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Name 3 items women can’t live without: Handbags, shoes and makeup.

Do you know who invented the first handbag (purse)? Do you know why it’s women’s godforsaken right to carry one anywhere they go outside the home? And do you know why it’s punishable by law for a man to peek into a women’s handbag let alone look inside for something?

Do you know who invented the high heel? The mid heel? The boot? The sandal? The flat toe? The open toe? The flip flop? And who invented 342 colors, patterns, shapes for each season? And do you know why it’s punishable by stomping for a man to ask a woman why they have so many pairs of shoes?

Do you know who invented makeup? Do you know who invented lipstick, lip liner, lip gloss, lip sealer, crème foundation, liquid foundation, powder foundation, mineral foundation, mascara, waterproof mascara, lengthening mascara, eye pencils, eye liner, and the other 99 configurations? And do you know it’s also punishable by law for a man to ask a woman why they have makeup in their purse, on the vanity, in the top drawer, in the second drawer and in a box in their closet?

It will be interesting to see of the 3 items women can’t live without, which one is the most important. I have a hunch and luckily for me, hunches are not yet punishable!

Happy Wednesday!

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Paul Dykstra and the CCA held a monopoly in the Chicago market for more than 20 years. Without competition, they were free to make decisions that best suited the CCA and not the exhibitors and ticket paying attendees. But when you are the only game in town, you hold all the cards.

Sad but true, even monopolies fail when they get to be so out of touch with reality that even the diehards say enough is enough. 2010 will be the last year of the ABS as the CCA knows it because finally competition is coming to town.

The PBA (Professional Beauty Association) which produces two other shows confirmed their debut in Chicago in 2011. And guess where the location is? You got that right: Rosemont Convention Center. And guess when the PBA decided to hold the show? Well, you were almost right, instead of 2 weeks before, they decided 2 weeks after the ABS show.

Sources have it that Paul and the CCA still have outs and can partner with the PBA before it’s too late.

In the meantime, the 2010 ABS show was a huge disappointment. If not for L’Oreal’s triumphant return to show business, there would not have been a single major player present with the exception of TIGI. Both Paul Mitchell and OPI were no where to be seen. Procter & Gamble’s Wella, Sebastian, Graham Webb and Nioxin brands all took rain checks. Schwarzkopf and Goldwell didn’t make it across the pond for different reasons.

So who was there? Michael O’Rourke! Dear, dear Michael. He’s been spun over hot coals but yet he continues to re-emerge with the same style, same energy and same inspiration. He somehow managed to conjure up 4 styling items in time for the show and like old times, there he was on a round mini stage with his groupies watching. That my friends was the extent of the excitement.

Perhaps the PBA will get the majors back into the show business. I’m not so sure. Regardless, it’s another chapter of our changing industry and another chapter that’s not filled with good news.

Happy Monday/Tuesday!

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Live and die by one of the greatest inventions of all time: The snooze button. How many times have you pressed the snooze button, went back to sleep and then in the middle of your dream hear the “voice” telling you to wake up. You do in an extreme panic, look at the clock and hope the snooze hasn’t gone off and alas, it hasn’t gone off because you turned off the clock instead. Is that one of the worse feelings or what? That’s how my Friday morning started. And to set the record straight, Nick is the all time biggest slacker!

The Today Show this week got around to finally talk about a couple professional beauty products. Specifically mentioned was CND’s new Shellac, their entry into the soak off gel category. What makes Shellac different is that it comes in a traditional polish bottle. Launching in May in 12 CND shades, the two week manicure is here! Also mentioned was OPI’s Axxium soak off gel. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/36017392#36017392

What do you like better? A juicy cheeseburger or jumbo hot dog with all the fixings?

Dick Purtan says good-bye today after 45 years on the radio. We had Dick and his gang at one of our fundraisers. Purtan will be missed by his listeners but at least he will stay connected to the community. Who remembers the morning guy on WJR 76 AM way back that also was a legend?

Whatever happened to the rollerblade craze?

How about salons offering charity poker tournaments and offering services to players that lose their stack?

What sells more: Bagels or doughnuts?

Speaking of food, are hot crispy French Fries the #1 indulgence of all time?

Moroccan Oil is coming out with a new “Light” version of their signature item. It was only a matter of time. Perhaps “Ultra Light” will come out after that.

Spartans 68, N. Iowa 65

Happy Friday!

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Before the economic meltdown, consumers and stylists couldn’t get their hands on $100 and up flat irons fast enough. Korea was working overtime to keep up with demand and it seemed another new brand launched monthly.

Way before flat irons, do you remember hot steam rollers and which company made the first product? Believe it or not, they still sell fairly well.

Today we sell blow dryers from $20 to $200, flat irons from $200 to $250 and trimmers from $30 to $300. As the downturn takes its course, both consumers and stylists are hesitant to replace as quickly as they normally would and are trading down when they do.

Regardless, that begs the question, what is going to be the next big hair appliance? With ceramics, nano and ions played out, what’s next? I am seeing more products developed using laser and light technology than ever before. For some reason, I think hair appliances of the future will utilize this technology in some fashion.

