Owner of Salon Success Named President of The Professional Beauty Federation

November ’11

The owner of Salon Success Academies, Bob Gross, is the new president of the Professional Beauty Federation of California. Bob was a founding member of the organization and brings decades of experience and political advocacy with him to the position.

Founded in 2000, the Professional Beauty Federation of California (PBFC) is an association that’s dedicated to raising the professionalism of the beauty industry and representing the best interests of the 450,000 beauty industry professionals in the state.

“It’s a credible voice for what’s best in the beauty industry and we’re constantly trying to improve things. There’s always something we can be doing to raise the bar,” Bob said.

Bob has been advocating on behalf of beauty industry professionals since the 1980s. It all began when beauty schools began losing students because it was too difficult to get a license after graduation. Bob helped pass a new bill that allowed students to pre-apply to the boards while still in beauty school and take the licensing exam within 10 days of graduation.

Another major accomplishment for Bob was authoring a bill that created the externship program, which allows students to work in a salon as part of their education. Most recently, Bob and the PBFC were instrumental in modernizing the state board exam. The exam now being administered is the national version, which tests applicants on much more up-to-date services than the previous exam.

“I am dedicated to making the beauty school programs as relevant as possible for the students, so they have a better chance of being successful after graduation,” Bob explained. “I’m proud to say that Salon Success is the most progressive beauty school in the state of California, with proven leadership in the industry.”

In 2000, Bob moved to reform the existing association, the California Cosmetology Coaltion, and helped establish the PBFC. He was named the vice chairman and has served on the three-member executive committee since its inception.

“As a beauty school owner, Bob understands every facet of this industry. And even better, he’s politically savvy. His contributions to this organization are invaluable,” PBFC Board Secretary Fred Jones said.

Now that the PBFC has been established as the voice of the industry, the next phase under Bob’s new leadership will focus on extending membership. The PBFC plans on providing exclusive services to these members, like continuing education classes and product discounts. The PBFC will also work on reducing the liability to salon owners, which will include creating a website with all the information a new salon owner would need when starting their business.

Salon Success Graduate ‘Spreads The Love’

Valerie Marie Covarrubias, a recent Salon Success graduate, made it all the way to the semi-finals in the Matrix Spread the Love competition.

Spread the Love is the chance of a lifetime for budding stylists. The finalists get to travel the country from salon to salon, event to event, connecting with other stylists and learning the ins and outs of the beauty industry.

Valerie was nominated for the Spread the Love competition by Miss Christina because she was outgoing and passionate about being a hair dresser.

“I was so thankful and honored to be nominated. As soon as I heard about it, I knew that I had to take advantage of it,” Valerie said.

After making it through to the semi-finals, Valerie was asked to make a YouTube video and write a blog about how Spread the Love would change her life. Although she didn’t make it to the finals, Valerie said she felt blessed just to have the experience.

“I felt so thankful and honored to be a part of it. Everything happens for a reason. I’m excited for the next chapter in my life,” Valerie said.

After she passes her state board exam, Valerie plans on working as an assistant stylist in a salon, so she can continue her education and build confidence.

 

Students’ Wild Styles Show School Spirit

Things got a little crazy at our Salon Success Campuses in November! Students and staff showed their school spirit by taking part in Crazy Hair Day. The students styled everyone’s hair using crazy colors, outrageous hair accessories, and tons of hair spray! Everyone who participated had a wild time.

 

About Salon Success Academies

Salon Success Academy offers five locations in California’s Inland Empire, in Redlands, Fontana, Upland, San Bernardino, and Corona. Our mission at SSA involves caring for every student as a member of our family, furnishing the chance to finish their educational objectives as affordably as possible. SSA incorporates first-hand, real-world practice of the principles of cosmetology, skin care, and nail artistry. The campus teams with members of the beauty industry to educate our graduates on the technical and customer service skills they need to succeed in their careers.

For more information go to www.salonsuccessacademy.com or call 1-877-987-HAIR (4247).