CEO
SEVEN FIGURE BOSS

Dr. Adrienne Velazquez is a visionary entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate in the beauty and wellness industry. She is the President of Joyez Salon MedSpa, Executive Director of ANVWellness, and CEO of The Seven Figure Boss™, where she coaches beauty professionals and entrepreneurs on building and scaling successful businesses.

Velazquez is a passionate humanitarian and advocate. She is actively involved in the fight against human trafficking through Hairstylists Against Trafficking, champions initiatives supporting foster children, and founded the ANVWellness nonprofit. Her philanthropic efforts have raised significant funds for organizations including the Pathway Adoption Agency and shelters supporting women and families in need.

A recognized industry leader, Velazquez’s salon has been honored among the Salon Today 200 salons, and she was named a Top 30 finalist in The Great American Speak Off. Through her work as a mentor, speaker, and advocate, she continues to inspire professionals to overcome obstacles, build thriving businesses, and create meaningful impact in their communities.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, LIFESPA
LIFE TIME

With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Ali Yanez has built, scaled, and led multi-million-dollar businesses in beauty and wellness—but at the heart of it all, she understands that salon professionals do more than create transformations; they hold space for others in ways that can be both rewarding and emotionally demanding.

As Senior Vice President at Life Time, Ali oversees 150+ locations, a team of 3,000+, and a $100M+ business, driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. But beyond the numbers, she is a relatable leader who deeply values the well-being of those on the front lines of beauty and wellness. Ali thrives on connection through mentorship, empowerment, and helping industry professionals build sustainable careers that don’t come at the cost of their mental health.

Having held key leadership roles at Estée Lauder Companies (Aveda), she has mentored thousands of salon professionals, championed industry-leading education programs, and helped build cultures that support both artistry and well-being.

FOUNDERS
THE CREATIVE BLEND SALON

Amber and Edson Delgado are the founders and driving force behind The Creative Blend. As a husband and wife team, they are passionate creators, dreamers, and entrepreneurs dedicated to pushing the beauty industry forward through education, creativity, and community.

After meeting and falling in love, Amber and Edson realized they shared a deep connection not only with each other, but with the same industry that inspired them both. Through their individual journeys in the beauty world, they experienced both the highs and the lows that come with building a career behind the chair.

Now, they’re channeling those experiences into a new venture known as The Creative Blend. What started as a vision has grown into a team, built alongside incredible clients and a shared passion for the craft. Their mission is to create a space where creativity, passion, and education can flow freely for every stylist and guest who becomes part of it.

GROUP PUBLISHER
BBM BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS

Angela Reich is Group Publisher of the Beauty, Health & Wellness Group at Bobit Business Media, where she leads platforms including MODERN SALON, SALON TODAY, NAILS, BARBERING TODAY, and MODERN Spa & Wellness. With over 15 years in professional beauty, she focuses on connecting brands with highly engaged salon and spa professionals through content solutions, community engagement, and live experiences.

Prior to joining the beauty industry, she held senior digital media roles at The Washington Post Company and Business.com, bringing a strong foundation in audience engagement and digital content strategy to the professional beauty space.

Angela thrives in collaborative environments, is energized by the intersection of beauty and technology, and truly believes that #conversationsmatter.

DIRECTOR OF BRAND CONTENT STRATEGY
MODERN SALON & NAILS

Anne Moratto has spent over 20 years in professional beauty, championing the people, artists, and brands that make the industry so compelling.

INSTRUCTOR & ARTIST
GLAM NAILZ BY CHLOE

ChloeElizabeth Reed is the founder of Glam Nailz by Chloe and Glam Goodiez, and a nail industry educator with more than 21 years of experience. Since beginning her career in 2004—before gel polish even existed—she has built a reputation for meticulous technique, creative nail artistry, and a strong focus on helping nail professionals build sustainable careers.

Chloe’s training has taken her around the world. In Japan, she studied advanced gel and airbrush techniques rooted in the precision and discipline of Japanese nail artistry. In Italy, she trained in European sculpted gel and high-fashion nail design, expanding her perspective on the intersection of art, beauty, and innovation.

