posted on: 05/31/2023
Taking risks = growth. Staying in the comfort zone is the fastest way to become bored and stuck. So, try something new this spring. Anna Peters (@annas_hair_retreat), Sam Villa ArTeam member and owner of re:TREAT Color + Hair Design Studio shares what inspires her.
What inspires you? I’m really inspired by trying new things and taking big risks! I turn to architecture and plants for styling and color inspo. New stylists inspire me too. I just love their fresh perspective, open minds, and enthusiasm for growth.
What was your biggest “aha” moment as a hairdresser? When I realized the value of my time, and how to create boundaries to protect it.
What’s unique about your teaching style? I love to give as much as possible in my classes, so I come prepared to keep teaching until the lights are turned off (LOL). As a salon owner and stylist behind the chair, I really understand my attendees struggles and I like to provide individual solutions, so they walk away enriched with information that directly relates to their business. I want them to leave as better hairstylists and salon owners empowered to try something new.
What is your educational focus for the next couple of months? My focus this season is on foundations. The bridal industry is always booming, and I think if I can share more education on the foundations of styling, more stylists could feel confident enough to step into bridal styling to expand their careers. “Elegance to Long Hair Dressing” is a great class for this, see here. One of the things I stress in this class is how mapping out your style will really help save time and energy, and you can create stronger cleaner styles.
This moment was the first time I was invited across the country into an award-winning bridal salon to share my foundation class.
Can you share a moment when you knew you made an impact on a student's learning? Once after a lunch break during a class at a school, a student came up to me and handed me a drawing she did of me teaching the class. She was so talented it was spot on from head to toe. She said she was very thankful for what I was sharing and that I inspired her to be an educator someday. It touched my heart deeply.
If you were stranded on a deserted island (where beauty and fashion reigned supreme) what would be the one tool you would bring? Sam Villa Signature Series 7 Inch Dry Cutting Swivel Shear, so I can keep a cute fringe going and cut through anything needed to survive.
Tell us something about yourself that we don't already know. I repelled off a 15- story building to raise money for an ice rink for our downtown. I didn’t think I would be afraid until I had to go over the edge backwards! Thankfully my dad was with me who always makes me feel like I can do anything!
Sam Villa is co-founder and chief creative officer of the Sam Villa Company (Allvus, LLC), a leading education and styling tool company for the professional hair industry. He is also global artistic ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue, a L’Oreal brand. Villa is the 2021 NAHA Educator of the Year, Hair Awards USA Hall of Fame Inductee, 2021 AHP Icon Stylist Influencer of the Year, 2020 International Hairdressing Awards ‘International Hair Influencer of the Year,’ the 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Intercoiffure America/Canada Member, Behind the Chair Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007) and Favorite Overall Educator of the Year (2015). His inspiring education and innovative ergonomic styling tools can be experienced on samvilla.com. The Sam Villa brand brings free digital education to everyone including hot tips and techniques, as well as access to livestreamed educational events. The company also offers professional tools for consumers so they can achieve salon-quality results at home with minimal effort.