Caper '14
Every year Paul Mitchell brings future professionals together from all across the country to attend their hair show, “Caper”, in Las Vegas.
One future professional from Bella Capelli Beauty Academy, Gina Jurich, had the privilege to fly to Las Vegas along with twelve other classmates to experience “Caper.” On Monday February 10th, all thirteen future professionals arrived at their hotel, Caesar’s Palace, where they would be staying for the duration of the trip. The “Caper Mall,” guest speakers, career fair and other events would also be held there.
At the opening of the hair show, Gina said there was one performance where stylists were cutting hair on t-shirts with faces on the front of them, which was “really unique and cool to see.” Some of the guest speakers included Marie Osmond, Cathy Buckley, and Lizzie Velasquez. During Gina’s interview, she explained that Lizzie Velasquez was her favorite speaker at Caper because she was very inspirational. She enjoyed Velazquez’s story of determination because it taught her that you should always be proud of who you are. Besides the guest speakers, many icons of the hair and makeup industry were present at Caper such as John Paul DeJoria, Angus Mitchell, Robert Cromeans, Kelly Cardenas, Takashi, and Stephanie Kolcielski.
At the “White Party” on the second night of Caper, Gina was able to take a picture with a few of the industry’s icons. Gina described the party as very “elegant” and “extravagant” and there was plenty of dancing and dessert all night long. She said at one point there was even a dance off! The following day, or the final day of at Caper, all Paul Mitchell future professionals attended either hair or makeup classes. Jurich attended the hair classes where she learned the “Caper Cut” or the “Sara.” She also had the opportunity to learn a new block color technique using Shines XG, which was one of the best parts of the trip. Shopping at the “Caper Mall” where she bought two Paul Mitchell t-shirts was another favorite part of her trip. She said other students bought makeup, tools, and pet products. On Thursday before all the Bella Capelli students boarded their flight back to Pittsburgh, Gina explored Las Vegas and took pictures with impersonators of Darth Vader, Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, and a Despicable Me Minion. On visiting Las Vegas, Gina said, “it was nice to see palm trees and take a break from the cold, gloomy winter weather.”
After returning home and reflecting on her experience at Caper, Jurich said,” It was a good experience and a lot of fun. I really liked how all of the Paul Mitchell schools came together for this event because I felt like part of a family. It also made me think, how do I become someone like Takashi or Stephanie Kolcielski? What’s the next step?” Certainly, Caper has inspired Gina and soon she will be graduating Bella Capelli and Robert Morris University ready to take that next step forward.
Danielle Radatovich was another Bella that had the opportunity to attend Caper '14! Danielle had a great time in Vegas and said the trip was not only fun but also inspiring! She had the opportunity to listen to many motivation speakers. "For instance," Danielle said, "listening to Lizzie Velasquez and watching John Autry's performance of 'imagine' were so touching and gave me chills. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Takashi, Kelly Cardenas, Debra Dietrich, Kathy Buckley, Linda Yodice, Cassandra Sanchez and Julian Perlingiero."
Danielle's favorite part of the trip was being able to sit down and talk with Julian. He gave her some really great advice and a sneak peek into what life is like in his shoes. Caper '14 was an unforgettable experience for Danielle.
Sydnee Treaster also went to Caper and had the opportunity to meet many big names in the Paul Mitchell family, such as Kelly Cardenas! His styling team also did her hair, which was an unforgettable experience for her.
Sydnee said Las Vegas itself wasn't what she had anticipated, but that Caper was an experience she will never forget. The skills she learned and the people she met made Caper '14 a great trip for her! "My favorite memories from Caper," Sydnee said, "were watching the performance of John Lennon's 'Imagine' during general session and having my hair styled into some wicked braids by Kelly Cardenas' styling team! For anyone who will be attending Paul Mitchell schools within the following year, try your very best to get to Caper 2015!"
Caper is an event that occurs every year and all Paul Mitchell Future Professionals are encouraged to participate for their chance to win a spot! It is an amazing opportunity to learn from the best of the best and build relationships with top names in the industry!
