It's always good to have a friend, mentor and supporter nearby during a live competition. Michael Max Griel has had that person in the form of Dimitrios Tsioumas, a colleague at Mizu Salon in NYC and a fellow fan of Goldwell.

The two are here in London for Goldwell's COLOR ZOOM, the last stop in the challenge that started months ago as Michael Max searched for a model for the photo portion of the competition. "There are so many elements that must come together," Dimitrios told me earlier today as we both stood on the competition floor. "It's particularly tough in Michael Max's division, the New Talent Category,where the artist has to have less than 5 years expereience. It's all new to him."

Dimitrios, a competition veteran (he's won several NAHA awards among others), has trained and guided Michael Max in his journey, which has landed him here...as a finalist in this very important international competition. "I feel he has a great shot," says Dimitrios. "He is really talented."

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.