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Meet Michelle Pargee Ateb, she is another industry icon, award-winning hair designer, and creative visionary. This is what she has to say about her journey:

Q: What are some of your biggest accomplishments?

To be honest, conquering cancer. Even though that has nothing to do with hair. I had stage 4 twice. Nothing I will ever do will be more powerful than that. It only made me better at everything I do and more determined because I see life as a privilege and a gift.

As for career, My 9 Contessa awards all mean a lot to me. Winning my first one, at 43, changes the course of my life and showed me dreams do not have an age limit.

Q: Who influenced you the most when learning your craft?

I am a Lifetime learner. I will always continue to learn and participate in education. In my easy career, I have been influenced my Fabio Sementilli. I took a class in Toronto with him when I was 31. He changes how I thought. Sharon Blain is another idol who I want to emulate. Her class was mind-blowing.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

everything! Nature. Art. Fashion. Architecture. Currently obsessed With Iris Van Herpen.

Q: What would you say to new future professionals entering this industry?

you can have a be anything you dream of, you just have to be willing to do the work. All big accomplishments start and end with the work it takes to get there. A stylish once asked me how long it would take her to become a platform artist. I told her with hard work, realistically, at least 5 years. She said that was so long. I told that time will pass anyway. She might as well use it towards her goals.

Q: Where did you attend school or train?

my Mother owned a salon. I apprenticed for her for 2 years. She taught me my work ethic. Was harder on me than the rest of her staff. I’m grateful for that lesson.

Q: What was the turning point of your career?

my first photoshoot. (Also at 43). It taught me I have no limitations. Silencing the negative voices in my head was everything.

Q: What is the best advice you have received?

Multi-tasking is a myth. You can’t do many things well at once. 50% of your effort isn’t enough. I’d rather give 100% to one thing at a time. That’s how you find excellence.

Q: What is your opinion around online video training?

It’s the reality of our new world. I’m not against it. I prefer Up close and personal. It’s who I am. However, it is the new normal. I am opposed to online Education from those not qualified enough yet to teach. Too many say they are educators. It’s important to have experience and real skills.

Q: In a perfect world, how would you like to see the industry grow?

I’d like to see us get back to team salons. Everyone working on their own isn’t helping our industry. We don’t participate in as much education. We don’t learn from our peers when we work isolated.

Q: What is the best technique you have learned?

Melting hair Color is my obsession. Seamlessly.

Q: What is the secret to your success?

Knowing we all fail and that’s ok. That’s how we grow. Try. Fail. Try again. Fail better.