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. Robert currently is the General Manager and a Master Stylist at Violet Salon in Georgetown, DC.
Sammi heffron - Director of marketing and Community 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.