The staff members of our SALONS OF THE YEAR winner sharpen their technical skills with a Toni&Guy in-salon workshop.

When Blo in Raleigh, North Carolina captured the SALONS OF THE YEAR award in 2011 as well as SALON TODAY’s June cover, Toni&Guy graciously stepped forward and offered the salon a complimentary in-salon education class as a congratulatory gift.

“Our mission has always been to upgrade the industry as a whole through education. ‘In Salon’ classes are a great educational experience where the participants can feel comfortable in their own environment thus creating a space where true education can take place,” says Lenore Gibson, senior vice president of marketing and education for Toni&Guy. “We are also spreading the word that Toni&Guy is now able to provide education to salons regardless of the product lines they carry. In the previous 25 years, our ‘in salon’ experiences were exclusive to a speci­fic product line, but not anymore. We are purely providing solid education for anyone interested in improving their skills. As a company, we have never been more excited about getting back to our roots!”

Blo’s owner, Bryan Nunes, excitedly accepted the opportunity and, a few months ago, Darian Bishop education director of the hairdressing academy in Roswell, Georgia and Aaron Seskin, Atlanta Regional Artistic Director and National Art Team Member, journeyed to Raleigh with mannequins in hand.

“We did a one-day “Look and Learn” class using our Reflective Collection, which included a hands-on workshop. Participants learned four hair cuts, then had time to practice those techniques or use our help to address specific challenges they were facing,” says Bishop. “It was an absolute pleasure to go into Blo’s environment. Not only was it a beautiful space, but you could tell it was an education-based salon where everyone was open, willing to learn and try something new.”

The appreciation was mutual. Blo’s team of stylists raved about the in-salon class.