PAUL MITCHELL: DESERT BLOOM 2025
Earlier this month I had the honor of being a special guest at John Paul Mitchell Systems’ Desert Bloom—a reimagined version of The Gathering—hosted at the Bellagio in Las Vegas on August 3–4, 2025. Imagine 1,800 stylists and beauty pros under one roof, learning, creating, and celebrating our craft together. That energy? Electric. And I brought a lot of that spark home to Studio Sage.
Event Info:
The Sessions that Shifted My Thinking
Understanding Client Styles with Colin Caruso & DJ Muldoon
I sat in on an incredible class with Colin Caruso and DJ Muldoon that dug into guest personas—different client styles and how to tailor both service and communication to each one. Beyond cut-and-color techniques, they focused on reading the room: how certain guests prefer a highly consultative experience vs. a swift, efficient visit; who thrives on trend inspiration vs. who craves timeless refinement. Expect us to weave even more of this persona-based approach into our consultations so your time in the chair feels custom-built for you. EsteticaMagazine.com
A Founder’s Story—Fuel for the Soul
Hearing John Paul DeJoria tell the origin story of Paul Mitchell up close was a masterclass in grit and generosity. You could feel the brand’s 45-year heartbeat—family, community, and never compromising on professional values. That ethos showed up all weekend, from education to how they honored hairdressers as the true center of the industry. Salon MagazineEsteticaMagazine.com
Powerhouse Women in Beauty: Michaeline DeJoria & Jen Atkin
I also loved the conversation with Michaeline DeJoria (JPMS CEO and John Paul’s daughter) and Jen Atkin (celebrity stylist and founder of OUAI). They talked trends, innovation, and building brands that serve both pros and clients—without losing sight of community. It was equal parts candid and motivating, and it reinforced how much leadership in our industry is about listening—really listening—to the people behind the chair and in it. Salon MagazineYouTube
Hands-On Education We’ll Put to Work for You
Beyond main-stage moments in the Bloom Room, the hands-on workshops were packed: The Art of Blonding, The Power of Pantone, texture trends, and fresh cut/color combos from JPMS artistic directors. These sessions translate directly to the techniques we’re using now—refined sectioning, smarter lightening strategies for integrity, and palette choices that flatter your skin tone and lifestyle. Salon MagazineCvent
A Brand That Shows Up for Hairdressers (and the World)
One moment that stood out: JPMS marked its 45th anniversary with a $45,000 charitable donation to organizations including Wags & Walks, the Professional Beauty Association, and Reforest’Action—another reminder that impact matters. The entire event felt like a love letter to hairdressers and the communities we serve. EsteticaMagazine.com
What This Means for Studio Sage Clients
More intentional consultations. We’ll lean into guest personas to match techniques, maintenance plans, and communication styles to you. EsteticaMagazine.com
Technique upgrades. Expect cleaner blonding, thoughtful tone selection (hello, Pantone insights), and finishes that move the way you live. Salon Magazine
Education never stops. We’re bringing ongoing learnings from leaders like Caruso, Muldoon, and the JPMS team into every service, from the chair to the head spa. Behind The Chair
Walking out of Desert Bloom, I felt both inspired and grounded—like the best kind of desert night: clear, focused, and full of stars. Thank you to the Paul Mitchell family for investing so deeply in our industry. And to our Studio Sage guests: I can’t wait for you to feel the difference at your next visit.
— Erica Keelen
