On a sunny, crisp morning last fall, I walked through the doors of the Tony and Guy’s academy in Newtown, Ct., ready to share my skills with exuberant cosmetology students eagerly awaiting the hand painted method of highlights every colourist needs to master.

This location is particularly special to me. Last I entered as a teen in ripped jeans, leather jacket, and big hair ready for its trim. Now, many years behind the chair later, Sassoon educated, balayage master, I arrived excited to share everything I know to help inspire and succeed the next wave of hairstylists.