Speaker Bios

Donald Scott

The hairdresser's hairdresser, is a world renowned platform artist, hair artist and master associate for John Paul Mitchell Systems.

His design, including the Paul Mitchell Carving Comb and TDS Twist Razor, have been seen in Modern Salon and American Salon. These are currently the number one selling tools in the professional beauty industry.

Mr. Scott has exhibited his artistic abilities on television and radio for such companies as Clairol, KMS, Coty, Avon, and Helene Curtis to name a few.

He has also worked with a wide range of celebrities from Christie Brinkly to Sandra Bernhart. Despite such acclaim, Donald has always made time t enjoy teaching and mentoring young professionals. Fellow artists have said: "Donald is the epitome of education and humour."

Takashi Kitamura

Takashi Kitamura world renowned hairstylist and senior member of A Robert Cromeans Salon show team, Takashi has been hailed as one of the finest hair cutters in the industry. He is a platform artist and educator who has shared his expertise and talent with thousands of hair dressers worldwide. His cuts are classic and precise, and he is highly sought after for his brilliant technique and style. In addition his work has been featured in numerous Paul Mitchell videos as well as collection photo shoots. To watch Takashi on stage and in the salon, is to watch a master with unparalleled grace and artistry

Scott Cole/Linda Yodice

Award-winning Artistic Directors for Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color Scott Cole & Linda Yodice develop innovative combinations of cut & color to push you creatively, satisfy your clients, & keep hair color in the salon where it belongs. The Dynamic pair created the Block Color techniques that the international color community voted “Most Innovative Technique Developed by a Manufacturer” at Haircolor USA 2002; they received the prestigious “Haircolorist of the Year” award at Haircolor USA 2003; & in 2004 they won the NAHA Master Hairstylist of the Year Award. They continue to inspire throughout the U.S. & internationally through classes taught at their prestigious Colorcutting USA Academy in Carefree, Arizona, as well as from the platform & via Paul Mitchell collections & educational DVD’s.

John Paul DeJoria

John Paul DeJoria’s rags-to-riches story exemplifies the American dream- he is a first-generation American turned entrepreneur, philanthropist, government servant and pillar of the business community. John Paul DeJoria has struggled against the odds not only to achieve success, but to share his success with others.
In 1980, with just $700, John Paul DeJoria and the late Paul Mitchell had a vision- to found a company by hairdressers for hairdressers- one that would provide tools of success for hair care professionals, their salons, and the entire beauty industry. Despite hugely lucrative offers from public corporations to purchase John Paul Mitchell Systems, John Paul refuses to sell the company because of the initial vow he took to stand by the professional beauty industry. Since no public corporation can guarantee it will market John Paul Mitchell Systems products exclusively through salons, selling is simply not an option.
John Paul’s commitment to caring for the earth and giving back to the community inform every aspect of the company’s policy and strategy. Recent donations (totaling millions of dollars) of cash, products, and services have been made to non-profit organizations operating in the fields of health care, social services, environmental protection and awareness and the arts. (To see how Paul Mitchell The School gives back, check out the “How We Give Back” section).
In his capacity as businessman, environmentalist, and philanthropist, John Paul has donated his time, money and expertise to helping others. John Paul has advised on the environmentally-sound harvesting of energy in Africa. He has also donated considerable personal care and money to supporting those who have served in the armed forces, as well as to the support of widows and orphans of deceased servicemen. John Paul, along with Brad Pitt, Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela, is a patron of Mineseeker, a non-profit organization dedicated to seeking solutions to the worldwide problem of landmines. In 2006 he was appointed honorary Admiral by the Governor of Texas, and received the Citizen of the Year Dolphin Award from “The Malibu Times”.

Alee Cao

Two words of contrary meanings, discipline and fun, an odd couple perfectly molded into the embodiment of one man: Alee Cao. Precise thoughts, momentous words and lighthearted understanding form the character of this designer and educator, enabling him to reach into and capture the heart and mind of all who know him. A Master Associate for John Paul Mitchell Systems and Celebrity HairStylist, Alee possesses a unique vision, formed by far-flung experiences across the globe from North to South America, Europe and Asia including Australia and New Zealand. As such, he was afforded the opportunity to study with the great masters of the industry, which is quantified by his multi-faceted creativity that is expressed through crisp and commanding stage performances. With over two decades of dedication and continuous learning and development, Alee's vision is realized in the form of a Cosmetology institute, The Cao Institute of Aesthetics, a Paul Mitchell partner school. Allow yourself a revelation - get in touch with Alee's unique approach to the art and business of hair design and tune in to his humor, enthusiasm, and wisdom.
"I learned from many of the industry's greats and I wish to pass on the knowledge that I have accumulated. For myself and others, I strongly believe that Continuing education is a MUST for continuous success.."