Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1380995
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 49 We're available to answer any questions about coverage; call 800-575-4642. Nick Stenson had that vision five years ago when he joined Ulta Beauty as its first-ever chief artistic director and quickly made it a reality. A leading educator and licensed hairdresser himself, as well as artistic director for Matrix, Stenson knew the level of talented, committed, and passion- driven artists he would like to invite to be part of a new model he would call the Pro Team. He also knew he and Ulta Beauty would be breaking down barriers to do so. "Never before had top beauty educators representing competing products brands worked together on an ongoing basis with one central purpose of artists supporting artists," says Stenson, now Ulta Beauty Senior VP of Store and Service Operations. Imagine bringing together elite hairdressing artists and celebrity educators who also happen to represent your favorite professional salon product brands. Then, envision putting them to work collaborating on customized classes, inspiring trend collections, and unique mentoring experiences—all crafted exclusively for you and your salon team. That would be pretty amazing, right? Once the artists and the brands they represented grasped the scope of what Stenson was suggesting, they couldn't resist. It was the first of many major wow experiences he and Ulta Beauty have unveiled to serve Ulta Beauty salon associates and inspire the entire professional beauty industry. In five years since its introduction, the Pro Team has grown in strength, diversity, reach, influence, and importance to the inclusive, education-focused salon culture of Ulta Beauty. Led by Stenson and current Ulta Beauty Chief Artistic Director Ammon Carver, today's award-winning Pro Team is made up of top artists who work year-round to create content, train, and inspire thousands of Ulta Beauty stylists, while representing top professional hair care brands, including Matrix, Redken, L'Anza, Kenra, and Wella. advertisement