posted on: 05/24/2023
With spring around the corner, let’s turn to inspiration from other stylists to revive spirit and skill. Jesse Linares (@jesse.linares), Sam Villa ArTeam member and TRACE SALON + SUPPLY stylist, identifies with hairdressers who work behind the chair full-time because he is one himself. He promotes education that develops diversified skills necessary for success.
“Working hairdressers have to produce consistent results regularly on the same people. That’s a unique need and pressure that is often not addressed in modern hair education. It’s important to me that stylists understand the WHY behind trends and techniques and thereby gain more control over their hands, personal vision, and business,” explains Linares. Let’s find out more about him.
What inspires you?
“These days, it's my guests. I've serviced most of them for nearly twenty years, so I'm always looking for ways to up my game for them. Impressing them and continually earning their loyalty are things I'm constantly thinking about.”
What was your biggest “aha” moment as a hairdresser?
“When I realized the secret to satisfaction in this career is not to focus on making money or being cool, but instead to love doing hair and to enjoy my guests. Everything else falls into place.”
What's unique about your teaching style?
“I'm a working hairdresser, so my motivation and impetus come from (and are directed toward) meeting the needs of my guests. Everything I present from stage or in the classroom comes from experiences I've had in the salon with everyday people.”
What is your educational focus for the next couple of months?
“I always teach according to what I'm working on in the salon at that time. Lately it's been body positioning and shear mechanics.”
Can you share a moment when you knew you made an impact on a student’s learning?
“Whenever a stylist I've mentored begins stealing my guests, that's when I know. It's happened a lot.”
If you were stranded on a deserted island (where beauty and fashion reigned supreme) what would be the one tool you would bring?
“I imagine the fashion is pretty rough, so I'd bring my Sam Villa Artist Series Polishing Paddle Brush. It works for just about everything, and I could probably use it as a weapon.”
Tell us something about yourself that we don't already know.
“I know how to use a paddle brush as a weapon.”
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.