Dear Future Professionals,

At age 21, I was at a point in my life where I could make a decision. I didn’t know whether I wanted to become a hairstylist or not, but I thought I should have it in my belt. As the son of Paul Mitchell and the co-owner of John Paul Mitchell Systems, this company is my business, regardless of what I do. Even if I were to do something like acting (which is where I was headed at the time), this company would still be a part of me.

When I decided to go through beauty school, it was the first time I did something that didn’t come naturally. It was a very difficult emotional ride, to say the least. I’ve always said it was like being Picasso’s son. Can you imagine how difficult it would have been for him to follow in his father’s footsteps? That’s kind of the same undertaking I took. I was always so worried about being perfect, so worried about being good. It took many years before I decided to get over myself and just be me, and to realize it was okay to make mistakes and be able to laugh at myself.

Today, whether I’m traveling the world for Paul Mitchell hair events or running my new Angus M studio, I love what I do. Nothing gives me as much as this company and the beauty profession do. This company keeps my father’s spirit alive and it feeds me as much as I feed it. I think that’s what’s so magical about it for me. To me, this is the most giving industry. As much as you give it, it gives you back.

Nothing makes me more proud than going to hair shows and seeing the sea of Paul Mitchell Future Professionals who really have it together. Being able to work with you backstage when you’re helping us out, and seeing just how eager and passionate you are, is absolutely amazing. As an educator, I want to keep the excitement in the business for the people coming in and for those who have made Paul Mitchell what it is today. I want to make people fall in love with hair again. It's that plain and simple.

NEEKO ABRIOL

After a rough start as an inner-city Los Angeles gang member dodging bullets and dealing drugs, Neeko Abriol narrowly escaped the threat of prison, made a 360-degree turn in his life, and finally found his passion in the beauty industry. The end result: he earned the North American Hairstyling Award’s (NAHA) Editor’s Select Award in 1997, 1998, and 2000.

A hairdresser only since 1991, Neeko signed on three years later with the Los Angeles-based Crystal Agency, which represents hair, makeup, and styling artists for the fashion and entertainment industry. His magazine credits include Glamour, Elle, Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, Ebony, and many others. His hairstyling credits include music videos and CD packaging, a feature film with celebrity Halle Berry, and commercial and print advertising for Cover Girl, Bill Blass Denim, Schlitz, Dark & Lovely, McDonald’s, Revlon, and Macy’s. His television credits include The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, Vibe Television, and Nickelodeon.

In this month’s inspiring MASTERS interview, Neeko shares the incredible story of the chance meeting that kept him out of jail and launched his beauty career. Click here and learn why this former gang member now spreads his message of “Love what you do and do what you love.”

If you enjoyed this month’s audio message, you’ll love our MASTERS Audio Club. CLICK HERE for more information.

SIX NEW SCHOOLS JOIN THE PAUL MITCHELL FAMILY

The month of October saw the openings of six new Paul Mitchell schools, bringing the total number to 75. School co-founders John Paul DeJoria and Winn Claybaugh jetted around the country to attend all six celebrations. They were joined by Executive Director of Education Dennis James; Advanced Academy team member George Morales; school owners Giulio Veglio, Michael and Nina Galvin, and Charles and Sharon Riser; plus several other members of the Paul Mitchell School family.

“What an amazing opportunity to be joined by wonderful friends and Paul Mitchell School leaders,” John Paul said. “We really had fun doing this, from Nashville to Baton Rouge, to Danbury, to Bedford, to Sterling Heights, and finally to Sacramento—six new Paul Mitchell Schools!”

Winn added, “The beauty industry has given me many awards, opportunities, and perks, but I’d venture to say that not many of them can measure up to the feeling I had as we traveled from one new school to the next to the next. What a gift! Although we now have 75 Paul Mitchell schools across the U.S., it’s not about 75 buildings. It’s about 75 relationships with Paul Mitchell School owners who truly love their Future Professionals.”

CHOOSE LOVE
From Connecting to My Future


Many people don’t like what they do for a living. They hate their jobs, dislike their coworkers, and see their customers as interruptions to their days. The secret to success isn’t getting everything you want and then loving it. To be successful in anything you do, you need what industry legend Sydell Miller describes as creative love. Sydell says, “You must love what you do, love whom you do it with, and love whom you do it for.”

• Love what you do: If you aren’t doing what you love now, then learn to love it while you search for something you feel passionate about. Successful people love what they do. They attract others like themselves and are inspiring and energizing to be around.
  
  
• Love whom you do it with: A successful salon is made up of people who are in supportive and healthy relationships with each other. Clients don’t want to spend their time or money in a salon where the staff doesn’t get along. Cultivate a good relationship with each person on your team. Say, “I love my team! I love my clients!”
  
