Dissatisfied with the education available in Boise, Idaho, where stylist Kimberly Essmaker lives and works at Scot Christopher Hair Design, the 18-year industry veteran made it her mission to drive the length and breadth of the United States in search of cutting-edge information and techniques. During her two months of nonstop travel across 22 states and 8,852 miles of rubber-to-road driving, Essmaker accumulated a world of knowledge and a treasure trove of stories and photos that not only chronicle her derring-do journey, but also her growth as an artist and a person.
“At times when I was planning the trip, I wasn’t sure that I could really pull it off,” Essmaker confesses. “But I knew that I had to do something big—not only for myself, but also to encourage other people to live their dreams. I learned firsthand during my journey that if you want something bad enough, you can do the impossible.”
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| Kim Essmaker |
Because much of her trip evolved organically, one of Essmaker’s biggest challenges was not being certain about where she would lay her weary head at night. “I wasn’t sure how long it would take me to get from one destination to another, or even where my path would lead me, so the only rooms that I booked in advance were in NYC, the Hamptons and Orlando,“ she reveals.
In truth, Essmaker’s organic approach to her travels caused her to spend more than one not-so-comfortable night snoozing in her car while parked at rest stops along the highway.
Would she do that again? She laughs. "I think it's fair to say that it was one of those crazy, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
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| Alan Papaleo pulls gutsy traveler Essmaker on stage for an impromptu talk about her adventure! |
A visit to Premiere Orlando presented Essmaker with a golden opportunity to meet and learn from the industry’s top talent. “When I arrived, throngs of people were pouring out of shuttle buses and entering the venue,” she vividly recalls. “Stylists were clamoring to see new products and attending as many classes as possible in just two days. Countless stage presentations were showcasing the latest trends and the most amazing hairstyles.
“Although I wanted to experience Premiere’s sensory overload in all of its glory, I had already committed to being a hair model, so I immediately went to the prep rooms. The stylists doing my hair were none other than Rocky McCormick and Joe Anthony Pena. I soon learned that they would be using my hair to demonstrate highlights over color. I’ve never really cared for highlights in my hair, but in the spirit of my adventure, I went along with their plan.
“After the base color was prepared, I followed Rocky and Joe through the long crowded halls to the stage. At that point, my heart was racing faster than the tiny feet of the lizards I dodged while I was biking two nights earlier. The stage lights were blazing! When Rocky told the audience about how much my extreme journey had inspired him, my nerves amplified tenfold. Though I had embarked on the trip to reignite my passion and improve my skills, it felt good to know that I had inspired someone else too. Thank you, Rocky! (By the way, much to my surprise, I loved my hair.)
“A short while later, I stopped by the Pravana stage to watch Alan Papaleo demonstrate a short textured haircut. The next thing I knew, I found myself on stage again! Vadre, the Pravana educator that I had met earlier, pointed me out to Alan, who stopped mid-cut and motioned Vadre to bring me on stage. Alan then handed me a microphone and asked me to speak about my journey. My knees were shaking and my palms were sweating. I honestly can’t remember what I said!”
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| Joe Pena, Essmaker and Rocky McCormick | CHI artists Joe Anthony and Rocky McCormick with “model” Essmaker at Premiere Orlando |
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| Essmaker stopped by Phillip Pelusi’s Tela Design Studio where she was treated to a blow-out. “I purchased a Tela Beach Hair and a dry shampoo, which came in handy during my trip as I was sometimes driving for days,” she reveals. |
Also unable to schedule classes in the Big Apple, Essmaker was fortunate enough to meet some stellar stylists who were eager to share their cutting-edge knowledge.
First stop: a visit to the Sahag Workshop, which specializes in dry cutting. “I met with general manager, Zoe Stark,” Essmaker reveals. “We talked about different dry-cutting techniques and she shared the Workshop’s newest collection.
I also got to watch several haircuts being done and, much to my surprise, saw some techniques I’d been doing for years.”
Before leaving the Big Apple, Essmaker also visited Tela Design Studio in the Meatpacking district, and toured the 11,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art Redken Exchange academy on posh Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
“I inquired about upcoming classes at this awesome academy; you couldn’t ask for a better location,” says Essmaker. Another highlight was time spent with hair extension guru Angelo David and hair consultant Carlos Perez of Angelo David Salon.
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| "I don't think that New York City is a very good place to drive a car... especially when you're from Boise," says Essmaker. |
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| Mastering fingerwaves |
Finally, it was time to say “bye-bye” to the Big Apple and “hello” to Long Island’s scenic Hamptons, to attend industry icon Vivienne Mackinder’s 5 Days; 5 Stylists Workshop. “I was so nervous about spending time with Vivienne—the master of hairdressing,” says Essmaker.
“It turned out that there were three students enrolled in the class, including Jean Witte, salon owner and President of Intercoiffure South Africa, and Tj Weaver, Vice President of Douglas J Aveda Institute. When I found out about the accomplishments of the other two students, I couldn’t help but think—at least momentarily—‘What am I doing here?’ As it turned out, I couldn’t have asked for better classmates. They gave me so much valuable advice, were so helpful and we shared so many laughs.”
Essmaker’s newly acquired skills included new approaches to doing consultations, razor-cutting techniques and various ways of backcombing, brushing, blow-drying and securing hair. She also experimented with pincurls, rag curlers, and Velcro rollers, and learned to create fingerwaves, braids and twists.
“I was delighted to learn that I wasn’t the only hairstylist in the world that hadn’t mastered the art of braiding,” she smiles. “In fact, as it turned out, it wasn’t a strong skill for any of us.”
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| Essmaker reports that Mackinder’s classes focus on equal parts hard work and fun | Classmates: Jean Witte, salon owner and President of Intercoiffure South Africa, Essmaker and and Tj Weaver, Vice President of Douglas J Aveda Institute |
After all the great stories—only a fraction of them could be included in this article due to length—I just had to ask this stylist, who learned the ways of the road on the fly, “Do you have any regrets?”
“I wanted to meet Dimitrios Tsioumas, but I lost my nerve!” Essmaker laments. “When I was in New York City, I actually saw him from afar, but for some reason, I couldn’t find the courage to introduce myself. I also saw him onstage in Orlando and took photos of him in action. Honestly, I’ve followed his work since I started using Goldwell products. I’ve watched his videos and viewed his collections—over and over. After losing my nerve twice, I wanted to kick myself!” (HOT to Dimitrios: If you’re reading this, and we know you are, give Kimberly Essmaker a call.) Essmaker returned to her salon not long ago, with loads of inspiration, contacts and resources for future endeavors. And, because education is her lifelong mission, she’s already making plans to enroll in more Vivienne Mackinder classes.
On a very special note, Essmaker also intends to stay in contact with her sister, Kelly McEwen, whom she met for the first time during her momentous journey. (Note: To read more about Essmaker’s amazing journey, check out her blog: (trippinonhair.blogspot.com/2011/06/premiere-orlando-day-3.html?spref=fb)
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