We are thrilled to partner once again with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to promote all of the talented artists who are finalists for the 2017 NAHAs (North American Hairstyling Awards), the most prestigious hair and beauty award in the country. In this feature get to know more about this year's Salon Team Finalist, Blushes.
High contrast, short cuts, and intense style, Blushes Salon Team knocked their collection out of the park this year with their beautiful collection. They pride themselves on the diversity of their team and the passion they exude in their work. Minimalism was their inspiration and we can’t help but love the vibe they created. Read on to learn more about Blushes and see the amazing collection they created.
How did your team influence the collection?
My team influences the collection when we all openly discuss and share our perspectives and ideas throughout the entire photoshoot process, from the initial brainstorming sessions to the final selection of photos.
What makes your team unique?
I think what makes our team unique is our diversity and how we build upon our individual differences to create a strong and effective team. Our team wouldn’t be as unique as it is without its members who are open minded, passionate, and continuously challenge each other.
How did you work together to come up with the concept?
As members of the team, concepts are conceived as we each travel, go to art galleries and museums, and experience different visions that we bring back to inspire the salon. We further discuss and develop these ideas as a team to refine and polish the concept.
Who played what roles in executing the collection?
To execute the collection, I am the creative director who guides the team towards the concept the team has developed, and Dorothy makes the vision come to life working closely with the team members using her technical skills. Every one of our team members were supportive, assisted with the creative and technical process, and were an integral part of the collection.
What was the inspiration behind the collection?
The inspiration behind the collection is minimalism. The representation of minimalism displayed through this collection strips hair culture to its basic ingredients. Taking everything away highlights the depth of hair itself; displaying different textures, shapes, and movements. It’s a bare image of hair defining itself.
What was the most important aspect for you?
The most important aspect is working together with my team to achieve the vision. It’s about looking back at where we started, the process we went through, and how far we’ve come since then.
What was your biggest challenge in creating the collection?
The biggest challenge in creating the collection was that we wanted to have every model to have eye contact with the camera. This is a lot easier said than done because this perspective requires the mastery of the photographer, the artistry of the stylists, and the expertise of the models.
How did social media influence your art?
We tried to stay away from social media during the process (even though it’s very hard) because it is so easy to be influenced by other talented artists’ work. You see something beautiful and you want to imitate it, but by doing so you lose your uniqueness.
How do you Vegas?
I do Vegas by enjoying the desert heat, cooling off by the pool, and celebrating the NAHAs.
Salty or sweet?
A little bit of both.
What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Something I learned about myself is that I have to be more patient. As hairdressers, we tend to be perfectionists, so learning how to delegate tasks and to let go is something that I continuously have to work on.
If you won the lotto (or slot machine) tomorrow, what would you do?
If I won the lotto or the slot machine, I would open a nonprofit charity salon to be able to provide clients with a beautifying and exceptional hair experience that will enhance their individual characteristics, from their facial features to their lifestyle.
