Sponsored by:
As Joico’s international artistic director Sue Pemberton has established a refined understanding of the unique balance between artistic creativity and real life wearable looks. Wearing multiple hats as both a colour chemist and artistic director for Joico color, Pemberton will return to Destination Education, offering Canadian hairstylists the opportunity to get up close and personal with this industry leader. “I love when I see someone having a light bulb moment,” explains Pemberton. “It’s very rewarding to be able to see someone learning as you’re sharing your knowledge.” Recently, Salon Magazine spoke with the two-time NAHA award-winning colourist to find out where her inspiration begins, why Destination Education is so exciting and what hairstylists must bring with them to this amazing resort in Punta Mita, Mexico.
Salon Magazine: What are the benefits of off-site learning like Destination Education?
Sue Pemberton: The line up of top artists is incredible. Each one from Trevor Sorbie to Vivienne Mackinder has had such a unique journey and offers a level of expertise and education that is not easily replicated. But it’s not only about the education sessions alone you have the chance to rub elbows with these artists. Whether you’re at dinner or during the evening, you can speak with these artists, one-on-one, ask questions and take pictures with them. For me, I love to socialize so this is a very unique experience and so exciting to meet hairstylists from all over Canada.
SM: How is Destination Education so different from any other education event?
SP: There’s a real opportunity to get to know the artists as both educators and hairstylists. You can ask questions that you have during the class, but also later in the day, if you happen to think of something, you can ask in a more relaxed environment. For some people, asking questions in a class can be intimidating, so it’s great to have the opportunity to do so later in the day.
SM: Why is the opportunity to have these conversations with hairstylists so important?
SP: Sometimes it is more casual questions that I have found are what more than one hairstylist needs and it’s maybe not something I have taught in my class. When someone asks about a particular topic, it fuels me as an artist and whether I develop a whole class on a certain subject or incorporate it into a session.
SM: What excites you the most about returning to Mexico with Joico and ISO?
SP: For me, I love education and by far, teaching is one of the best parts of doing what I do. Being a part of Destination Education, spending a week with creative industry legends, including Vivienne and Trevor, that’s incredible. I’m actually very excited for Trevor Sorbie and would love to be able to do the colour for his presentation, if he would let me.
SM: What do hairstylists need to bring to Destination Education?
SP: They should be open minded to learning, really probably as importantly is having fun. While this is about education, the artists are all fun. You’re in a relaxed atmosphere in Mexico that’s just incredible. Sure, we are at work, but we love what we do and the whole experience allows you to be more creative.
SM: How are your Destination Education colour classes different from other classes you teach?
SP: Every year, we try to do something a bit different and come up with a new format that’s individual to that event. Based on the feedback of the previous year, we custom design the program to offer something uniquely different that is specifically for those attending Destination Education.This year Vivienne and I are contemplating doing something together, so I really strive to deliver something different.
SM: As an artist, where do you get your inspiration?
SP: At the moment, I’m addicted to Pinterest, and I’ve got a variety of boards that are a part of my inspiration. I take colours and shades that I see from one of my favourite artists Claude Monet and I’m very much inspired by nature too.
Comments are closed.