An Interview with NAHA 18 Stylist of the Year Allen Ruiz

Thursday, 11 September 2008

Allen Ruiz: A Year in Review
An Interview with the NAHA 18 ‘Hairstylist of the Year’

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is proud to produce the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), honoring the artistry and skill of the professional salon industry. To win a NAHA is a tremendous accomplishment and to be named ‘North American Hairstylist of the Year’ is to reach the pinnacle of artistic success.

On July 13, 2008, Allen Ruiz passed the NAHA crown of ‘Hairstylist of the Year’ to Charlie Price. After the NAHA 19 awards ceremony, we chatted with Allen about his year-long reign. Having recently finished shooting the 2008 Emerging Latina Collection with PBA and the Latino Fashion Group, Allen admitted to having a great year. (For more information on the photo shoot, visit probeauty.org/lfg.)

What was it like to win ‘Hairstylist of the Year’ at NAHA 18?
It was a big surprise. I’ve been to a few of the shows as an attendee but this was my first time entering. It was surreal and I didn’t know what to expect. Everything was happening so fast, like it was on auto pilot.

What did it mean to you personally?
It’s hard to explain especially since this was something I’ve never experienced before. Actually winning the NAHA was a huge achievement for me. I used to sit in the back as an attendee and just dream about what it would feel like to win. So personally, this was something I started that I really wanted to finish. I wanted to have the best models, photographers, etc. and was trying to plan it all out, but honestly it just came down to doing it.

What is your life like a year after winning ‘Hairstylist of the Year’?
It took me a while for it to sink in. It’s been such a great year and it has changed the way I look at things. I look at magazines, clients and make up differently. I am now in tune to the creative aspect of my products, clients and other things around me. I’m becoming more aware of my surroundings and thinking about my next photo shoot and entry.

What was it like to come back to work after winning ‘Hairstylist of the Year’?
It was great. I went on a little shopping spree and bought myself a nice watch that I wear everyday to remind myself of the hard work I put into it. I felt I deserved it.
I also had a party with my staff and we were able to just share the excitement together.

How did your salon react to your win?
My team was ecstatic. They really understand now how hard work and dedication can pay off. Yes, I have a full-time clientele and own two salons, but it was really my team who saw the pay off in this.

What kind of recognition did you get from your local community?
A city council member presented me with a proclamation that was signed by the mayor. I was recognized during a city council member meeting. I was also mentioned in the local paper and they did a wonderful story on me.

At the end of the conversation, Allen had a few last words to share:
Get the NAHA DVD! It might sound like a sales pitch but it makes sense and it works. It was my starting point and a great place to begin if you have no where else to look. It gives you great tips and tricks that you may not have thought of on your own. You should also have your staff watch it, especially if they’re involved in the photo shoot or are considering doing it next year.

NAHA DVD v2.0 & NAHA Forum
Need more information on running a successful photo shoot? Pick up the newly updated NAHA DVD or check out the “style scene” at probeauty.org/naha/forum and discuss winning NAHA entries, share tips with fellow entrants or just chat with other rising stars looking to win at NAHA 20. To purchase the DVD: “How to Do a Successful Photo Shoot and Win a NAHA v2.0,” go to probeauty.org/naha/nahadvd to download an order form or call 800.468.2274 (480.281.0424) x156.

Enter NAHA 20: Honoring the Work. Stories. Style!
Ready to honor the work of stylists and tell your own story at NAHA 20? Applications are available for download at probeauty.org/naha or just set up your own NAHA user profile and enter online! Entries must be postmarked by February 2, 2009. Visit probeauty.org/naha for more information.

PBA Style Stat: In 2008, PBA received 519 NAHA entries for NAHA 19: Break into Fame.

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