backup copy - not in use
About this space
About the space
- you good with pro
This is a private, invite-only space for practicing, licensed hair stylists/cosmetologists and barbers of the world.
We created the space so you can gain insights into how we feel about current industry changes and participate in the conversation that play a positive role in the future well-being of you, your career, and the industry- individually and collectively.
This is a private, invite-only space for practicing, licensed hair stylists/cosmetologists and barbers of the world.
We created the space so you can gain insights into how we feel about current industry changes and participate in the conversation that play a positive role in the future well-being of you, your career, and the industry- individually and collectively.
Why we believe this space is vital
Your world as a beauty Professional is on the cusp of a seismic shift. The speed it's changing, regardless of geographical location, will impact our well-being.
Our business partners will continue to roll out their changes. Some may be deemed the worst of all time. Tough to deal with and far reached. That's because regardless of where you do hair around the globe, Loreal is Loreal, Wella is Wella, KMS is KMS. You get it.
History has proven an exclusion and consideration these changes have had on us. But have we communicated our need for more compassion?
Have we expressed concerns for miss-aligned products and services they've brought to market?
And what about those deemed a blatant conflict of interest? (The luxury of splitting a hair on this topic is a pointless pun.) But when do we plan on holding ourselves accountable? That's both of us.
How long are going to bash our heads against the shampoo bowl?
If we keep this passive role up, the catastrophic impact of the future will be undeniably brutal. We can debate the past or pick up the future. We're suggesting 2023 is the year we all draw the proverbial line in the sand.
Our business partners will continue to roll out their changes. Some may be deemed the worst of all time. Tough to deal with and far reached. That's because regardless of where you do hair around the globe, Loreal is Loreal, Wella is Wella, KMS is KMS. You get it.
History has proven an exclusion and consideration these changes have had on us. But have we communicated our need for more compassion?
Have we expressed concerns for miss-aligned products and services they've brought to market?
And what about those deemed a blatant conflict of interest? (The luxury of splitting a hair on this topic is a pointless pun.) But when do we plan on holding ourselves accountable? That's both of us.
How long are going to bash our heads against the shampoo bowl?
If we keep this passive role up, the catastrophic impact of the future will be undeniably brutal. We can debate the past or pick up the future. We're suggesting 2023 is the year we all draw the proverbial line in the sand.
Technology holds our future
We have new technology that can help us bridge the gap. What do we need from each other now? How do we navigate our partner's eternal right and need to profit? (We need that). How do we extract the creativity from life, remain inspired and maintain a status in the Pro world? (We need that).
2000'ish - Social media leveled the playing field.
2020'ish - Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other blockchain-decentralized and peer-to-peer platforms turned transparency into a form of currency.
It's time to bank on a fresh start :)
Ownership and direction of our lives as Professionals and the industry that's home to us, can be ours. The terms we accept that define us. How we protect our data, privacy, standards and ethics we chose to uphold. How we authenticate real products, services and most of all, us. Real Pros. This is all up for grabs - if we chose.
The right tools and talent can reestablish a distinction between us Pros and all that noise. We can realign the lopsided perception we all have. Create a foundation governed by a fair exchange. And be proud of the relationships built, honored, and respected.
A mammoth task for us all - we know. But doable only if we start the conversations now. And if we can do a great job, we'll keep this opportunity - forever.
We believe we're ready as individuals or as a collective. We have what it takes to bring about an aligned course correction.
Are you capable of holding your blades, a color brush, and the talking stick?
Are you ready to proclaim your birthright to a Pro status that's reserved for you and bankable value?
Are you in the mood to yell that (in person or private) from the break room?
Then you know what to do.
2000'ish - Social media leveled the playing field.
2020'ish - Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other blockchain-decentralized and peer-to-peer platforms turned transparency into a form of currency.
