The Constant
Starting at Impressions front desk in 2006 when he was 19 years old, General Manager Paul Petrowsky is a seasoned professional who owner Sarah Taylor says is responsible for much of her own success.
by Stacey Soble
ISSE Midwest 2012: Fashion-Forward Trends and Education
The Midwest International Salon and Spa Exposition 2012 (ISSE) was held Sunday, Nov. 4 and Monday Nov. 5 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, and just like last year, MODERN Editors were on the scene covering all of the major events. This year’s ISSE Midwest show was rich in product and technological innovations, fashion-forward styles and trends, educational opportunities, stage presentations and more.
November 6, 2012
1/34
3 min to read
The Midwest International Salon and Spa Exposition 2012 (ISSE) was held Sunday, Nov. 4 and Monday Nov. 5 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, and just like last year, MODERN Editors were on the scene covering all of the major events. This year’s ISSE Midwest show was rich in product and technological innovations, fashion-forward styles and trends, educational opportunities, stage presentations and more.
Both shows on Sunday and Monday featured a reputable list of celebrity stylists, platform artists and industry notables: Palma Anshilevich, Raul Martez (La Academia), RUSK, DJ Riggs, Berry Bachen, Wayne Grund, Martin Parsons, Kris Sorbie, Derek J, Farouk, Jake Thompson, Lisa Yamasaki, Charlie Price, Rocco Donna, The TEALs and Jake Thompson, Steve Elias, BaByliss and Fi Hair Gear.
Wayne Grund in his “Surface Glam Rock” presented 1950’s fashion-inspired hair that had a glamorous rockabilly look with modern short to long disconnect. “Make Over Mania” with razor cut shattered interiors with directional blunt perimeters. He even showed the audience how to do his “Push and Pin” updo styling.
Updo extraordinaire Martin Parsons delved into the Beauty of Long Hairdressing. Known for creating beautiful updos and matching them with colorful and sophisticated evening wear, Parsons brought inspiration and new ideas to eager salon professionals looking for up styling tips.
Celebrity hair stylist Derek J, presented an educational and interactive presentation called Women of Color. With emphasis on styling and coloring a variety of hair textures, compositions, lengths and styles, Derek J provided his trend forecasts in color for salon professionals. (And, we must say his shoes were amazing!—check them out on MODERN’s Facebook page.)
Mystic Fantasy hair and dancers owned the Lisa Yamasaki show, and audience members couldn’t stop taking videos of the presentations on stage. Yamasaki showed how layering multiple hair pieces on a canvas can create the perfect fantasy and gothic looks.
Farouk artists from all over the globe showcased their newest collections. These artists were inspired by Farouk’s global vision and systems, using unique colors and cutting techniques.
Charlie Price’s Photo Shoot 101 class was full of tips and advice on how to prepare for a photo shoot. Price showed how to create two different styles on models with crimping, while taking questions from the audience. He also talked about his NAHA experience (in 2002 he won Hairstylist of the Year) and his role models like Guido, Antoinette Beenders, Eugene Souilman and more.
Avant Garde hair took center stage at ISSE Midwest—specifically with Rocco Donna and The TEALs. Donna showed how cut, color and volumizing techniques can be transmitted with energy and passion with his Galactica Collection (styles were inspired by the Galaxy). Donna’s presentation featured color from strawberry blondes to sunset ombre.
The TEALs who performed first with Jake Thompson on Monday and later in the day with Steve Elias gathered on stage to show salon professionals some of their most exciting Avant Garde looks. The presentation with Elias focused on photography from a hairdresser’s perspective.
RUSK’s Rebel Chic Collection was inspired by women who took risks, embraced difference and championed change. The presentations showed strong shapes, perimeters, colors texture and more.