The real question is with all the appliances currently on the market, it there still a need not met?

Happy Thursday!

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This weekend is the Chicago beauty show currently known as the ABS (America’s Beauty Show) but for most of us, it will always be the Midwest Beauty Show. And compared to other shows, this name is best fitted.

For years the show occupied the underground levels of the Hyatt on Wacker. It then went to McCormick Place where the costs were prohibitive and then settled at the Rosemont Convention Center next to O’Hare. Hotels had covered air walks so you didn’t have to worry about the weather. Rosemont itself is a pit but convenient for the show.

Now that it’s back at McCormick Place, the show seems like a grain of sand on the beach. And it’s expensive to participate in. Nevertheless, The Industry Source will be there featuring Forever Natural, Pavilion, and thebeautybook. Since most people come for bargains, we decided to have the best bargain of all: 25% all purchases. Just come by the booth, place your order and save a lot of cash. We’ll ship to your salon at no extra charge.

I’m very excited about Forever Natural. We will be demonstrating it all day and while we are sold out of FN lights, we will be offering an amazing price of $100 for both the light and kit. We expect lights to be in stock early April.

The Pavilion will be featuring its name plate items that have been its biggest sellers. And show pricing makes them more than affordable. As always, we will be selling the floor models below cost at the end of show.

Why the ABS show is still 3 days, no one has any idea. Saturday is dead and Sunday is still the best day. We’ll be there all 3 days so if you are coming, be sure to stop by our booth #3000 and say hello or stock up and save big.

Happy Wednesday!

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Time changes everything and sometimes it changes nothing. But in the year 2010, suddenly America is leading the world in areas that only a couple years ago most Americans would have laughed at.

Sure Toyota’s misery has been great for Ford. But if Ford didn’t have quality vehicles to begin with, there wouldn’t have been a Ford to take advantage. Credit its CEO Alan Mullaly. Ford stock hit a low of $1 and change in March 2009 and now it’s $14 on its way to $25. In the meantime, Toyota’s brand value plunged 20% while Ford’s brand value gained more than 15%.

Only a couple years ago Europe was in great shape and their currency, the EURO, was kicking our dollar. It got to the point that if you went to Paris you needed $100 American dollars to buy a sandwich and coffee. I recall going to Italy for a trade show and the taxi ride was only $10 EURO which was at that time about $16 U.S. I gave the driver $30 U.S. and he yelled at me like U.S. money was worthless.

Today the dollar has gained more than 20% since then and could gain another 10% if Europe’s issues don’t get resolved.

Now that Obama’s health care plan has passed (there will be some tweaks along the way), U.S. will lead the way in technology and medical advances to bill Obama and company for more treatments and drugs. Perhaps the U.S. will rise from its lowly 37th position in health care to the 20’s but don’t bet any EURO’s on it.

Finally the U.S. stock market is on a roll and once 101(k)’s and 201(k)’s are finally getting back to 401(k)’s. It’s still well below its all time high, but right now, we will take anything we can get. Still, the DOW is doing better than most other markets.

All this leads to hope. Unemployment most likely will not drop below 9% until 2011, but people working are working more hours. Housing has bottomed. There is hope. And where there’s hope, there’s salvation. Anyone for a manicure?

Happy Tuesday!

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MSU: 85  Maryland: 83

Korie Luscious made the shot of his lifetime. The shot that will go down in the Top 10 of MSU’s history. And the shot that will sting the Maryland Terrapins for a long time.

The story is of basketball legend. MSU was playing without its top star, Kalin Lucas. It’s starting forward Chris Allen was 99% gone. Devron Roe was barely able to walk let alone run. Chris Morgan broke a tooth towards the end of the game. In a word, the Spartans were playing in P-A-I-N.

But here is the real story. Up by 15 the Spartans looked like victory was a matter or running down the clock. With only 2 minutes to go and up by 8, the strategy was sound. But then the P-A-I-N took over as all the Darvacet’s, Oxycotin’s and Morphine drips wouldn’t have made a difference and suddenly with 6 seconds to go, Maryland had its first lead since the game was 7-6.

Spartan fans were SCREAMING MAD. Terrapin fans were SCREAMING JOY. How could this be? Spartan fans were yelling obscenities at their TV’s and anyone else around them. 911 was called as fans were having heart attacks, strokes, anxiety attacks. Terrapin fans were hollering like health care reform didn’t pass, high-fiving, hysterical. 911 was called as fans were passing out from lack of oxygen and being slapped too hard in the back.

But while the Terrapins were hollering, the Spartans knew there was 6 seconds left. The Terrapins so excited about leading forgot about the full court press and instantly Draymond Green had the ball over the half court line, thought about shooting and heard Luscious. He passed and somehow the ball got to Luscious. The time on the clock was .9 seconds and Luscious released the ball just then.

The Spartan team was on their feet. The Terpin team was on their feet. The fans were on their feet. Every fan in every home and sports bar was on their feet. Instead of SCREAMING, there was SILENCE. While the ball was in the air toward the hoop. it was the longest stretch of SILENCE since the last time your spouse said to you, “What did you just say?” And then all anyone heard was the sound of NET and the rest is history.

