Redken products, and we think this relationship will make cosmetology history.
• 6. Speaking of Redken, let’s talk about Shades EQ—why is it a valuable tool at the Academy?
  Shades EQ is the perfect way to introduce students to Redken color and build their confidence.
• 7. How exactly does Shades EQ help to build students’ confidence?
  The results are predictable, and it gives students the chance to change the tonal value of the hair without worrying about lifting the color. They know Shades EQ will leave hair shiny and in great condition.
• 8. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing haircolor students today?
  I think it is understanding formulation of the undertones of each level of haircolor. Once the light bulb goes off, the opportunities to deliver the right result to the guest are even greater.
• 9. What are your favorite Shades EQ hues?
  The students rave about V and NB for toners, RB and RV for rich reds, and GB for stunning brunettes. I have to say I agree with them!
• 10. What is your favorite Shades EQ formula?
  7CB Spicestone and 8C Cayenne, on a Natural Level 6.
• 11. Let’s talk about you a little&mdashwhat’s your favorite vacation getaway?
  The Cayman Islands for great scuba diving.
• 12. How about your favorite designer?
  I have so many favorites! As an artist, I enjoy the beauty and elegance a fashion designer can express through clothing. I love Chanel, Donna Karan, Kenneth Cole, Dolce and Gabbana and Gucci. My lifestyle requires me to dress a little more conservatively, so I tend to purchase Donna Karan, Kenneth Cole and Ann Taylor.
• 13. Any guilty pleasures?
  I’ve been known to be all about good food and wine!
• 14. What are your top tips for new colorists?
  Train, train and more training—it’s like the Olympics! During the consultation, listen very closely to your guest’s needs. Study the undertones of the levels of haircolor—this will give you a better understanding of formulation. Also, keep your vision focused on the end result and the guest’s needs.
• 15. We know Shades EQ is perfect for novice colorists, but why is it great for experienced colorists as well?
  Shades EQ has a spectacular range of color choices for every purpose, from simple to exciting to corrective color.
• 16. What do guests want most from their color?
  They want eye–catching, rich color that brings out their skin tone and eye color. Haircolor is an extension of their personality—simple and natural for the classic guest, bright and vibrant for the young urban guest. Shades EQ can deliver all this and more!
• 17. What has your salon done to give back to the community?
  In the 1980s, my salon team started hosting annual cut–a–thons. We’ve raised over $100,000 for foundations that help to fight children’s cancer. Now, as an academy owner, we’re proud to join Redken in its fundraising events!
• 18. Why do you think Shades EQ has been going strong for 20 years?
  Shades EQ delivers consistent results that a stylist can count on and a student can learn with. You can depend on it throughout your career."
• 19. Can you share an experience one of your students had with Shades EQ?
  A student was applying all–over color, and it was so easy because the consistency was great for saturation. The end result was nice and even, and it was a great experience.
• 20. Why does Shades EQ help stylists learn better, earn better and live better throughout their careers?
  Shades EQ will be one of their most widely used additional service offerings. The end result is earning better through a higher ticket average, learning better by raising the bar with education and passing on the knowledge, and of course living a better life!