the Paul Mitchell experience

(left to right) Unidentified Gentleman, Michelle Mitchell; Wendy Lynch of Anthony P. Scott; Angus Mitchell of John Paul Mitchell Systems and Kerry of Salon Studio. Photography by David Wears

The Gathering

This is an annual event hosted by Paul Mitchell, where thousands of hair stylists around the world meet for training, education and interaction. This year’s event was held at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas and hosted over three thousand participants. In this instance, what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas.

A number of key hair stylists from Trinidad attended. Our team interacted with various world-renowned hair technicians, educators and leaders in the professional hair business.

The Company

John Paul Mitchell Systems is the company known for Paul Mitchell hair care products and styling tools. It was founded by John Paul DeJoria and Paul Mitchell in 1980 and has its headquarters in Beverly Hills. Paul Mitchell also has beauty schools in multiple locations.

John Paul Mitchell was a celebrated hairstylist, and John Paul DeJoria, a struggling salesman. Together they shaped their entrepreneurial creation into a market winner, succeeding through Mitchell's haircutting demonstrations, DeJoria's renowned marketing skills, and the company's signature Awapuhi shampoo, made from Hawaiian ginger root.

John Paul Mitchell Systems used a three-stage marketing system to drive its sales in the late 1990s. The company shipped its hair care products to distributors, who delivered the merchandise to hair salons, where consumers purchased the company's products, all packaged in white bottles with black lettering. John Paul Mitchell Systems’ distributor-salon-consumer approach has been credited for much of the company's success.

Angus Mitchell

Angus Mitchell is the son of Paul Mitchell, and co-owner of John Paul Mitchell Systems. He is also married to one of our very own, a beautiful ‘Trini’ woman, Michelle Mitchell. This industrious and charismatic individual is a down-to-earth, kind and caring human being, who is full of energy, and has a spark for life; he truly enjoys his business. The simplicity of his persona will make you do a double take on yourself.

Albeit Angus’ last visit to Trinidad was brief, he enjoyed it immensely. He visited a few salons to share his energy, advice and skills; and ate everything from ‘Ali’s Doubles’ in Vistabella, to ‘bake and shark.’ He has promised to return for more.

Anthony P. Scott and Paul Mitchell

Anthony P. Scott has been the proud distributor of Paul Mitchell products for the past 18 years; they have seen the brand grow from strength to strength. The company held a formal welcome reception for Angus. It was an intimate gathering of local hair stylists and representatives of Paul Mitchell. After the event Angus took a tour through Port-of-Spain, and enjoyed sites overlooking the city—a gentle reminiscent of his own home in Hawaii.

Future Ventures

Paul Mitchell is ever growing, building strengths and strongholds across the world. They are very involved with charities and giving back to the community. Angus has promised to return to Trinidad to explore various possibilities.

Providing industry training and education is on his ‘to do’ list. He intends to return to Trinidad to conduct some Paul Mitchell cutting classes. In fact, he has already begun training our very own Kerry Goberdhan, at Kerry’s Salon in Gaston Courts.

It would be quite an honor to have one such as Angus at a Paul Mitchell workshop. For Angus: It’s all about giving back. - Wendy Lynch, Brand Manager, Anthony P. Scott.