This October, Douglas J hosted the first annual Collective Beauty Brands (CBB) Hair Show at The Roxy in Rochester, MI—and our students absolutely shined. The event brought together industry innovators, salon professionals, educators, and future stylists for a day of artistry, education, and unforgettable inspiration.
Featuring live cutting and coloring demonstrations from the founders and educators of Back of Bottle (BOB) and Color Space, the show wasn’t just a celebration of clean, sustainable beauty—it was a powerful stepping-stone for the next generation of stylists currently training at Douglas J.
From backstage prep to the main stage spotlight, our students had the chance to collaborate, model, learn, and grow alongside some of the most respected names in the industry.
A Day Filled with Learning, Creativity & Industry Connections
For many students, the Hair Show was their first chance to experience the fast-paced, collaborative energy of a professional beauty event. They assisted artists, modeled on stage, observed advanced techniques up-close, and gained insight into what it means to work in today’s evolving salon industry—from elevated hair cutting and color theory to sustainable product innovation.
Featuring Education from the Visionaries Behind BOB & Color Space
This year’s Hair Show gave Douglas J students an exclusive look into the artistry and innovation shaping the future of clean beauty. While Ray Civello (@raycivello), Founder of Back of Bottle™ (BOB™) and Co-Founder of Color Space™, served as the event’s charismatic MC, the stage was packed with world-class educators delivering live demos throughout the day.
Students had the rare opportunity to learn directly from top industry talent, including:
- Lupe Voss (@lupevoss) — Live color demo
- Marco Alexzander (@marcoalexzander) & Lindsay Sneed (@hairby_lsneed) — Styling demos featuring BOB products
- Andy Judd (@andy_doesyourhair) — Textured cutting demo
- Jerad Anthony (@jrushlows) & Sammi Bruns (@sammisomething) — Styling demo featuring BOB products
- Sherman Wong (@sherman_wong) — Zone sectioning cut demo
- Diaz (@diaz_hair) — Hair painting demo
- Lynzee Corbett (@lynzeecorbett) — Advanced cutting techniques demo
Together, these educators showcased modern techniques, clean formulations, and forward-thinking philosophies—giving students a rare, up-close learning experience with brands and artists who are redefining today’s salon standards.
Student Spotlight: What the Hair Show Meant to Them
We spoke with several of our student participants and models about their experience. Here’s what they shared:
Sofia Vollmar (@wild.hair.bysofia) Douglas J Graduate
What was it like participating in the Hair Show?
“It was very fun and exciting—I enjoyed every aspect of it, from the hair prep to learning the simple choreo for the stage walk.”
Most memorable moment?
“Meeting so many creative, inspiring people! And hearing how Lupe and Lindsey collaborated on my haircut and color.”
Advice for future students: “Do it!”
How did Douglas J prepare you?
“School is different from a live show, but seeing how talented professionals work was an amazing learning experience.”
Ava Kushner (@avakushner_cos) Douglas J Student
What was it like participating?
“It was something I’ve never experienced before—full of joy, excitement, and so many new perspectives on the industry.”
What did it mean personally?
“Being a model in the very first show was so special. I want to grow my skills and make connections, and this helped me take that next step.”
How will this help your future career?
“I made new connections and learned techniques that will help me offer advanced services to make people feel confident and beautiful.”
How has Douglas J encouraged this kind of creativity?
“My training helped me understand the new concepts and techniques being demonstrated. It gave me a foundation to learn even more with newer products and skills.”
Naomi H
(@naomiabigal_cosmetology) Douglas J Student
What was it like participating?
“It was one of the coolest experiences I could have asked for. To see the behind the scenes and all the work that goes into an event like that was SO priceless, and I enjoyed every moment. I met so many inspiring people, who reflected how being career focused works in tandem with loving your job, those around you, and even the hectic schedule of a hair show.”
What did this experience teach you about working in the beauty industry?
“This experience truly opened my eyes to the fact that the icons of the industry are truly just real people who have the guts to listen to their passion. Getting to know these people on a personal level was honestly so encouraging. seeing all of them work together, especially in the messy parts, showed how even though each person had their own individual passion, working together truly brought an event like this to life.”
How did your training at Douglas J prepare you for this opportunity?
“At Douglas J, even from day one, my classmates and I have been reminded of the endless possibilities that this industry offers. We are constantly reminded not to sell ourselves short even though it’s really easy to see someone and compare ability and talent. That’s why I applied to be a model! I had never modeled in the past, but our instructor suggested that we simply just try it. Didn’t matter if we got accepted or not, the point was to just get out there.”
How was it collaborating with other stylists, students, models, and professionals in the industry?
“Collaborating with all of the different people there was unlike anything else. I was a model yes, but I was also a person and a friend to these people, and they truly cared about how I felt about the style, color, and cut. I trusted them completely of course, but to be involved in this was brought a personal aspect that can be so hard to find day to day. Lindsey Corbett was the stylist who cut my hair, and we talked about everything. Yes she was focused on the work, but she cared so much about inspiring and encouraging me to pursue my passion and career in the best way possible. Same with Lupe Vos, who colored my hair. To see how invested she was in her art was the greatest gift. But then to see her laugh smile, have fun and involve the other models and I in that was even better. Similarly sharing the experience with the other models, who also had come from similar paths as I had, was so so cool. To be inspired together was such a unique and encouraging experience.”
Why Events Like This Matter for Our Students
Hands-on learning is at the heart of the Douglas J experience. Events like the CBB Hair Show help students:
- Build confidence by working alongside industry professionals
- Gain real-world experience beyond the classroom
- Expand their portfolio with creative opportunities
- Make connections that can lead to mentorship, salon placements, and future jobs
- Experience innovation firsthand, especially with clean, sustainable brands like BOB and Color Space
These opportunities empower our students to stay inspired, stay curious, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing beauty industry.
Bringing BOB & Color Space to Michigan Salons
The Hair Show also highlighted Douglas J Distribution’s role as the official Michigan distributor for Back of Bottle and Color Space—two lines known for clean chemistry, sustainability, and exceptional performance.
Salon owners and professionals can request information, schedule demos, or speak with our distribution team to bring these visionary brands into their business.
Interested in Learning More or Carrying BOB & Color Space?
Reach out to our Salon Growth Team:
Brenda Hauxwell
Salon Growth Manager, East Michigan
(248) 891-5153
Marielle Shuster
Salon Growth Partner, West Michigan
(616) 745-9737
Or email sales@douglasj.com and a team member will connect with you.
Learn more about bringing BOB & Color Space to your salon.
We’re incredibly proud of our students for stepping on stage, challenging themselves, and embracing the excitement of professional beauty education. The success of this first annual event is only the beginning—and we can’t wait to see what the next show inspires.
