Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1250436
N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 27 Stenson's second objective was to make sure that Ulta Beauty was an excellent resource for the entire beauty industry. He wanted "a safe place for professionals to stay connected, fill their educational cups back up, and prepare them to hit the ground running when they get back in their salons." Although Stenson admits to working longer hours during COVID-19, his focus is on being a good leader and ensuring that he and his team are taking care of their associates and guests. Additionally, he is managing the creative side of his career, producing new content for social media and engaging with consumer and industry press on a number of projects. Stenson feels that no one really knows how things are going to be on the other side of COVID-19, but "one thing I know for sure," he says, "is beauty services and beauty products do more than help people look beautiful on the outside. They fulfill people from the inside. "The true power of beauty is the imprint we leave on people's hearts. It gives me comfort to know our industry will bounce back very fast. The relationships we have made over the years are lifelong. "My advice is to really make sure you're keeping your team and your guests safe at all times. New safety and sanitation protocols are going to be more important now than ever." As if Nick Stenson wasn't busy enough, his passion for industry excellence extends far beyond his day-to-day. Following are ways he is giving back, planning ahead, and creating more. Giving Back Stenson sits on a few boards, including Cosmetologists Chicago and the International SalonSpa Business Network (ISBN), and is a big supporter of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) Beauty Changes Lives and City of Hope. "The reason I am passionate about all these organizations," he says, "is because we all have the same goal, and that is to protect the beauty industry and the future of the industry for all beauty professionals today and for years to come." Planning Ahead: America's Beauty Show 2021 Stenson says that although the America's Beauty Show 2020, brought to life by Cosmetologists Chicago, has been canceled due to COVID-19—just like so many other large events across the industry—he is particularly excited about ABS 2021. "In 2021, we are coming back stronger than ever with tons of newness that I really believe all beauty professionals will be so excited to be a part of," he says. "Our board of directors includes a team of passionate beauty leaders who share the number-one philosophy; that is, to make sure we provide beauty professionals the experience and education they need and will be proud to be a part of. Stay tuned, more to come, but get excited! It's going to be epic!" Creating More: Curious Brushes Curious Brushes has been a passion project of Stenson's for the past five years. "I always wanted to create something that the marketplace has never seen. New innovation. New technology. I am super proud of them, as they took over three years to get the patent perfect. The line has been super successful, and I am proud to say that they are sold exclusively in the US at Ulta Beauty, but we are getting ready for international expansion early this summer."