My earliest days as a newly licensed cosmetologist were spent at large beauty events/ hair shows and conventions. These conventions offer beauty industry persons opportunities to shop, get education and be wowed by the vast array mind-bending amounts of vendors, retailers, educators, new tech and dramatically dressed and coiffed industry professionals. It was at the first event, and many more to follow, that I was introduced to David Raccuglia, the blessed founder of the iconic men's brand American Crew. I think it's safe to say that prior to this up and coming commercial and highly cultivated brand, guys really only had girl's product to use by raiding their wives' and sister's cabinets, or the trusted non soluble products that served up the greasy butch wax concoctions that boys were introduced to by their fathers, and grandfathers before them. Enter, Crew. The dynamic but approachable and effortlessly cool guys on the humble stages with less dramatic pulsing, bumping bass of their obnoxious neighbors was... well refreshing. These guys were offering something very different. Education. You see, lady hair stylists didn't always know that much about cutting guys hair. Or know much about the products they use. And the guys on stage doing the hair, and getting the hair done, were nothing short of handsome. A nice break from looking at half-dressed women on stage getting giant mohawks and crazy braids and purple and orange hair, seemingly everywhere else you looked. I respected these guys. I learned a lot and really leaned into embracing the brand. You see, my first salon job was at a really hip location in the heart of campus at the University of Illinois. I started earning a nice following with the frat guys who also referred their friends, to sit in my chair for haircuts. And American Crrew went home with them.
And after, selling Crew in my first salon, and then my second. The rest is history as they say.
Chicago. I'm switching things up in my career. I'm literally despising the structure of salons and the way the best salons are hiring people with experience like mine. I'm not living in Chicago to become a free slave assistant after having some of the best training, and teaching opportunities, a stylist can have really. Auditions to get a job, assistant for year, junior stylist. Departmentalizing, so that I have to actually CHOOSE to be Either a haircutter or colorist?? I COLOR my CUTS. I'm an artist. With a fine arts background. I cannot be made to choose. I was a previous 12-year salon owner. It's not just pride. It's just not fiscally responsible. For me or the salon owners. I can already cut and color hair. of course there is room to always be learning. This is an absolute requirement for me. But, put me to work! And, at an honest wage that I can actually support myself in that big city. Additionally, I was working in video production on Indy films and video was fast becoming a first love. It's less forgiving (more on that later)
So, I pivoted. I worked my ass off for a committed year to reinvent my career. I knew just what to do after much research. I trained under talented makeup artists and did a Hella bunch of photoshoots aspiring to work with a few who stood on the top at that time. I finally was signed with an agency with a portfolio of images, which finally gave me access to more and more talented makeup and hair artists for collaborations as well as photographers. and finally, actual commercial advertising clients. Mostly print at that time. For a long list of clients with many wonderful area models and lots from out of state too. I was enjoying the family I had in the industry.
Fast Forward. I am following David Raccuglia's journey on social media through seeing something of his which organically popped up- he's doing beautiful photography still. But not just brand marketing stuff he always did for Crew. Personal and creative work, moodier. I like his style. Somewhere along the way, though, he must have been spying my work? how is this? I was contacted by someone (I don't even recall who at this time as it's been some time ago) that he referred me for makeup, and maybe hair for a job. I was blown away.
And then it happened again.
Truly a big win moment in my life. I'm sure I recall contacting him to Thank him. He's unassuming and busy. He discussed us doing something creative at some point. I waited patiently. And then it happened.
Hair- Paul Wilson
Photo: David Raccuglia
Model: Andy Sousa
Production- Buzz Verucchi
Makeup- Loni Hale
Hair- Paul Wilson
Styling- Theresa DeMaria
Photo: David Raccuglia
Production- Buzz Verucchi
There were many images and several more shoots for Crew.
Enter Reuzel. A new company fathered by David (and team) once again. Playful and cool packaging and plentiful product for both men and women, and everyone in between! An all-inclusive line for so many hair types. I have had the opportunity to work with the incredible Paul Wilson at the helm of hair for both companies and admire his vision and artistry in each -all camera ready. There were a great many talented hair designers at our most recent shoot - from literally all over the world. I am fond of watching their processes (when I have a moment on set) and it's truly always an honor to work alongside them, offering makeup support. It's magic, and here are the images to prove it.
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