April Gumbert
Simply Organic Education
We’re ecstatic to introduce you to Simply Organic Educator, April Gumbert! She’ll be teaching our Oway Certification Class in Charlotte, NC on June 12th, and we wanted you to learn all about her expertise and passion for professional organic beauty.
Tell us about yourself! How long have you been in the beauty industry?
I have been in the industry for almost 30 years now, even though saying that is hard to believe.I have never gotten tired of this business of beauty; in fact my passion for it is even greater than it was when I first began.
What do you love most about working in our industry?
One thing that I love about this industry is that there is room for the artistic and the mathematical parts of my brain to work in harmony. I see many people who have a flair for the artistic side of the work. They envision and create from their heart. Then there are those whoare rule followers, the ones who read all the manufacturer’s directions and weigh and measure all of their color formulas. Happily, I am both. I combine the rules with the passion and creativity to invent something new each day!
How would you explain your own personal style?
Marrying my two sides together is what results in my own style. I would consider both my personal and professional/work style to be a combination of fun and classic getting along nicely. I love taking a solid classic style and adding a bit of flair to set it apart. A fun, surprising element thrown in the mix is always a good thing. I think that starting with something timeless and bringing in something “fresh and now” is the best of both worlds.
How do you create your best work?
My best work is produced when I take the time needed to know and understand my guests and can make him or her feel their absolute best. When I listen and learn what is important to them I am doing my best work. I could do what I may think is my best work ever, but if my guests aren’t happy with the results, then I haven’t done my job.
Who were/are your mentors?
Many years ago when I went to my first hair show, my professional world changed. I loved watching these people on stage and leading the classrooms who were sharing their ideas and passions with the rest of us. Even now, one of my favorite things to do is to take classes. I have been honored to learn from people like John and Suzanne Chadwick and Martin Parsons while taking classes and hands-on workshops with them.
Then I can’t wait to use and share these ideas with my guests and co-workers. This flowed naturally into becoming an educator. I have been an educator in a variety of capacities; in my own salon, in beauty schools, in front of small to medium sized groups, and now with Simply Organic Beauty assisting and leading groups of organic-minded stylists to learn more about healthy hair color options with Oway!
Why are you excited to be a Simply Organic Educator?
I firmly believe that we can change this industry for the better by educating stylists on options that are better for themselves, their work and their guests. Many stylists and consumers still aren’t even aware that they have such options. If I can have even a small impact on this industry of ours by sharing holistic hairstyling, then I will have been rewarded for my efforts!