  
• Love whom you do it for: Who pays your paycheck? If you answered your boss or the salon, think again. Your clients are the ones who ultimately pay. Without clients you will not survive in the salon. Without clients you will not be able to buy food, pay your rent, go on vacation, or buy a car. They are why you exist professionally.
  

Some Salon Professionals forget this from time to time. They see themselves as more important than their clients. When you put yourself before your clients, your business will stop growing. Clients want to feel loved, nurtured, and supported, and they will search for someone else to love and nurture them when you forget to. When you learn to love serving your clients, they will repay you with their trust, loyalty, referrals, and money.

MELANIE MAHONEY, CLASS OF 2006
The Academy at Austin – A Paul Mitchell Partner School


After graduating in the top 10 percent of her high school class, Melanie Mahoney did what everyone expected: she gathered up her scholarships and headed for college. Three years later, her journey took a detour.

“From the time I was born, I was going to be a doctor or writer, something with my mind,” Melanie explains. “I guess I hit that point where you grow up a little and realize you have to do what you love. I was working for a vet and decided I couldn’t really do this with my life. I explored my other options and asked, what would I be happiest doing?”

With a lifelong love of beauty and color, Melanie decided cosmetology school was the place for her. “Being the smart person I am, I wanted the Harvard of beauty schools and I wanted the best education possible. I fell in love with the idea that Paul Mitchell isn’t just about hair; it’s a culture and lifestyle and a unique way of doing things.”

The reactions from Melanie’s classmates and family were anything but supportive. One friend e-mailed, “It’s kind of a waste of a brilliant mind.” Melanie says, “I didn’t realize people thought of it that way, because you can be smart and do hair. I think you have to be smart!”

Melanie’s positive attitude and enthusiasm earned her many opportunities during school. She’s been an extra in a movie with Eloise DeJoria and part of a Vanity Fair photo shoot with John Paul DeJoria and Winn Claybaugh. She served as Product Rep Team Leader and Core mentor, where she inspires and encourages new Future Professionals. She was invited to join the Phase Two program early and will graduate almost a month ahead of schedule. She is also a staff member of The Academy at Austin, where she started as front desk coordinator and is training to be the new Retail Leader.

Melanie advises Future Professionals to take advantage of every opportunity. At Signature Gathering, she approached Scott Cole and Linda Yodice, co-artistic directors for John Paul Mitchell Systems the color, and asked, “Is there anything I can do for you?” That simple request landed her backstage next morning, where she got valuable hands-on and networking experience. “All you have to do is be willing and they’ll give you something to do,” Melanie says.

She also echoes Partner Training Leader Mary Burlingame, who taught her to write down her goals and review them daily. “The greatest thing is to have a goal and share it with someone,” Melanie says.

“Mel Mahoney always looks for opportunities to help others grow, sees the good in every situation, and encourages others to do the same. If you ask me, she’s already living her dream of becoming a motivational speaker. Every day she creates magic and inspires others to do the same.” — Laura P. Valdez Owner / Director of Education The Academy at Austin – A Paul Mitchell Partner School

MARCUS WAITE, CLASS OF 2001
Paul Mitchell The School – Costa Mesa


When Marcus Waite decided to go to beauty school, no one was more shocked than his father, entertainment attorney and producer Bill Waite. “I came from a background where trade school was something for people with little ambition,” Bill explains. “I assumed my kids were going to follow my lead and pursue academic degrees. How would I ever face my friends?”

After weeks of using his best legal training to argue against it, Bill finally agreed to let Marcus give beauty school a try. Part of the credit goes to Bill’s wife Donna Waite, owner of The Hair Academy – A Paul Mitchell Partner School in Rexburg, Idaho. “I hung out in her salon and liked what was going on,” Marcus recalls. “Everybody seemed to be having a good time, making people feel good. Luckily, my stepmother had a bigger impact than I did, so my dad gave in.”

In the fall of 1999, Marcus enrolled at Paul Mitchell The School Provo, then transferred to Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa when it opened. After graduating and passing his state board exam, he joined a top high-end salon in Newport Beach, California, and continued his education by attending hair shows and advanced training academies. Two years later, he joined the trendy AHSI Salon in Newport Beach. His work has been featured in fashion and lifestyle magazines, including Elle Girl, Teen Vogue, California Magazine, and Riviera, a high-end Orange County magazine. His clients have included movie star Kevin Costner and his wife, jeans designers Chip and Pepper, and many other successful people who come to Marcus for advice on taking care of their appearance. He has also modeled and done print work for surf clothing manufacturer Hurley.


“If this career is what you want to do because you’ll be happy, then go for it, whether your parents like it or not,” Marcus advises. “My dad was probably embarrassed in the beginning, saying his son’s a hairdresser, but he got over that. Now he loves it and tells everyone, especially when I get a celebrity client. Maybe it convinced him to get into it a little bit, too, because now he’s a co-owner of the school with Donna. I think he’s loving it and having fun, too!”