By Max Raney
The Keller Academy recently hosted a regional advanced soiree spotlighting the unity and culture within TONI&GUY. The event featured presentations from regional TONI&GUY salon teams, Keller Academy instructors, and the TONI&GUY National Artistic team; joined by Creative Director Zak Mascolo who performed cut, color, and make-up demonstrations.
TONI&GUY Regional Creative Director Austin Finley previewed a cut from the upcoming Freedom Collection, providing some insight into the significance of this type of event and the importance of having it take place in the academy setting. “This shows the cohesiveness and new direction within the company. We’re doing away with any type of separation,” he explained. “Instead of having the TONI&GUY Artistic Team doing it's own thing, the salons doing one thing, and the academies doing another thing- we’re now all on the same boat headed in the same direction.”
Paul Joseph Marzioli, an original co-founder with the company and former president, addressed the student body prior to the show; stressing education and professionalism while also echoing Austin’s sentiments. “There is a synergy within the company – from academy to salon to art team, back to salon then back to the academy.” He added, “We’re looking for the next quality makers and standard holders to step up and make TONI&GUY the best, to keep us continually out front. Those who are willing to step up and do the work – we want to make sure they have a place within the company.”
His inspirational words were obviously not lost on the students in attendance. “I think it’s surreal to see them on stage, and realize that I could be one of them,” said TONI&GUY sophomore student Fallon Rybacki. Another TONI&GUY sophomore student Madison Hampton was inspired. “I didn’t know what to expect, and left with my mind blown – there are so many opportunities.”
TONI&GUY sophomore student Angela Hood added, “It feels like we’re part of a circle – we can do anything within the company we set our minds to.”
Paul Joseph’s son, Joseph Marzioli said that having an event like this in the academy setting is a great reminder that TONI&GUY is an education based company.
TONI&GUY Keller Academy Instructor, Monique Revelle, who presented a cut and color model, said she enjoyed being able to do both since the company is departmentalized. “This is a great opportunity. It’s cool to have some students assisting – getting some real experience, they get to see what it’s really like.” She added, “It’s also cool working with other instructors to represent the academy.”
Representatives from the regional TONI&GUY salons enjoyed the opportunity. TONI&GUY Southlake Salon Manager Tracy Shaffer explained, “It definitely helps keep the salon personnel motivated – to see new things – but it’s also personal working for this company, we’re a big family.” Tiffany Chesnut Southlake Technical Education Director added, “It’s fun to see what’s going on in the other salons. You work with the same people everyday so it’s cool to see how other salons are approaching the work.”
TONI&GUY Keller Academy Director of Education Joshua Villarreal summed up the evening. “It’s great to see former academy students who are now in the salons and on the TONI&GUY Artistic Team coming back to the academy to be a part of these presentations. It's great example of 'paying it forward.'”