It's time to bank on a fresh start :)
Ownership and direction of our lives as Professionals and the industry that's home to us, can be ours. The terms we accept that define us. How we protect our data, privacy, standards and ethics we chose to uphold. How we authenticate real products, services and most of all, us. Real Pros. This is all up for grabs - if we chose.
The right tools and talent can reestablish a distinction between us Pros and all that noise. We can realign the lopsided perception we all have. Create a foundation governed by a fair exchange. And be proud of the relationships built, honored, and respected.
A mammoth task for us all - we know. But doable only if we start the conversations now. And if we can do a great job, we'll keep this opportunity - forever.
We believe we're ready as individuals or as a collective. We have what it takes to bring about an aligned course correction.
Are you capable of holding your blades, a color brush, and the talking stick?
Are you ready to proclaim your birthright to a Pro status that's reserved for you and bankable value?
Are you in the mood to yell that (in person or private) from the break room?
Then you know what to do.
We need your support
We can't do this alone and really need your support during our pre-launch phase. Sign up on or before December 31 to earn redeemable points for (one-off pre-launch) events and resources.
Double points when you convince your mates to join you.
Double points when you convince your mates to join you.
How to get involved
A. The gorilla can not be present in the room.
B. Have the total option to participate anonymously and float between those to
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C: We have transparency to the privacy best practice we've put in place to at no point ever tie a human body to the results.
D: We hold the space for a future hair and beauty industry that we all run democratically, cooperatively, and on terms that don't just please us. They inspire us
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TAKE A POLL NOW
1
Complete a brief online form
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Authenticate yourself as a Pro
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Conversation Roadmap - Get familiar
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View, Vote, Comment, or Subscribe to Ideas and Topics or Start your own.
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Why we believe we have a shot
Pro everything has left the salon
You do know that our most significant business partner, outside of our landlords (the Redkens, Paul Mitchels, Goldwells, Loreals, etc.), have left the building, right?
Ah hello! It's not like we haven't noticed. But have we acknowledged this? And have we taken a few minutes to ponder the colossal loss to us if left alone and nothing done?
This is a big deal, even if you're not ready or willing to face it, that we totally get.
But did you get the memo below? Or, was it just us who didn't?
Ah hello! It's not like we haven't noticed. But have we acknowledged this? And have we taken a few minutes to ponder the colossal loss to us if left alone and nothing done?
This is a big deal, even if you're not ready or willing to face it, that we totally get.
But did you get the memo below? Or, was it just us who didn't?
We're using humor because when you've known of the affair for forty-something years as we have, a meltdown at this point may appear melodramatic and victim'ish. And while many of us may accept melodramatic, but victim anything ain't us. Nope!
Opportunity: Technology offers ways to no longer be disenfranchised. We have options, good ones. If we chose well, and collaborate, we can take ownership of the entire Pro space. And, hold onto it for the rest of time. But, if we're going to 'take back the house' then we should do that before they do. Again!
Opportunity: Technology offers ways to no longer be disenfranchised. We have options, good ones. If we chose well, and collaborate, we can take ownership of the entire Pro space. And, hold onto it for the rest of time. But, if we're going to 'take back the house' then we should do that before they do. Again!
A couple of undeniable home truths
1. Pro retail. What happened there?
We all know the minute a Pro-product hits the shelf of a non-pro, big-box, or a retail store, it's no longer Professional. A product is either Pro or it's not. You can't be half-pregnant.
- you good with - products once exclusive to us simultaneously anywhere and everywhere?
- you good with - sharing revenue from one of the few remaining profit centers they'd not taken from us fully? (till now).
2. Pro color. What happened there?
We all know they surgically removed a healthy chunk of change with the introduction of Box-Color.
- you good with - how they've surgically removed another chunk with their D2C home color Subscription-Box? (Box's appear to be a thing right?).
- you good with - what's next?
It'll curl more than your hair when that one drops :(
3. The term Professional/Pro. What happened there?
We all know the term (without us calling the shots) is unguarded and ungoverned.