But there are two sides to the story and all you have to do is read the Maryland Sun’s newspaper this morning.

The photo and caption from the Detroit News:

“The whole year went through my mind,” Izzo said. “I’m thinking, is it worth the constant hammering? And it kind of made it worth it, all in one shot.”

The photo and caption from the Maryland Sun:

A drained Maryland coach Gary Williams was asked where the defeat ranked in his 21-year Maryland career. “Let’s see, where would it be?” Williams replied. “[In] 2001 in the Final Four we were up 20 on Duke. I’m sure there have been others. Right now, I can’t think.”

This is what makes college sports the best sports to watch. And it’s also good to be on the winning side of the story.

Happy Monday!

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It’s Friday, March Madness is on, St. Paddy’s day is behind us and it’s 65 and sunny for the fourth day in a row.

One thing on my mind today was the severity of death and sickness as of late. It no longer matters what age, it’s shocking. But there is nothing fun to write about on this subject and besides, it’s 65 and sunny.

I was also thinking about Obama staying behind to rally a few more Democrats on his health care bill. We now have learned that by spending $960 billion, we will reduce the deficit. But there is nothing fun to write about on this subject and besides, it’s 65 and sunny.

Then I was thinking about Tiger Woods and his predictable return to golf via the Masters. And that just happened to be the opportunity one of his ex-stripper girlfriends decided to release a slew of text messages.  But there is nothing fun to write about on this subject and besides, it’s 65 and sunny.

And with the first quarter of 2010 nearly behind us, writing about business, employment and jobs was on my mind. But there is nothing fun to write about on this subject and besides, it’s 65 and sunny.

Today we have a company lunch followed by our quarterly meeting. Afterwards, who knows, I might take off. After all, it’s 65 and sunny. GO STATE!

Happy Friday!

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Flashback to the 1960’s!

Women with college degrees that went to work after graduating: 20%

Top degree sought out by women: Education 45%

Percent of women in the workforce: Less than 30%

Percent of men in the salon industry: Over 75%

Fast forward to today!

Women with college degrees that go to work after graduating: 80%

Top degree sought out by women: Business 40% (Education 12%, no wonder we have no teachers) And more: Percent of women graduating college vs.. men: 67% (tough to find a guy in school these days)

Percent of women in the workforce: Over 65%

Bonus question: Percent of women that make more money than their spouse: 20%

Percent of men in the salon industry: Less than 10%

The numbers are startling. And they are going to skew even higher. As the unemployment rates stays in the high single digits, it’s men that are finding it most difficult to get a job, not women.

For the salon industry, it can’t go much more on the upside. The past few intro classes that we have had for schools were 99% female. It’s like guys decided that being a hairdresser or manicurist wasn’t for them all at once. If you think back to the late 60’s through the early 80’s, do you even remember a female barber? It was Paul Mitchell, Arnie Miller, and Gerry Redding (Redken and Nexxus) that took our industry from barber shops to salons.

The big names on stage for decades have all been men. The biggest salons are run by men. Salon chains are run by men. But with no men coming into the industry, there has been this huge void that hasn’t been filled by women and this void needs to be filled.

I’ve seen plenty of super talented women in the salon industry and yet, I’m still not sure if they get the same respect on stage as a guy. Sure there are the old timers such as Vivienne Mackinder and Beth Minardi that get attention. But we need new blood, new excitement, those in their 20’s to step up and change this industry and get it in tune to the Facebook and Twitter generation.

If you are one of those women that is ready to get to the the next level, let me know who you are. The time is way overdue and we need to start somewhere. We’re not going back to the 60’s and that’s a fact.

Happy Thursday!

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March 17. Every year. It never changes regardless when Easter falls. For many March 17 is like the day before Thanksgiving, the day before New Year’s Day, and bigger than any Saturday night. March 17 is about drinking and drinking heavy.

Lore has it that St. Patrick’s day came about as the one day of break during Lent in which alcohol was allowed. That was way back in the 1600’s. But hey, if it was good then, it must be great now. March 17 has become a drinking ritual that begins at 6AM for some and lasts right through the day and night. And then they go work the following day.

I don’t know about you, but drinking in the AM especially beer, isn’t appealing no matter what the celebration. But get a bunch of people together in an Irish bar, play some tunes and Viola!

And what about the green of the Irish? Actually the first color was blue which might explain why U-M is blue and MSU is green. Green was introduced due to the shamrock (more religious overtones) and green won over (now you know why U-M and MSU is such a great rivalry). Wearing a shamrock on March 17 suggests “you are wearing the green.”

I’ll be wearing the green March 19 when MSU takes on New Mexico in the first round of the big dance. I think we’ll barely eek out a victory but Lucas and Summers best be wearing shamrocks.

As far as beauty is concerned and how we can take advantage of the green, it doesn’t seem to be a big deal. Green nail polish no wants to buy for one day and green hair? Green eye shadow will be hot but it’s mostly a day of green beer.

Bottom line: If you want to celebrate, drink and wear whatever. Because nobody is going to pay much attention except to the bartender refilling the mugs.

Happy March 17!