Each year, The Rainbow Convention chooses a pillar of the salon professional industry for their Lifetime Achievement Award and on October 24th, guided by its IDEAS Board — Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Support — Sam Villa accepted that honor on stage.
The Rainbow Convention, built on the philosophy of “by hairstylists, for hairstylists,” is committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible industry where beauty professionals of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and thrive, and honors individuals who uphold the same ethos. “I don’t think anyone could embody that more than Sam Villa who has spent 50 incredible years as an artist, educator, mentor, creator, and advocate for representation,” explains Jordan Yanatos (aka Pinup Jordan). “There are people who make a name for themselves in the industry, and then there are people who change the industry for everyone who comes after them. Sam Villa is one of those people,” she adds.
Villa teaches stylists to invest in themselves and their community. “Knowledge is something that should be shared, not guarded… when one of us succeeds, we all have the opportunity to grow,” says Sam Villa, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer for the Sam Villa Company.
“Receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award from The Rainbow Convention community in Albany, NY was an honor, yet honestly, the people are what made it extra special. WOW… did I love the energy in the room… the vivid-color creativity and the opportunity to connect through up-close conversational education,” he explains. “This community celebrates individuality and makes room for everyone. That sense of belonging is what we need to make the industry stronger, and The Rainbow Convention brings it. I left feeling grateful, inspired, and excited!”
Villa also received a Mayoral Citation from the city of Albany, recognizing his contributions to the professional beauty industry and his lasting impact as an educator and leader.
He adds, “It’s not just about the hair…it’s about the people, relationships, and lives we have the opportunity to touch along the way. Fifty years in this industry and I still wake up every day grateful to be a part of it… and believe me, I’m just getting started.”
