Dear Artists {& an update}

Image courtesy of The Daily Nail blog

I'm still battling an upper respiratory infection (hello round 2 of antibiotics) but with fall and winter polishes piling up around me, I am making a conscious effort to get posts out to you to read (and not just press releases, although many of you have told me that you do appreciate the news!).

I got a text this morning from Manifest Destany asking if I had heard about the latest stolen pictures being using for an international nail polish company's fall promotional line.  I hadn't but it only took a quick look on Twitter to see what was going on.

First off.

DON'T STEAL PHOTOS.

It's one thing to download a photo to your computer so you can look at it later because it was inspiring or pretty or funny.

It's another to download a picture, use it as if you created it, SELL IT and think it's okay.

When I started college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in and one of my options was graphic design which I stayed in for a year.  I learned lots of valuable information that I still use today and while I didn't stay in that education path, I saw how much work someone puts into creating their masterpieces.  As a blogger, I take a lot of time in photographing and editing images for you to see and sometimes my photos are used in publications for companies or for the company's own use.

I will not comment on the company in question or similar companies that have been accused of stealing artwork off bloggers, art sharing or social media websites because I am confident that the companies in question will do the right thing and work towards an agreement with those who should have been rightly compensated for their work.  More so, I hope that someone lost their job over this and those in charge of that person were also reprimanded.  If this was an outside graphic design firm that was hired to create this artwork (which is very common), I hope they are also reported to the Better Business Bureau.

Sharing is caring.  Stealing is not. 

Update!
For starters, I ended up in ER last night.  That was not fun.  Doctor says I have Pleurisy.

The good news is that the company in question immediately was in contact with the true creator of the artwork, issued a public apology and a partnership between creator and company may be in the works!  Very happy to see a company work swiftly.  They hired an outside artist (as I suspected) who passed off this work as his own. 

ISSE Midwest November 4-5, 2012

I know some of y'all out there are licensed beauty professionals, so today this post is for you!  If you are looking for cash and carry, education, artistic presentations, exhibitions and the always fantastic hair and nail competitions, keep reading!  For more information, check out the PBA Calendar here or the competition page here!

ISSE Midwest Combines Professional Cash-and-Carry Expo and Educational Event for Licensed Professionals

November 4 - 5, 2012 │ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center │ Rosemont, Illinois (Chicagoland)

Phoenix, AZ (August 13, 2012) – The International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) Midwest show, which is the only major industry Fall / Holiday cash-and-carry expo and educational event for licensed beauty professionals, will return to the Chicago area November 4 – 5, 2012. Produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), ISSE Midwest is more than just a “hair show” and will feature an array of education, including continuing education (CE) credits, hair and nail competitions, artistic presentations from some of the industry’s biggest stars and top beauty brands exhibiting with the latest tools and products.

ISSE Midwest will be held at industry favorite, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, which is conveniently located just outside Chicago near O’Hare International Airport and has been redeveloped with a host of new entertainment, dining and lodging options. Five new restaurants, a casino, bowling alley, ice rink and a high end outlet mall all bring Rosemont into a league of its own, competing with the likes of downtown Chicago.

Education for Everyone – Don’t Miss Those CE Credits:

An array of education classes in hair, nails, skin and business will be presented by notable beauty professionals and companies, including: Charlie Price, Chuck Caple, Faatemah Ampey, Derek J, Geno Stampora, Martin Parsons, Lydia Sarfati/Repêchage, Mikal Clay, Millie Haynam and many more!

For those who need Continuing Education (CE) credits, ISSE Midwest will have an assortment of more than 60 classes to choose from. In addition, the show will offer hands-on hair and nail classes and CIDESCO USA skin classes. (Some classes require additional investment.)

It’s Time To Compete – Hair & Nail Competitions for Students and Licensed Professionals:  

With cash, prizes, and prestige on the line, ISSE Midwest will offer hair and nail competitions for students and professionals, competing separately. All hair competitions are performed on mannequins.

