Renowned hairstylist, educator, and industry icon Sam Villa is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Beauty Vision Awards, taking place September 14th in Kansas City, MO.
Best known as the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sam Villa® and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, Villa has spent decades shaping the future of the beauty industry through education, innovation, and community-building.
“Sam inspires community. There’s something about the way he makes you feel—like you’re the only person in the room,” says Vilma Subel, Founder and Producer of the American Beauty Vision Awards. “His energy is irreplaceable. Honoring him is about nurturing and celebrating that spirit.”
This marks a milestone for the American Beauty Vision Awards, formerly known as the Midwest Beauty Awards, as it expands to a national platform for the first time. Stylists from across the country are encouraged to submit entries by July 1. The event is intentionally designed to be inclusive, supportive, and approachable, offering a more intimate alternative to larger-scale competitions. It features a live runway show, educational programming, and a strong focus on cultivating community over competition.
“A Lifetime Achievement Award is more than a personal accolade—it’s a reflection of a journey devoted to purpose, service, and the betterment of others,” says Villa. “I’m incredibly grateful to those who’ve helped me along the way, and I remain committed to giving back by helping others grow with passion and integrity.”
As part of the weekend’s festivities, Villa will also host a hands-on educational class, “Timeless Evolution: Time-Saving Techniques for High-Impact Hair,” on Monday, September 15th at Z Hair Academy in Overland Park, KS.
This exclusive class ($75) will explore the modern evolution of shags, mullets, bobs, and pixies—blending precision cutting with effortless styling for wearable, editorial looks. Attendees will learn time-saving techniques, including splice edges, sculpted face-framing, and voluminous ’90s-inspired movement, along with pro retail strategies to help clients maintain their styles with ease.
“I believe education is the foundation of success,” adds Villa. “The only way for us to grow as professionals is to come together as one community—where every voice has value and everyone can shine.”
Credit: Courtesy of Sam Villa; Photography and Wardrobe Obsidian and Blush.
