The Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in Scottsdale has been lucky enough have AK Mack as their Director of Education since their May 2011 opening. AK is an award-winning industry leader with 16 plus years as a hairdresser, owner, partner, and educator. He has been an integral part of Toni & Guy Collections and National Ad Campaigns that have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar and W Magazine. His work has been represented as an image for the Toni & Guy sponsorship logo in the 2009 New York Fashion Week and has worked backstage in numerous fashion shows with the TIGI International team. AK’s experience and knowledge has been a great addition to the Scottsdale Academy and our students have been fortunate enough to learn from his work. We are all thrilled to have him as part of our team and look forward to our new and prospective students joining us here in Scottsdale!
Q: How did you get your start in the hairdressing world?
A: “I was 23yrs old selling latex gloves for a company in Santa Cruz, California, and my roommate asked me if I would go with him to get his haircut. The guy cutting his hair was a gentleman named Boyd and this guy had the entire look; tattoos, motorcycle, girls and all the swag in the world. It really caught me by surprise and I knew exactly then that I wanted to be a hairdresser. Boyd then became my mentor as I first started out and the rest was history!”
Q: When did you begin working with Toni & Guy and how has your experience been?
A: “I moved to Scottsdale, AZ and began working for a salon called Regents in Fashion Square Mall. It then became America’s first Toni & Guy partnership in December of 1994. The experience has been nothing but incredible. I have been able travel, participate in fashion shows, worked behind the chair, worked as a platform artist for TIGI, managed, became partner of two salons in the valley and now run our education at the academy. Overall it has been rewarding, fun, and challenging life journey.”
Q: What do you love about teaching?
A: “I love the humility of the students. It really is great start with a blank canvas as opposed to sometimes working with a seasoned hairdresser. You are able to mold them and influence them on such a larger scale. It’s rewarding to see them grow throughout their journey here.”
Q: What is your favorite Toni & Guy Collection?
A: “Well the “Raw Collection” has always been my favorite. We were learning how to finish hair with our fingers instead of brushes. Of course I’m a big fan of the NYC Collection, mainly due to the fact that it was the first collection I was a part of. I also did the “Sarah” cut for the New Puritan.”
Q: What makes Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy such a great place to attend?
A: “Indeed the instructors and our education. All of our instructors here at the Scottsdale academy are seasoned professionals with a proven track record. That in turn breaths real life experience for the students when our course work is being taught. It allows them to relate to real life experiences and not just what they read from a book. Our education is second to none. It is applicable to every salon on the planet. As the French would say its Prêt-a porter (ready to wear)!”
Q: What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
A: “I really enjoy extreme sports and activities. I frequently climb Camelback Mountain and run bleachers. I also enjoy cooking for my family.”
Q: What is your best advice for new comers in this highly competitive industry?
A: “People with authority in your life usually got there for a reason. Listen to them. Be humble and learn to follow directions especially in the beginning of your career.”