By now you’ve met four of the 12 people who make up Scott J’s incredible education team. Here are some more superstar instructors who ensure that ALL stylists at Scott J are at the top of their game. Behind the chair or in front of a class, they ensure that Scott J guests will be wowed by the appointment’s end.
BRITTNEY HAMMER ROBBINS
AVEDA PUREFESSIONAL, SCOTT J EDUCATOR
UPPER EAST SIDE
What convinced you to become a hair stylist? Where did you receive your cosmetology education?
I was convinced I could become a hairstylist when I discovered I could get paid for something that I was already doing for my friends and family, and something that I truly enjoyed. I received my cosmetology education in a small specialized school in California. But the REAL knowledge and craft is gained through on-the-job training and continuing education.
Why did you decide to pursue being an Aveda Certified Hair Color Trainer and then an Aveda Purefessional? What was your experience in getting these designations?
Simply put, I pursued the Aveda Certified Hair Color Trainer and Purefessional positions because of the passion I have for our industry. It is important to me to provide superior education and inspire others in the world of hair color, ensuring quality for our guests.
What is your favorite part of your job?
It makes my day when I know that something I have done for my guests makes them feel beautiful, isn’t that what it’s all about? Working with co-workers who I enjoy to be around both at work and outside of work.
Have you participated in other styling opportunities outside the salon (such as fashion shows, photoshoots, theatre, film sets, charity events, etc.)? What is your favorite and why?
I’ve worked in New York Fashion Week, published work in Giant Magazine, and have done credited work in films and videos featured on MTV Networks and Fuse. And a TON of weddings! I think my favorite is doing bridal. It’s really an honor to be welcomed on someone’s “biggest day of their life” and to be trusted to make them look their best.
What’s the best feedback you’ve ever received from a student or trainee?
At the end of Aveda classes, participants take a survey to review your class. They are anonymous — but the best feedback I ever received really made my day: “Brittney has a great command of the products and makes things that seem confusing simple and easy. Very humble and laid-back for such a talented and well-versed colorist.” I swear I didn’t pay for that response!
What quote do you live by?
“Choose your own adventure.”
What’s your claim to fame?
I’d like to think of myself as a balayage/ hairpainting queen.
What was the best life decision you ever made?
Moving to New York, and not leaving Scott J when the apprentice program got really challenging. Being true to myself and pursuing what others didn’t think I could do.
ALYSSA GALLO
SCOTT J EDUCATOR
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS
What convinced you to become a hair stylist?
I had a project in high school that required students to get part-time jobs and then write about their experience. I went to the small mom-and-pop-shop hair salon by my house, and ended up working there for 3.5 years. I went to cosmetology school after I finished high school.
Why did you decide to pursue being an educator? How has it grown your career?
I was offered a spot on the education team at Scott J about a year and a half after I became a stylist there. To train for being an educator, I shadowed other educators for a few months, and took a series of Coach Aveda classes. I’ve also taken nearly every class that Aveda Advanced Academy offers.
This grown my career by allowing me the opportunity to take advanced classes I normally wouldn’t have access to. It also reminds me that every day that I am at work, I am also on stage. There are opportunities to teach someone with every guest.
What’s your favorite part of teaching others?
I love it when a student finally masters something they have been struggling with. The best feedback I have received from a trainee or student is that I made things easy for them to understand.
What quote do you live by?
I love this quote from Doctor Who: “Every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice-versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things and make them unimportant.” It helps me keep things in perspective.
Who is your role model?
My dad, who passed away two and a half years ago. He was living proof that you can always change your circumstances, and the only one in charge of your happiness is you. He was extremely positive and had wonderful energy that spread to everyone around him.
What inspires you creatively?
My creative inspiration comes from shapes. I love haircutting, and I love seeing strong shapes in hair. My claim to fame is my short hair work. I am detail oriented and can be very meticulous. Shapes are also stronger and easier to see on short hair.
Any hidden talents?
I love to paint! I enjoy painting house interiors as much as I enjoy painting on canvas, although I rarely have the time these days.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to raise my child to understand what you can achieve through hard work and patience.
AVERY WELLS
SCOTT J EDUCATOR
UPPER EAST SIDE
What convinced you to become a hair stylist?
Being a hair stylist was something I always wanted to do, it felt natural which led me to my path. I received my education at the Aveda institute in Winter Park, FL.
Any other advanced training or workshops related to your career?
I’ve taken color and cutting classes with Aveda influentials such as Ian Michael Black, Lupe Voss, Ricardo Dinis, Dawn Schenk, Hauns Korpela and Steve Royster. I’ve taken out-of-network classes with Toni & Guy, Sebastian and Wella.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Being able to change one’s mood through hair transformation.
Have you participated in other styling opportunities outside the salon?
Yes, I’ve done a plethora of fashion shows, photo shoots, online catalog shoots from different brands, film sets, and charity. Fashion shows and editorials are my favorite because it allows me to showcase individuality that sometimes isn’t shown in salon.
What is your favorite part of teaching?
Being able to bring something youthful and out-of-the-box to the education team.
What’s the best feedback you’ve ever received from a student or trainee?
That their lightbulb came on!
What quote do you live by?
Always smile because it will be your best accessory.
Who is your role model and why?
Oprah, she’s a genius
What inspires you creatively?
Beauty is something I thrive off of, and as long as I’m around beauty I can be creative.
What’s your claim to fame?
Color is something that I take great passion in, however highlights & blondes have gotten me a great deal of notoriety.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m really good at jump roping.