We are thrilled to partner with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) to promote all of the talented artists who are finalists for the 2016 NAHAs (North American Hairstyling Awards), the most prestigious hair and beauty award in the country. Bangstyle had the honor of interviewing amazing hair artist, and one of this year’s finalists in the “Avant-Garde” category, Edward Woody.
As an artist, a stylist, salon owner and educator – Edward Woody lives and breathes for this beautiful industry. With an eye for fashion, from styling at fashion week and a keen sense of educating himself and others, he is truly an artist to be looked up to. Take a peek at his Avant-Garde collection and learn more about Edward.
What was the inspiration behind your collection?
It all started with an idea about futuristic, religious/tribal headpieces and what they would look like in the future.
What did this collection mean to you?
It means so much to me. It has been an 11-year journey since my first nomination at NAHA, until now. I have spent many years honing my craft and trying to get my first win.
Outside of hair, where do you draw inspiration from?
For me it can hit any time any place. I can't predict it.
What steps did you take to ensure a successful shoot?
First of all, your team has to be just as good at their jobs as you are at yours. Don't skimp on photographers, models or makeup artists. Even if you have an amazing hairstyle, if any one of those other elements are off you are not going to have a successful shoot, and your chances at competitions like NAHA have been diminished. Plus the old adage is true; you get what you pay for.
What was the method for selecting your team? Had you worked with them before?
After last year of having another failed attempt of getting nominated, I started thinking I needed a stronger team than what I had been using up until now. I started stalking every photographer that got nominated last year, and made a list of the ones with the work I responded to the most. After that I contacted 5 different photographers and I just kept asking questions until I narrowed it down to Keith Bryce and I flew out to LA to meet him and lay out a plan for our work together. After that it was model calls and makeup artist selection. We needed someone that could successfully bald cap our model, so we ended up using a fabulous makeup artist from the movie industry.
What do you think is the most exciting technique in the world of hair right now?
Anything that I can’t figure out how it is done. There is so much out there that is brilliant.
What other nominated collections inspired you?
They all inspire me; from the first time nominee to the seasoned pro. Each one brings their own unique voice and style, and each has something to inspire us.
What was/is a defining moment of your career?
After years and years of searching and getting great education, there became a time when I began to start to feel comfortable in my own skin. A time where I felt I had put so much time and expense in my education that I finally felt like I had something worth sharing, and I wanted to give back to the hairdressing community. It took a long time for me to give myself permission to be who I am today; you can't wait for someone else to give you that, you have to give it to yourself.
What’s the one tool or product you can live without?
Keune's Two Phase Spray. It's my favorite product and I use it on every client.
Favorite current hair trend?
Texture! I love texture in hair and so glad we are starting to see a lot more movement in hair.
What’s your average Saturday night like?
If I'm home, my husband and I take my parents out to eat every Saturday night. Then we go home and sit on the couch with our 3 dogs and try to watch some TV, but more than likely I'm usually in a hotel room in my underwear watching bad TV and eating Twizzlers. When you work in hair education you’re either prepping for a show or a class every weekend and you're always on the road.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Laying in bed on Sunday morning. If I happen to be lucky enough to wake up at home and not in a hotel; I want coffee in bed and the dogs lying all around me. It's my favorite time of the week.
Who is the one person you don’t want to forget to thank on stage?
That would have to be my husband. He continually supports me, and my crazy schedule, I couldn't do it all if I didn't have his blessing.
Be sure to stalk Edward Woody on Bangstyle to see all of his latest uploads and inspirations!