Today, Chloe shares her expertise through courses, ebooks, and in-person training designed to help nail professionals master advanced techniques, streamline their services, and build profitable businesses. Through Glam Goodiez, she continues to create educational content, product demonstrations, and resources that empower nail artists to grow as both creatives and entrepreneurs.

FOUNDER
THE WEIGHTED CAPE

With almost 10 years of professional barbering experience, Henry "Tribes" Amoloja is the owner of a barbershop, an educator, an inventor and a content creator. Henry has honed his craft across Charlotte, Washington DC, Dallas, and Minnesota. Beyond his career, he's also committed to philanthropy, initiating a clipper drive that donated over 120 clippers to barbers in Nigeria, his home country. 

Henry first had the idea for the Weighted Cape after purchasing a weighted blanket for his wife. “After using it a few times myself, I had a lightbulb moment,” he recalls. He began imagining how a simple cutting cape could be reimagined into a calming, comforting tool to enhance the client experience—especially for kids who feel overwhelmed by haircuts. 

What started as a small idea to add an extra layer of comfort quickly grew into something more meaningful. Henry noticed how the added weight helped some children feel more settled and secure during their appointments. While not a medical device, the Weighted Cape became a way to help make everyday moments—like haircuts—feel safer, softer, and more manageable for children with unique sensory needs. 

Now a Sensory Safe Certified barber based in Downtown Dallas, Henry specializes in sensory-friendly haircuts for neurodivergent children. He believes every child deserves a great cut without fear or discomfort. Through patience, creativity, and empathy, he’s helping redefine what inclusive grooming looks like—and setting a new standard in the industry. If you are in the Dallas area you can schedule a phone consultation for sensory session here henrytribesdfw.booksy.com 

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBER DEVELOPMENT
MY SALON SUITE

Kelly Westbrook's passion for the beauty industry is not just a career; it's a calling that has blossomed over an impressive 35-year journey, intertwining her love for the craft with her professional path.

After her career, rooted in salon first and evolving to sales and education, flourished through her rewarding positions with some of the most respected nail, skin, and hair brand manufacturers and distributors. Kelly's enthusiasm for the industry shone brightly as she led sales and education for iconic brands such as Redken, Matrix, Goldwell, and John Paul Mitchell Systems, where she empowered beauty professionals to reach new heights.

After enriching the salon world for over 20 years, Kelly's heartfelt commitment to growth and learning guided her to cosmetology schools. There, she dedicated herself to coaching and mentoring the bright minds at Paul Mitchell Schools, helping shape the Future Professionals and Team Members with the same passion that fueled her own career.

Continuing to share her enthusiasm, Kelly was honored to join Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, contributing to the franchise's Corporate Training programs. Her genuine desire to uplift others in their educational journey is a reflection of her belief that personal and professional growth go hand in hand.

For Kelly, every step in her career has been a step towards fulfilling her dream of elevating the beauty industry. As she continues to guide and encourage beauty professionals and suite owners, Kelly's career and passion remain beautifully entwined, inspiring all those fortunate enough to work alongside her.

As the Vice President of Member Development at My Salon Suite since 2018, Kelly's in-depth knowledge and nurturing mentorship have become a beacon of inspiration and support for Suite Owners and Franchise Owners alike.

FOUNDER
K MICHELLE & CO. LLC

Kimberly Michelle is a globally respected beauty educator, product developer, and founder with over 25 years of experience shaping creativity and innovation in the professional hair industry. She began her career assisting TONI&GUY co-founder Guy Mascolo, advancing to Designer Cut Specialist and Academy Educator, and later served as an International Platform Artist and Field Educational Director for TIGI/BedHead, training professionals across the U.S., Canada, South America, and Europe.

A New York Fashion Week session stylist for more than 18 seasons, Kimberly founded K Michelle & Co. Beauty Consulting Group to recruit, coach, and train salon professionals in building successful careers. She most recently launched MINT WELL Salon & Head Spa, a modern well-beauty brand redefining hair care as a restorative, whole-body experience. With a background in psychology, she brings strategic insight and cultural awareness to product innovation and mentorship in the beauty industry.

FOUNDER
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF HAIR AND SCALP DISEASES (AAHSD)

Ky Smith has turned her personal battle with hair loss into a transformative career, redefining the way the beauty industry approaches hair and scalp health. As a Certified Functional Trichologist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and founder of the American Academy of Hair and Scalp Diseases (AAHSD), Ky has spent over a decade empowering beauty professionals to become hair loss experts and reclaim their financial and professional freedom.

