What do a physics major, former Army systems specialist and a budding journalist have in common? These shining stars are among the six unique, passionate and talented beauty professionals who were selected to serve as the 2012 Matrix Spread the Love ambassadors. In January, this wildly enthusiastic group of cosmetology school grads will embark on an educational journey of a lifetime across the U.S., on a quest for knowledge and experience in the hair industry. The talented team includes Joshua Falewitch of Omaha, Nebraska's Xenon International Academy; Natalie Fox and Todd Kane, both of Scottsdale, Arizona's Kohler Academy; Suzy Henningsgard of Minneapolis, Minnesota's Aveda Institute; Meredith Tye of Caldwell County Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, North Carolina; and Timmy Willy of Lafayette Beauty Academy in Lafayette, Indiana.
The 2012 team will visit 50 Spread the Love salons and schools across America, as well as a host of other salons, professional beauty stores, beauty schools and shows. As they experience a wide variety of aspects of the industry, they'll share their thoughts and personal experiences through blogs, videos and other social media posts. This year marks the second year for the successful Matrix Spread the Love program, which garnered lots of press and industry recognition in 2011. Matrix received more than 200 applicants for the highly coveted six spots. "After seeing photos of the 2011 Spread the Love winners, Suzy Henningsgard was determined to apply for the program. "I saw six happy people on an incredible journey and I was so interested in being part of a company that takes an interest in new students and gives back," beams Henningsgard.
After culling all of the essays and video entries, 20 finalists were flown to New York for a final round of interviews and auditions. After meeting with the Matrix team and engaging in a variety of team-building activities, the final six ambassadors were chosen by a roster of judges which included Matrix Vice President and General Manager Colin Walsh and members of the Matrix Executive Leadership team, as well as a variety of magazine trade partners. In preparation for an exciting first day of photo and video shoots, the winners were whisked off for a shopping spree with a professional fashion stylist. "We had so many amazing candidates and I can't begin to describe how difficult it was to choose," comments Yaniv Shapira, Matrix Marketing Director. "But after just one day, it was clear that these six are an amazing group. They are already close friends. They are each passionate and excited and filled with the Matrix spirit."
Like last year, the Spread the Love ambassadors will be paired with a Matrix Artistic Director mentor. The six will also make appearances at national shows, including America's Beauty Show, State Discovery and Premiere Orlando.
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