Hair Competition Categories Include: Fantasy-Inspired by Hollywood, Long Hair Bridal and Women’s Trend Cut, Color & Style

Nail Competition Categories Include (Sponsored by NailPro): Competitors Report, Soak Off Gel Manicure, French Twist – One Hand, Tip & Overlay, Salon Success. A NailPro Competition Class will also be offered for those looking to enter the competition circuit or just pick up some great pointers.

Top Industry Stars Presenting on Two Main Stages:

See international platform artists, educators and some amazing artistic presentations on ISSE Midwest’s two main stages. Some of the many featured artists include: Derek J, DJ Riggs & Berry Bachen, Farouk, FI Hair Gear, J’s Hair Studio & Academy, Kris Sorbie, Martin Parsons, RUSK, The Teals & Steve Elias and many more.

The Products & Tools You’ll Want to Have for the Holidays & New Year:

Be prepared for the holiday season and New Year with the latest products and tools from some of the top international and indie brands on the expo floor. Plus, take advantage of year-end close outs from major manufacturers and distributors. Be sure to stop by the BSG Value Center for amazing deals on tons of products.  Some of the many ISSE Midwest exhibitors include:

Acific, Inc., American International Industries (AII), Beauty Systems Group/BSG/Cosmoprof Beauty Systems, Body Toolz Inc., Bonika Shears, Cricket Company, Crisace Hair Extensions, Dashing Diva, Daysmart Software /Salon Iris Software, Emani Green Professional Cosmetics, Farouk Systems Inc., Garfield International Company, Inc., Glimmer Body Art, LLC, GoLoyal Inc., Hair Addictionz,  Jatai International, Kadori Hair, Mikal Corp., Nail Harmony, Odyssey Nail Systems, Olivia Garden, Oster Professional Products/Arius Eickert. Passion Beauty, Inc. , Ranco Industries, Repechage, SalonBooker, SalonSwipe, Sorme Cosmetics, SureThik, Inc., Surface Hair, Takara Belmont USA, Tamsco Shears and Instruments, The Empowerment International Group Inc., TIGI, Venique, Inc., Worcester Reading Company and many more.

ISSE Midwest is open to licensed professionals and students only. All attendees are required to show proof of license and photos identification before entering. For a list of accepted professional credentials as well information on classes, exhibitors, hotel and travel reservations, and to purchase tickets, please visit www.probeauty.org/issemw. PBA Salon/Spa members receive two free expo tickets and Beauty Professional/NCA members receive one free expo ticket (registration required). All other PBA members may purchase up to two expo tickets. 

Cult Nails Giveaway!

Oh yes.  October is your month to win with Cult Nails, starting with the Join the Cult on Pinterest! giveaway that I told you about yesterday and in addition to all the wonderful winning that is happening there, Cult Nails will be giving one lovely PolishGalore reader the chance to win $50 worth of Cult Nails products!

So on top of the $100 worth of Cult Nails products from the Join the Cult on Pinterest giveaway AND the bonus $30 worth of Cult Nails products that I get to choose as my "Blogger Choice" prize, you can now win $50 worth of Cult Nails products HERE!

That's a lot of nail polish. 

Please wait for the Rafflecopter to load in full and refer to the Terms and Conditions contained within for any questions.  The giveaway will end at 12:01am EST 7 October, is open internationally and the prize is being fulfilled by Cult Nails.  Items pictured are not necessarily items that will be received by the winner.  These are just my personal stash pictures of Cult Nails polishes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join the Cult on Pinterest!

Are you a Cultie yet?

Cult Nails is giving you the chance to win $100 worth of Cult Nails products!

This giveaway is being hosted by Cult Nails BUT Maria has given me the special privilege of choosing a "Blogger Choice" winner who will receive $30 worth of Cult Nails products!

AND starting tomorrow here on PolishGalore, you will have the opportunity to win $50 worth of Cult Nails products!!!  Talk about a great October!

Cult Nails [Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Instagram: CultNails] is available in their shop for $10 a bottle.

PBA Updates!

It's Friday!  The Professional Beauty Association has had a busy September, and I wanted to let you know what's been going on!

First, they have a new look, logo and tagline as part of it's newly unified association and direction. 

PBA members and the industry at large will start seeing fresh, cohesive visuals along with PBA's new tagline: Advancing OUR Industry. This new direction is part of an enhanced marketing and branding campaign designed to unify the various aspects of PBA's mission.

