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Visit samvilla.comSam has more than 25 years experience as a platform artist and educator for major salon professional companies. Part of the Redken family for the past 11 years, Sam is Redken's education artistic director. Sam is in constant demand at international and domestic trade shows and in-salon programs where his progressive teaching approach enables stylists to absorb new techniques quickly and for practical use in the salon.Sam is also a lead facilitator at the Redken Exchange in New York City where he teaches a variety of design and trend sessions to salon professionals from around the world. As Redken's design and training consultant, Sam is part of the team that trains the entire domestic artist network, Exchange facilitators and field staff in motivational, presentation and technical skills. Sam has performed at New York Fashion Week, where we worked backstage to create the hair looks for designer runway shows. Beginning in 2008, Sam also appears on the Redken.com Web site as spokesperson for consumer consultations.Sam has a unique ability to inspire, motivate and entertain - while teaching. His dynamic stage performance and design techniques are the result of his passion to learn. "I believe that those who teach must never cease to learn," says Sam. Known for his down-to-earth, refreshing approach to education, Sam has a way of putting people at ease as he shares fresh, exciting design concepts.Sam graduated from Ponce Beauty School in San Mateo, California. Growing up in his Dad's barbershop, Sam never considered the hair industry as a career choice until he saw his first hair show - and changed his mind. Sam went on to open Avant Hair Studio, an award-winning salon in the San Francisco Bay area, which he called home for 20 years.Sam's accolades include, BehindtheChair.com Favorite Platform Artist and Educator 2007; and Favorite finalist 2002, 2003, 2004; Redken Platform Artist of the Year 1998; "Master of the Craft" Award from the Art & Fashion Group 1992; and finalist in the North American Hairdressing Awards - Classic Category 1991.In 2008, Sam launched his website, samvilla.com, along with his own brand of digital media education and styling tools for salon professionals.