A Heartfelt Recap of ARROJO Expo 2024
ARROJO Expo 2024 was a remarkable celebration of creativity, artistry, and community. This year’s event brought together an extraordinary mix of talent, innovation, and passion, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all involved.
The Weekend Kicked Off in Style
The excitement began on Saturday night with a vibrant welcome party at Outer Heaven. The venue’s chic, minimalistic aesthetic set the perfect backdrop for an evening of connection and anticipation. With rhythmic beats filling the air, guests were energized for the creative weekend ahead. It was the perfect opportunity for beauty professionals and industry insiders to network, exchange ideas, and connect on common ground.
Sunday’s Main Event: A Day of Inspiration and Innovation
On Sunday, the spotlight shifted to The Angel Orensanz Foundation, a breathtaking venue that amplified the creative energy of the day. The morning began with an electrifying performance by FOOLZGOLD, whose vibrant sounds energized the crowd, setting the tone for a full day of artistic inspiration and insight.
The first presentation featured an exceptional showcase by Lina Arrojo and Paul Merritt, who focused on the art of bobs and the limitless possibilities of creative hairstyling. Their segment explored new techniques and approaches to this classic cut, pushing the boundaries of hair design with fresh, modern interpretations.
Men’s Grooming Takes Center Stage
Patrick Lewis, ARROJO Ambassador and Reuzel Scumbassador, along with Kyra Hornung, followed with a dynamic presentation on men’s cutting and grooming. Highlighting both current and emerging trends in male grooming, they emphasized the importance of precision, style, and individuality. Their presentation underscored the ever-evolving nature of men’s grooming and provided fresh perspectives for those looking to stay ahead of the curve in this sector.
An Uplifting Message from Geno Stampora
A standout moment from the day was a powerful motivational presentation by Geno Stampora. Known for his inspirational style, Geno’s talk focused on self-belief, personal growth, and turning dreams into reality—an encouraging message for beauty professionals and creatives alike. His presentation reminded everyone that success starts with believing in yourself and staying committed to personal and professional development.
Creativity Meets Culture: The Grand Finale
The day concluded with a visually stunning presentation led by ARROJO stylist Emma Offen, alongside Cole King and Sasha Barakos. Together, they crafted a captivating model showcase inspired by Japanese Shibari, blending intricate artistry with high-concept performance. The combination of culture and creativity offered a powerful statement on how beauty and fashion can transcend traditional boundaries, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
An Immersive Art and Technology Experience
After the presentations, attendees were treated to a field trip to Mercer Labs, a space dedicated to the fusion of art and technology. This immersive experience featured 15 exhibitions that pushed the limits of creative expression, engaging the senses and showcasing innovative intersections between beauty and technology. Guests described the exhibitions as both fun and thought-provoking, proving how different forms of artistry can complement and elevate one another.
A Night to Remember at Skinos
The evening festivities continued at Skinos, where DJ Emma X Offen took to the decks—proving her talents extend far beyond hairstyling. Her dynamic DJ set kept the energy high as the crowd danced the night away. To add to the excitement, Nick Arrojo himself made a guest DJ appearance, making it a memorable celebration to cap off a weekend filled with creativity and inspiration.
Monday: A Day of Learning and Innovation
Monday’s schedule offered deeper exploration and education with a range of business-focused presentations and hands-on creative workshops. Attendees had the opportunity to choose the sessions that best suited their interests, whether it was refining their technical skills or gaining valuable insights into the business side of the industry.
The day began with Michael Offen’s insightful session, “It’s a Long Joyous Journey.” Michael offered a reflective and inspiring perspective on career development and personal growth, encouraging attendees to find joy and meaning in their professional journeys.
Next, Tarun Srivastava, Founder of Glamiris, and Brian Bode, COO of Glamiris, took the stage with a forward-thinking presentation on AI in the beauty industry. Their talk highlighted the transformative role that artificial intelligence can play in enhancing client experiences and expanding creative possibilities, offering a glimpse into the future of beauty technology.
Karen Gordon followed with her presentation, “An Ever-Expanding Opportunity: Hair Growth.” Karen provided practical insights on how salons can expand their service offerings by incorporating hair growth solutions. Her presentation encouraged beauty professionals to evolve their expertise, opening up new avenues for client care and business growth.
The business-focused presentations wrapped up with a candid talk by Jessica Walker and Kelly Cahen titled “Industry Realities.” Their discussion offered an unfiltered look at the challenges and opportunities facing the beauty industry today, providing practical advice on how professionals can navigate the changing landscape and thrive in their careers.
A Final Thank You
ARROJO Expo 2024 was an inspiring and transformative event, bringing together creative minds from across the beauty industry to learn, connect, and innovate. This event would not have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors, and we extend a special thank you to Wella and Glamiris for their sponsorship and invaluable contributions.
As we reflect on the success of ARROJO Expo, we are filled with pride and gratitude. Whether through dynamic presentations, hands-on workshops, or vibrant celebrations, this event was a true testament to the power of community and creativity within the beauty industry. The inspiration and connections made during the Expo will carry forward, and we look forward to celebrating many more creative moments in the future.
Photography: Terrance Matlin