About Us
We, as Hairstylists, believe that our continued growth as individuals and as an industry hinges on relationship building, in-person technical training & professional development, and human connection and interaction. After all, that is the nature of our business...face-to-face, human connection, and interaction!
The expansion of social media, the internet, and other technologies has done and continues to do amazing things for the industry while empowering stylists all over the country! Online classes & professional development help to give hairstylists many of the resources they need, just scattered across the internet and the globe. We aim to strike a balance between technology, the human element, and proximity.
The resources, products, and services found on this platform can be seen on your screen, but they are intended to grow you as a hairstylist, professional craftsperson, and human being out in the world. You will be empowered through the support, relationships, and tools you get from this community to build the future you want.
Mission statement
Building local industry community by providing resources, products, services, and relationship development opportunities to empower hairstylists of all levels.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a locally connected industry with an elevated standard of community, professionalism, and accountability. Achieving this through relationship building, technical & professional development, and mutual respect will ensure Hairstylists are empowered to control their future.
Our Team
Robert Hughes
Founder and CEO
“I think hairstylists are the coolest, nicest, and most fun group of people on the planet! I am passionate about ushering in an empowered-stylist future, and I absolutely love getting stylists from all walks of life together in a non-competitive environment where we can learn, laugh, and grow together.”
Robert started his hair journey as a kid in rural America offering haircuts on the street to kids in the neighborhood, not realizing, one day, he would find himself working the front desk at a hair salon while in high school. From there, his experience from salon-to-salon has included the front of the house, back of the house, stylist, educator, and consultant. It was during this movement through various salons he developed a passion to empower stylists and educate owners on how to raise the industry standard of excellence, mutual respect, and professionalism amongst stylists, managers, owners, and clients.
General Manager and Master Stylist at Violet Salon, Georgetown
Sammi heffron
Director of Digital Communications and Engagement
“I care about people and have always wanted my work to revolve around this. My passion is making a difference in the world through people helping people.”
Sammi grew up in Santa Monica where she was surrounded by sunshine and palm trees. One could even go as far as to say that’s where she gets her positive outlook. Working as a salon coordinator, she has interacted throughout the salon including working with clients, resolving conflicts, and keeping people happy. Her complete background goes even further. From volunteer opportunities to managing event social media channels and attendee engagement, she has found that she thrives in opportunities that allow her to make connections with people. Sammi works as the Manager of Learning and Development at a national organization where her experiences afford her the opportunity to develop and offer innovative and engaging opportunities that focus on the attendee experience.
Keturah Kennedy
“I believe community building is crucial to the long term success of any industry and I’m excited to see this movement grow in the DMV’s hair industry.”
Keturah Kennedy has two passions: cutting hair and politics. She came to DC in 2018 excited to jump into the city’s hair industry, while being surrounded by all our nation’s capital has to offer.
Passionate about education, Keturah received her bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from Vanguard University of Southern California. She spent over a decade running and consulting non-profits and small businesses before pursuing her passion of hair at Paul Mitchell The School in Costa Mesa, CA. Keturah has been licensed in CA since 2013 and is excited to continue her career in DC. Keturah’s passion for education continues with hair classes in L.A., New York City, and Washington DC. She gets to pursue in her creative work with the talented stylists and colorists at One80 Salon.
With this passion and her abilities to understand people’s needs and establish and execute on plans to help serve those needs, Keturah is an invaluable member of the Hatching Imagination team.