- you good with - them continuing to abuse, overuse, and bastardize it to its death?
- you good with - having to share the term with our Amazon and Walmart geniuses?
- you good with - the new education director at Walmart appointed by Schwarzkopf (as an example) giving advice to your clients? (You know, the them missing three teeth wearing a thong overtop of its/thems see-through ripped jeans).
D. Education and training on retail and color. What happened there?
We all know our partners have chosen Walmart (and the like) as our equivalent replacement.
- you good with - giving our products to those who know $hit, have no formal knowledge, experience, wisdom, certification, or license?
- you good with - trying to answer 'So why did we need to do those few thousand hours training on each of those retail products and all those colors then?
The two most damming issues of all.
One: Never a replacement.
We all know none of this would be an issue if our partners had only given us a distinguishing replacement.
- you good with - the fact they've never offered us one?
Two: We've never owned or governed the term Pro.
We all know in our hearts we've been disenfranchised.
- you good with - forever being at the mercy of those with the biggest checkbooks?
- you good with - never having an influence or owning the term Pro?
Opportunity: We can reject the Professional term and form our own. One we own as a Coop, or form of collective. The 'how' will be worked out between us, but it's time we control and direct what's ours.
We all know the minute a Pro-product hits the shelf of a non-pro, big-box, or a retail store, it's no longer Professional. A product is either Pro or it's not. You can't be half-pregnant.
- you good with - products once exclusive to us simultaneously anywhere and everywhere?
- you good with - sharing revenue from one of the few remaining profit centers they'd not taken from us fully? (till now).
2. Pro color. What happened there?
We all know they surgically removed a healthy chunk of change with the introduction of Box-Color.
- you good with - how they've surgically removed another chunk with their D2C home color Subscription-Box? (Box's appear to be a thing right?).
- you good with - what's next?
It'll curl more than your hair when that one drops :(
3. The term Professional/Pro. What happened there?
We all know the term (without us calling the shots) is unguarded and ungoverned.
- you good with - them continuing to abuse, overuse, and bastardize it to its death?
- you good with - having to share the term with our Amazon and Walmart geniuses?
- you good with - the new education director at Walmart appointed by Schwarzkopf (as an example) giving advice to your clients? (You know, the them missing three teeth wearing a thong overtop of its/thems see-through ripped jeans).
D. Education and training on retail and color. What happened there?
We all know our partners have chosen Walmart (and the like) as our equivalent replacement.
- you good with - giving our products to those who know $hit, have no formal knowledge, experience, wisdom, certification, or license?
- you good with - trying to answer 'So why did we need to do those few thousand hours training on each of those retail products and all those colors then?
The two most damming issues of all.
One: Never a replacement.
We all know none of this would be an issue if our partners had only given us a distinguishing replacement.
- you good with - the fact they've never offered us one?
Two: We've never owned or governed the term Pro.
We all know in our hearts we've been disenfranchised.
- you good with - forever being at the mercy of those with the biggest checkbooks?
- you good with - never having an influence or owning the term Pro?
Opportunity: We can reject the Professional term and form our own. One we own as a Coop, or form of collective. The 'how' will be worked out between us, but it's time we control and direct what's ours.
Your Pre-launch goodies
Our gifts for trusting us in these early days. We're hosting two complimentary event types to say thanks. Go-Pro Group Office Hours and Go-Pro Private Office Hours is how we'd like to share ideas we've established over the past several months. We believe they can be used to distinguish ourselves as Pros of a different sort in 2023.
A private space for Pros... only
A private space for Pros... only
To be the voice for positive change as well as navigate and facilitate the course correction we're on. However the only way this can be achieved is with a private, secure place. A safe place where our conversations are protected.
The next three to seven years will see some of the most significant shifts of all time. It's our intent that we use this platform to find ways of being included in these changes with our voices.
We have technology on our side. We can develop solutions that inject ourselves into the solution if we choose. But the impact on us will be catastrophic and irreversible if we do nothing.