To see photos from some of these presentation, scan the photo album below, or check out MODERN's Facebook page. For more information on events from the show this year, visit www.probeauty.org.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Salon Management
The Most Wonderful Time in Salons and Spas
Planning is in full swing for the most anticipated events and promotions for the 2026 holidays. As owners share their favorite ways to celebrate, they prove that a carefully planned event can also build culture, increase client loyalty, boost sales, and set a business up for a successful 2027.
by Stacey Soble
Leading with Empathy, Humility and a Mastery of Systems
When things run amok at Mane Attraction Salon, Owners Chris and Jenny Knudsen say General Manager Sami Hernandez is their go-to resource and ultimate sounding board. Meet Sami in this installment of Meet the Manager.
by Stacey Soble
Pagoda Brings AI-Powered Operations to Skinovatio Medical Spa Locations
Pagoda, a new AI-native operating system for scheduling, payments, patient records, marketing, and client communications, launches at Skinovatio Medical Spa in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
by Staff
How Women are Rewriting the Rules of Grey Hair
At a panel discussion hosted by L’Oréal Professionnel in Paris in early July, French Philosopher Sophie Galabru explored the cultural shift where women are increasingly choosing natural, personalized color results over traditional grey coverage. In an exclusive interview with SALON TODAY, Galabru and L’Oréal Professionnel Colorist Pierrick Beringer discuss this shift and how salons and colorists respond.
by Stacey Soble
Warm Leadership and Analytical Precision
At Salon Blonde, Director of Operations treats the staff as the salon's most important guests, while her wonderful 'nerdy' side, loves data, systems, and numbers. Find out how she makes Salon Blonde tick.
by Stacey Soble
Trotting the Globe, Forging Connections, Fostering Artistic Creativity
In an exclusive interview with SALON TODAY, Salon Owner Salvatore Minardi reflects on his past 18 months as Intercoiffure America Canada's World Talent Exchange Ambassador and how his experiences will help encourage cultural and artistic exchange and support greater engagement between ICA and the global organization Intercoiffure Mondial.
by Stacey Soble
Client Retention Guidebook
Everything you need to know about client retention as a salon owner.
Success Grown from Within
Owner Shelby Bills says her general manager, Sydney Osborne, reminds her of the power of leading with heart. Find out how Osborne became a great leader in our lastest installment of Meet the Manager.
by Stacey Soble
How Salon Leaders Can Process the Pain and Lead Forward When a Team Members Leaves Unethically
In her latest blog, Kati Whitledge identifies the five stages salon owners go through when a team member leaves the salon unethically, offering advice for each stage.
How AI Is Closing Revenue Gaps for Salons and Spas
The beauty and wellness businesses pulling ahead aren’t just working harder—they’re using AI to capture demand, personalize pricing, and convert more of every guest interaction into revenue. Here’s what the benchmark data reveals about the growing gap between AI adopters and everyone else.
Sponsored by Zenoti
The Premium Talent Magnet: The Modern Salon Playbook for Attracting Six-Figure Stylists
Stop chasing recruitment ghosts on generic job boards and start curating an elite team. Discover the framework that top-tier salons use to bypass phone tag, automate visual portfolio vetting, and attract high-earning, culture-first beauty professionals directly through real-time messaging. Turn your recruitment process into an exclusive brand invitation that keeps your highest-ticket chairs permanently filled.
Sponsored by Beautista
Five Revenue Leaks Hiding in Your Salon
Your calendar looks full, but is all of that demand actually converting to revenue? From phantom rebookings to underpriced peak hours, the 2026 Benchmark Report exposes five revenue leaks that most beauty and wellness businesses don’t even know they have.
Sponsored by Zenoti
The Heartbeat of Zandi K's Success
After moving to Colorado and teaching at a cosmetology school, Allison Stock joined Zandi K as a stylist, eventually becoming part of the Leadership Team, Education Team and Master Bridal Team. Today, as Director of Operation, Stock is Owner Nicki Wenz's right hand, managing human resources and operations, education and career development, and coaching and culture.
by Stacey Soble
Rethinking Retail in the Era of E-Commerce
In a world dominated by e-commerce, salon owners push back with proven strategies to increase retail sales while motivating team members to educate their clientele and delighting clients with retail-themed events and clever merchandising displays.
by Stacey Soble
The Harper Ellis Hair Co. Certification Program Teaches Stylists a Smarter, Safer Way to Install Extensions
The company's Concealed Bead Method is raising the bar for what professional extension education can deliver.
by Staff
The Micro-Salon Blueprint: How Kat Scott Quadrupled Income by Maximizing Her Suite
Scott maximized her micro-salon by transitioning from stylist to strategic owner, focusing on recruiting and station-sharing. By prioritizing her ownership role over behind-the-chair work, she grew her team to six stylists within the two-chair, 150-square-foot space before eventually moving to a larger facility.
by Staff