Gerry Udell, Inc. shared that the recent Western Buying Conference was a successful venue for the launch of American International Industries’ new products. “AII has one of the best marketing departments in the professional beauty business that generates critical support for the many new and innovative items that American International brings to the marketplace,” says Gerry. The Gerry Udell Group represents American International in the Northeast United States. Reach Gerry at gerry@gerryudell.com.
Frank Fulco joins the Professional Division at Conair as vice president of sales, Sally Beauty Holdings. Frank will lead the effort to enhance Conair’s commercial relationship with Sally Beauty Holdings.
Frank is a professional beauty industry veteran, with a career spanning more than 25 years. Most recently, he served as general manager and vice president of Armstrong McCall, LLC. Reach Frank at frank_fulco@conair.com.
Congratulations to Sam Villa, the longtime Redken educator, who has been appointed global artistic ambassador for Redken. Sam will continue to represent Redken on the Main Stage at tradeshows. He will also continue to teach at the Redken Exchange in New York City.
Sam is also the co-founder and owner of Sam Villa professional hair styling tools, and is a judge on “The Look All-Stars,” a reality competition show that showcases the professional industry to a mainstream consumer audience. He will be receiving the NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award in Las Vegas in July 2017. For more information on Sam’s activities, visit redkenpro.com.
Leaders in the professional beauty industry have launched The Future of the Beauty Industry Coalition to advocate for reforms that strengthen and streamline hour requirements for licensure by advocating for the reduction in the hours required for licensure with the goal of standardizing at 1,000 hours in all states.
The FBIC brings together licensed stylists, salon owners, manufacturers, distributors, state cosmetology boards, students and schools in order to build a stronger industry. Members include Empire Education Group, BlueCo Brands, the Professional Beauty Association and The International SalonSpa Business Network.
The coalition was formed to advocate for reforms that streamline industry standards and protect against licensing deregulation. http://futurebeautyindustrycoalition.com
In Idaho, Bill 136, the Barber and Cosmetology Services Act, passed the Idaho House on February 28. The bill combines the Idaho barbers with cosmetology, gives professionals a 90-day grace period to renew their licenses and reduces the number of hours to get a license from 2,000 to 1,600. The bill will also allow makeup artists, with or without a license, to freelance outside of their establishments. The bill passed 58-11-1- in the House. If it passes the Senate and is signed by the governor, it will become law. Read more at http://bit.ly/2mHnzBE
Henkel announced its acquisition of Nattura Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V., headquartered in Guadalajara, Mexico, Pravana (USA) and other associated companies in Colombia and Spain. The transaction includes a portfolio of leading brands in Henkel’s core category of Professional Haircare. Major brands in Nattura’s portfolio are Pravana and Tec Italy. In the fiscal year 2016, the business generated sales of more than 100 million euros.
In 2016, Target registered a double-digit percentage lift in sales of natural skin-care products and is seeking to be a trusted resource for affordable, natural beauty products. The mass-market retailer is adding several natural beauty brands and increasing the presence of those it already carries. Read more at wwd.com.