The next three to seven years will see some of the most significant shifts of all time. It's our intent that we use this platform to find ways of being included in these changes with our voices.
We have technology on our side. We can develop solutions that inject ourselves into the solution if we choose. But the impact on us will be catastrophic and irreversible if we do nothing.
About
A social experiment
We're a couple of Professional stylists. We have decades of real-world experience slinging hair between chairs. So when we reference aspects of the industry (negatively/positively), it's because we've lived it.
They're not water cooler conversations we've overheard, gossip, or hearsay. You're welcome to challenge us on any level because our experiences are the real deal. Support them also if that feels right for you. Or do both. Because their real, we're tots ok with either.
What you find here over the coming months may leave you so inspired for our present and potential in our future. It may also make you feel sick to the stomach, especially if you're also a Pro.
We believe we're not alone, which is the entire reason for this social experiment. We do know, however, alone or not. It's not always been an easy career to navigate. And this may surface emotions because, as individuals or as an industry, we've taken a beating.
A history filled with an endless list of issues that will not come off sounding like there's any kindness in the human spirit. But we're here for you. Where ever you are, or whoever you are.
We'll do our best to present a balanced perspective. You'll hear how we have dropped the ball and failed to raise issues with our partners. There are very solid and found reasons for this too, which we'll get into. So hang in there with us as.
We'll have a shot at unraveling the past and attempting to unfold the future in ways worthy of your attention, time, energy, and contribution. As long as it' feels good for you and can help us positively move the needle, then jump in.
They're not water cooler conversations we've overheard, gossip, or hearsay. You're welcome to challenge us on any level because our experiences are the real deal. Support them also if that feels right for you. Or do both. Because their real, we're tots ok with either.
What you find here over the coming months may leave you so inspired for our present and potential in our future. It may also make you feel sick to the stomach, especially if you're also a Pro.
We believe we're not alone, which is the entire reason for this social experiment. We do know, however, alone or not. It's not always been an easy career to navigate. And this may surface emotions because, as individuals or as an industry, we've taken a beating.
A history filled with an endless list of issues that will not come off sounding like there's any kindness in the human spirit. But we're here for you. Where ever you are, or whoever you are.
We'll do our best to present a balanced perspective. You'll hear how we have dropped the ball and failed to raise issues with our partners. There are very solid and found reasons for this too, which we'll get into. So hang in there with us as.
We'll have a shot at unraveling the past and attempting to unfold the future in ways worthy of your attention, time, energy, and contribution. As long as it' feels good for you and can help us positively move the needle, then jump in.
One crucial aspect to keep in mind, especially when unraveling the past. At times it's going to sound personal, charged, and lopsided because it'll be how we've chosen to represent the memory.
The emphasis on the past does not mean overshadowing the future or sounding like we're rehashing resentments. (although at times we may).
But we intend to capture as many stories as possible to memorialize and organize our history.
We want to do that in a way our next generation of stylists can easily reference and relate to them. In ways, of course, that can impart wisdom, knowledge, and know-how that can prevent them from wasting their own life repeating what's not worked for us.
Oddly, however, we've found it hard to strike up a conversation in reference to many of these topics with other stylists or industry folk. Few, if not zero, stylists have an interest in discussing them. It's almost 'as if' they're a form of unspoken or taboo-like energy that makes people get all weird and moonwalk out of the conversation real quick. There are reasons for this too, which we'll delve into and explore a little later on. But for now, know this. We're biased sure. We're experienced (that's why we're biased), but most of all.
Trust we have enough bottle age and wisdom to know it's all happened for a reason. And if that reason is to have us here, together right this minute, then that's pretty cool, right? And even cooler if we're all working (for what may be the first time in history) together on a shared vision. You'd have to agree, regardless of whats transpired in the past, it's been worth it.
You'll pick up very quickly that we're purists. Pro's at heart. And if you're one of those diverters who's going to come at us with the proverbial...
