For hair professionals, the right competition can offer much more than a win. It can provide visibility, validation, creative momentum, and opportunities that extend well beyond that on-stage moment under the spotlights.
Wella’s Trend Vision Awards have long given artists a platform to showcase their technical skill and creative point of view while connecting them with the wider salon professional community. As the next generation of artists considers throwing their hats in the ring (with just 5 days left to do so!) we asked past Trend Vision winners to reflect on what their wins meant to them, how the experience impacted their careers, and why they believe other pros should enter. Read on for more.
What it Means to Win
Anjela Drobot, who won for the Editorial Style category last year, tells The Tease, “For my NATVA-winning hairstyle, I gave my favorite old Hollywood waves a modern, editorial twist.” And on her win, she adds, “I’m so honored to be recognized at this level, and beyond the titles and prizes, NATVA has reminded me of the beauty of others seeing value in your vision. This experience has motivated me to keep pushing myself creatively.” Veronika Shurunova, who won for Transformation Style, agrees, saying “… competitions are not only about winning but about pushing myself forward.”
Erinae Flesher, who won Student Editorial Color, says, “It feels like hard work finally paid off. All throughout school, I struggled to find my worth and confidence. Every single client I worked on, I nitpicked down to the tiniest detail. But with me winning this competition, and having other people choose my art out of all the other talented artists, it showed me that my art is great and that it catches people’s attention more than I realized.”
“Now sitting here, titled a winner in a national completion, it helps reassure my skills and passion for this industry and I am looking forward to the many more years of dedication and creativity I plan to bring to the chair,” says Cassandra Murray, who won for Student Transformation Cut.
Gillian Greenip, who won in the Editorial Cut category, says “When I finished my submission, I had already won. I was able to tell a story that I’ve waited half of my life to tell. And I was able to tell it through my passion. It is a privilege to be amongst such talent. I truly am unable to describe this win adequately.”
Ti’are-Lynn Valdez, who won in the Student Transformation Style category, tells us, “Surprisingly, I am a fall/Autumn girly. Born and raised in Hawai’i, we don’t get to see all season’s transform. Moving to different states, nature always took my breath away, especially fall. When the leaves start to transition with such beautiful multi colors and thought this is the perfect time to realistically show people what I am thinking through color and transformation.”
On Entries Allowing for Creative Expression
Many winners dug deep with their entries. Shurunova, for example says her winning look was “inspired by the idea that hair is a form of self-expression.” She continues, “The sleek, straight lines symbolize that life can often feel strict and demanding. The voluminous shapes on top and bottom represent celebrations and joy. For me, this look is about balance between — seriousness and happiness, structure and freedom.”
“NATVA’s AI Prism theme pushed me to explore something I might never have created otherwise—and that’s the beauty of putting yourself out there. Your unique vision is your power, and there’s space for it in this industry,” says Erika Farias, the winner for Editorial Color.
Advice for Pros Wanting to Enter Wella’s Trend Vision
Jessica Phillips, who won for Transformation Color, says, “don’t ever stop putting yourself out there! I have entered NATVA (editor’s note: the North American iteration of Trend Vision) at least 6 times. I never stopped entering because I never let that feeling of “losing” get me down. Keep showing up. Keep trying new things. You’re going to be great!”
Cassandra Jo Rennick, who won for Student Transformation Color, says, “Just get out there and do it! And be true to yourself! There are always a million reasons not to do something. Yes, there are financial things (and for many of us,
family things) that need to be figured out, but it’s absolutely 100% worth it.”
“Some advice I’d give to aspiring stylists is just go for it! Putting yourself out there can be intimidating, but if you stay true, do your best and follow your vision, you will make it far. Just keep going!” says Kori Alexandra, who won for Transformation Cut.
Farias was even more blunt. “Do it scared. Enter the contest. Post the work. Take the leap. If you wait until you feel “ready,” you’ll miss your shot. NATVA’s AI Prism theme pushed me to explore something I might never have created otherwise—and that’s the beauty of putting yourself out there. Your unique vision is your power, and there’s space for it in this industry.”
How to Enter Wella’s Trend Vision Awards 2026
Pros, if you’re feeling inspired to enter, you can submit now through September 1, 2026. Click here for details.
