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42 | BEAUTY LAUNCHPAD | APRIL 2016 Live & Learn/ Head of the Class From The Harte UNITE Global Education Director Zoe Harte refl ects on past lessons and those still left to learn. —FRANCESCA MOISIN H airdressers were very patient with Zoe Harte when she was growing up. "I always went to the salon with my mum, and remember constantly trying to hand the stylists pins or copy their 'dos on my dolls," laughs the London native. The craft she fell in love with at age four would shape her life, evolving into a lucrative career that offi cially kicked off in 1982, after completing a three-year apprenticeship with Vidal Sassoon. There she met industry idol Christopher Brooker, the fi rst of several mentors who helped inform the novice's early education. "He was so generous with his knowledge," Harte recalls. "As his assistant, I helped at iconic shoots where I learned about the importance of making clients feel valued and giving each one the same consistent experience in the chair." From there, transitioning to Toni & Guy was seamless, as the fl edgling pro's thorough training created a variety of opportunities —but tests remained to be faced. "I'd only been with the company a few weeks when CEO Bruno Mascolo put me on stage at a hair show in Oklahoma, and I remember feeling absolutely terrifi ed!" laughs Harte. Yet she proved herself, evolving from stylist to Salon Art Director by never saying "no" to any opportunity. Under Senior VP Anthony Mascolo's guidance, she worked on numerous collections and shows, gleaning from his example valuable lessons on how to collaborate within a team. Eventually, she helped develop their "Classic Cutting System," a teaching style and methodology adopted by all Toni & Guy academies internationally and still used today. Reaching the pinnacle of that journey, Harte returned to her roots by joining CEO Andrew Dale at UNITE. "We started our Sassoon apprenticeships together, and I'd followed his journey to success," she reveals. "It's thrilling to join a brand that's hairdresser-focused, quality-minded and growing at an extraordinary pace." As their Global Education Director, she's tasked with growing UNITE's educator directory while developing the menu of instructional programs offered at both the Academy and through distributor networks. "In 2016, I'm most excited to release our new 'Cutting and Styling' collection, which will set the foundation for all snipping and editorial techniques," Harte enthuses. Forever inspired by runway and street fashion, music and London's art galleries, the innovative mane maven urges this of all stylists: Stay current with education in order to remain competitive, maintain existing clientele and attract new ones. Sound advice, indeed! ZOE HARTE 1 Favorite Song: This changes frequently, but I have currently gone back to listening to "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z with Alicia Keys. I listened to this on continuous repeat during a road trip with friends to Taos in 2010—all of us were singing at the top of our lungs. One of my friends from the trip passed away recently, so listening to the song has been my way of honoring her memory. 2 Favorite Place to Travel: Mexico. Specifi cally, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum and Cabo San Lucas. Barring that, anywhere along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. 3 Celeb Hair Crush: I can't name just one, my favorites are celebs who like to change: Sienna Miller, Emma Watson, Kate Moss and Michelle Williams are great examples. 4 Can't-Live-Without Product: UNITE Expanda Volume Root Energizer—it keeps my curls controlled without the feel of product in my hair. 5 Proudest Achievement: I completed a marathon last year! Five Fast Facts about Zoe Harte