Along with the new look, PBA is honing its focus on five core program areas: Government Advocacy, Education, Charitable Outreach, Signature Events, and Member Services. PBA believes investing in these areas is critical for both its members and the industry. By creating a more consistent look and messaging, PBA members will be able to better recognize and take advantage of the many programs, opportunities, and events the association offers.

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Secondly, Schwarzkopf & Henkel, manufacturer of Smooth 'N Shine®, will sponsor the "2013 Smooth 'N Shine® Cosmetology Scholarship." With a grand prize of up to $25,000 and ten $1,000 scholarships available, students currently in high school or high school graduates enrolled in or intending to enroll in a program resulting in a cosmetology (hairstyling) license are eligible to enter. All applications must be submitted by October 31, 2012. Winners will be notified by January 15, 2013.

To enter, eligible applicants must submit two letters of recommendation and a typed essay  describing the qualities they possess that will make them "shine" in cosmetology school and their future career. Proof of enrollment / intended enrollment in a cosmetology program is also required. (See application for full details.) 

"Schwarzkopf & Henkel is thrilled to promote beauty education through the Smooth 'N Shine Cosmetology scholarship program. Our goal is to help and inspire these deserving students to reach their full career potential and be successful in our industry," said Kathy Alaama, Vice President of Marketing, Schwarzkopf & Henkel.

Applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded by a committee appointed by the President of PBA's Beauty Professional/NCA membership section. All scholarships are funded by Schwarzkopf & Henkel and administered by the PBA Foundation. Scholarship awards are final and the grand prize winner will be announced at the International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) Long Beach on January 28, 2013.

The "2013 Smooth 'N Shine® Scholarship" application and additional information is available at www.probeauty.org/scholarships,or by calling PBA at 800.468.2274.

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Also this month, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is proud to announce the newly elected and reelected members of PBA's Leadership Councils that will continue to guide the association through the coming year. Comprised of highly-respected beauty professionals, all of which volunteer their time to serve, their terms begin September 1, 2012 and will end on August 31, 2014.

PBA has four Leadership Councils: Beauty Professional/NCA, Distributor, Manufacturer and Salon/Spa. Each of these councils addresses the needs and issues of their respective area of focus. The overall Governing Council oversees budgeting, legislation endorsement, strategic planning and addresses issues that affect the industry as whole.

The Beauty Professional/NCA Leadership Council has elected Peggy Sue Schmoldt as the newest member of council. Joining her will be reelected members Marlene Bridge, Mark Goodman and Grace Santiler Nowik. Santiler Nowick will retain her role as council president.  

The Distributor Leadership Council has elected Paul Gauvin of WS Beauty Supply, Brandon Ranney of Creative Salon Concepts, and Karl Sweis of SWEIS, Inc. as the newest members of the council. Renee Shakour of Essential Salon Products was also reelected.  

The Manufacturer Leadership Council has elected Michael Riley of Scruples Professional Salon Products Inc. as the newest member of the council. Kevin Barrett of Fromm International, Reuben Carranza of P&G Salon Professionals and Scott Hagstrom of Helen of Troy were all reelected.

The Salon/Spa Leadership Council has elected Tiffany Conway of CoCo Cheveux Salon and Holly Zapata of K Charles & Company Salons as the newest members of the council. Rejoining the council are Scott Buchanan from Scott J Salon & Spa as council president and Bonnie Conte from Avalon Salon and Day Spa.  

PBA encourages industry professionals to join PBA and take an active role in the association. PBA is led by industry volunteers and represents the interests of the professional beauty industry. In addition to the Governing and Leadership Councils, volunteer members can also serve on committees to support the association's activities by helping to plan events, direct government affairs activities and more. probeauty.org

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The Professional Beauty Association's (PBA) purpose is to advance the professional beauty industry by providing its members with education, charitable outreach, government advocacy, events and more. PBA is the largest organization of industry professionals with members representing salons and spas, distributors, manufacturers and beauty professionals/NCA. Visit probeauty.org or call 800.468.2274 (480.281.0424) to learn more.