Through AAHSD, Ky delivers elite education, equipping professionals to uncover the root causes of hair loss and deliver holistic, lasting solutions. Her graduates don’t just learn—they lead, turning their expertise into thriving multiple six-figure careers. At the Hair Loss Management Center of Houston, Ky continues to restore hair, health, and confidence for clients worldwide. A published author, keynote speaker, and the industry’s leading authority on hair and scalp diseases, Ky is known for her no-nonsense approach and relentless drive to elevate the beauty industry.

For Ky, trichology is more than a career—it’s a movement to reframe hair loss as health loss, uncover the deeper issues behind it, build legacies, and set a new standard of excellence in hair care.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
COLE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

J. Michael Cole is a Certified Financial Planning® professional and founder of Cole Wealth Management. Michael’s financial planning practice is specifically designed to serve the beauty industry. His areas of focus include personal financial planning and business planning, to include strategies to successfully exit from the business. His passion to serve this incredible industry is fueled by the lack of financial literacy in the beauty industry and his personal investment in his barbershop. Michael co-owns the Daniel Island Barbershop in Charleston, SC. You will find Michael educating at trade shows nationally, to include L’Oréal’s Texture of Change, SalonCentric, Premier, and more. Additionally, Michael is a retired Naval Officer and is married to Elizabeth. They have two boys, Elliot and Nathaniel.

Financial Advisor | Business Advisor | Small Business Owner | U.S. Navy (retired)

DIGITAL CONTENT STRATEGIST
BBM BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS

Nicole Johnson is a writer and editor with a special interest in the beauty industry. As a lifelong beauty client and a former receptionist for a large salon spa group, she has gained invaluable experience in the world of beauty. She assists our Editors in Chief with all things content, including web and magazine content, social media and events.

HAIRCUT SPECIALIST
@LAJEVAEMPODERADA

I am a haircut specialist from Puerto Rico and am now based in Austin, Texas. I have a genuine passion for creating exceptional hairstyles that are personalized to reflect each person's unique style and personality. I aim to bring out the best in my clients by crafting haircuts that not only look amazing but also require minimal effort to style.  

Inclusivity is a fundamental value in my work, and I take pride in serving clients from diverse backgrounds and with different hair types. Whether you have curly, straight, fine, or thick hair, I am experienced in cutting and styling various textures to ensure every client feels confident and satisfied with their hair. I stay updated with the latest trends and techniques to provide my clients with the most current and fashionable hairstyles.  

My goal is to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone who sits in my chair. I strive to deliver top-notch haircuts that leave my clients feeling their best. 

GLOBAL GENERAL MANAGER
DERMAPENWORLD

Radiating infectious energy and resilience, Tracey Hughes is a natural at unlocking potential and inspiring greatness. With a presence that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and reached more than half a million hairstylists, Tracey’s impact is undeniable.

Whether as a Keynote Speaker, MC, Educator, Hair Director, or Brand Leader, Tracey brings prestige to every event. From her humble beginnings in hairdressing to a standout career in business, she is now a Global General Manager. Tracey connects deeply with audiences, driving powerful transformations and creating unforgettable experiences that inspire change and growth.

Awarded 8× Educator of the Year, 10× Salon of the Year, 2× Colourist of the Year, 2× Hairdresser of the Year, Tracey’s commitment to the hairdressing industry was recognized when she was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Australian Hair Industry Awards in 2018.

STYLIST & EDUCATOR
@WESDOESHAIR

Wesley Palmer is an internationally recognized hairstylist, educator, and platform artist whose work blends precision haircutting with modern color and real-world business strategies for today’s stylist. Based in Houston, Texas, Wesley works in the salon while also traveling the country as a  pro partner with Paul Mitchell, sharing techniques that empower stylists to create stronger results, build loyal clientele, and grow profitable careers. Wesley has performed on major industry stages and classrooms across the world , where his authentic teaching style and practical approach make complex techniques easy to understand and implement. His mission is simple: help stylists elevate their craft, increase their income, and build lasting careers in the beauty industry.