"Let me tell you why I sell a million dollars of Professional hair care to Walmart and other big box retails each week. Mmmmm, mostly Loreal, Paul Mitchel, KMS, Matrix, Sabastian, Redken, and a few others) .
And let me tell you why stylist suck and why they can't sell for shit, and I can - blah blah bloody blah"
Be ready for a fuck you - have a nice day - a hug - and an invite to join us on our podcast. Coz we have some people who'd like to ask you a few more questions:)
At the end of the day, and in a pile of gross hair and stuff, we're brothers and sisters who share one thing in common. One thing that somehow can equate to millions of aspects of this industry we all love and love to hate.
And we're certain of the affection we have for one another. Even if we try and make out we don't like each other. Go ahead. Put two or more Pros together in a room and watch what happens. Two or two thousand - you pick. Any geo location. Any language, age, or identity. Sit back and watch the two many become one, or the one become too many.
It's epic.
Now, get hold of that voice coz we want to hear it, and hear it loud!
Welcome to - you good with pro!?!
The emphasis on the past does not mean overshadowing the future or sounding like we're rehashing resentments. (although at times we may).
But we intend to capture as many stories as possible to memorialize and organize our history.
We want to do that in a way our next generation of stylists can easily reference and relate to them. In ways, of course, that can impart wisdom, knowledge, and know-how that can prevent them from wasting their own life repeating what's not worked for us.
Oddly, however, we've found it hard to strike up a conversation in reference to many of these topics with other stylists or industry folk. Few, if not zero, stylists have an interest in discussing them. It's almost 'as if' they're a form of unspoken or taboo-like energy that makes people get all weird and moonwalk out of the conversation real quick. There are reasons for this too, which we'll delve into and explore a little later on. But for now, know this. We're biased sure. We're experienced (that's why we're biased), but most of all.
Trust we have enough bottle age and wisdom to know it's all happened for a reason. And if that reason is to have us here, together right this minute, then that's pretty cool, right? And even cooler if we're all working (for what may be the first time in history) together on a shared vision. You'd have to agree, regardless of whats transpired in the past, it's been worth it.
You'll pick up very quickly that we're purists. Pro's at heart. And if you're one of those diverters who's going to come at us with the proverbial...
"Let me tell you why I sell a million dollars of Professional hair care to Walmart and other big box retails each week. Mmmmm, mostly Loreal, Paul Mitchel, KMS, Matrix, Sabastian, Redken, and a few others) .
And let me tell you why stylist suck and why they can't sell for shit, and I can - blah blah bloody blah"
Be ready for a fuck you - have a nice day - a hug - and an invite to join us on our podcast. Coz we have some people who'd like to ask you a few more questions:)
At the end of the day, and in a pile of gross hair and stuff, we're brothers and sisters who share one thing in common. One thing that somehow can equate to millions of aspects of this industry we all love and love to hate.
And we're certain of the affection we have for one another. Even if we try and make out we don't like each other. Go ahead. Put two or more Pros together in a room and watch what happens. Two or two thousand - you pick. Any geo location. Any language, age, or identity. Sit back and watch the two many become one, or the one become too many.
It's epic.
Now, get hold of that voice coz we want to hear it, and hear it loud!
Welcome to - you good with pro!?!
A little about us
Slice or dice it however you'd like; the term Professional products/stylist/color blah blah is a bunch of oxymorons.
Our plan: Listening to you guys. Collect and organize your thoughts and concerns. Document the real issues. Use a collective approach to ask what you'd like done and how you'd like the future of you and your industry to pan out. Then we can present it to our partners and facilitate the course correction our lives and industry is on.
Our plan: Listening to you guys. Collect and organize your thoughts and concerns. Document the real issues. Use a collective approach to ask what you'd like done and how you'd like the future of you and your industry to pan out. Then we can present it to our partners and facilitate the course correction our lives and industry is on.
