Our Contributors

MiladyPro contributors are professionals from all beauty industry fields. They believe in learning beyond the technical and love to share their expertise with new and seasoned professionals alike.

Interested in becoming a MiladyPro contributor? Send us an email with your bio, writing sample, and why you want to join our contributor team.

Read on to learn more about our current and past contributors.

Emily Austin

Emily Austin is a stylist with 30 years of experience behind the chair. She has been a National Color Educator for John Paul Systems and owned her own salon in Canton, Ohio. She is now a Senior Stylist at Shanti Salon and Spa in Seattle, WA.

Berry Bachen

Berry Bachen has been a leading professional in the beauty industry for over fourteen years as an educator instructing advanced haircolor classes. Her primary focus is the MAINENTRANCE project, a collaborative artist development destination for education. Bachen has been honored multiple times as a NAHA finality, including recent honors in 20122 for Texture and Contemporary Classic, and 2012 and 2013 for Salon Team of the Year.

Jason Backe

Jason Backe is a Master Colorist and CEO of Ted Gibson Beauty. Thanks to his extensive knowledge of haircolor science and trends, his ability to offer practical advice, and his exuberant personality, Jason is regularly quoted in top beauty and fashion publications such as Allure, InStyle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle and The New York Times Sunday Styles. His work is also recognized by the top modeling agencies in New York and the models he works on are seen in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Chanel and Versace. Jason’s work has also been called on for multi-million dollar ad campaigns for influential haircolor companies such as Redken, L’Oreal and Garnier, as well as for beauty segments on the Oprah Winfrey Show, theToday Show, the Nate Berkus Show, the Rachel Ray Show and Good Morning America.

Dean Banowetz

After owning and operating a full-service salon in Bettendorf, IA, Dean made the big move to Los Angeles, where he landed a gig on the nationally syndicated series Extra. He attended the On Set Motion Picture Hair Academy in Santa Monica to specialize in Hollywood hair tricks of the trade and to refine his practice.

In the summer of 2002, Dean took a job on the little-known American Idol Search for a Superstar TV series on FOX, where he was mainly responsible for styling Ryan Seacrest, as well as all of the contestants. Since then, he has worked on six seasons of American Idol, and he has worked on Dancing With The Stars, as well as many others. Now The X Factor USA is his current project.

Before becoming a stylist, Dean was enlisted in the U.S. Army achieving multiple medals and awards during his service.

Sonna Brado

Sonna Brado is the owner of a multiple-award winning salon in Spokane, Washington, and of Brado Education LLC. Among her many other accomplishments, she is a 2006 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) finalist and a multiple honoree in an industry magazine for their top 200 salons. Her work has been featured in top industry publications. She has been voted Spokane’s Best Stylist twice and her salon (a member of the exclusive Intercoiffure) has won “Spokane’s Best” for twelve years.

Carlos Cintron

Recognized for his exceptional Hairdressing and presentation skills, Carlos is among the world's foremost hair stylist. He rose to prominence by becoming the 2002-2003 Hairdresser of the Year at the world renowned Toni&Guy.

He's worked at some of the top runway shows as both stylist and consultant, including Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, Custo Barcelona, Christopher Kane, Millie, Richard Chai, Lacoste, Catherine Malandrino, Chris Benz, Pringles, Halston, Nicole Miller, Mark Fast, Yigal Azrouel and Saro.

In 2011 he won the Texture category at the North America Hairstyling Awards and was a finalist for Hairstylist of the Year. He has appeared on national TV doing makeovers and his work has been published in high fashion and editorial magazines such as Numero, Nylon, Marie Claire, and Spanish Vogue among others. His clients have included celebrities and some of the fashion industries top models.

Stevi Christine

Makeup Artist Stevi Christine has been attracting a high profile international clientele for over a decade with her all-natural beauty philosophy. Her meticulous attention to detail and tailored approach to individual beauty has made her a favorite of the fashion and entertainment industries. Stevi has won the trust of women everywhere, from celebrities and corporate executives to working moms.

Her work as a guest beauty expert can be seen on “E!” and “Extra” and in the pages of Allure, Cosmopolitan, Angelino, In Style, People, Us Weekly, among many others. As a celebrity makeup artist and eyebrow specialist, she has made some of the world’s biggest stars picture perfect ready by perfecting their brows before big cover shoots or creating makeup looks for red carpets.

Diane Da Costa

Diane Da Costa is a curly textured expert and author of multiple books on how to cut curly hair. With over 25 years in the beauty business, Diane has brought innovative curly styles to the forefront of today’s multi-textured hair movement. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Ebony, Essence, French Vogue, InStyle, O Magazine and more. Diane has also worked with celebrities such as Lenny Kravitz, Blair Underwood, S. Epatha Merkerson. She is founder and principal executive of Beautiful Fund, LLC. and held the position of Creative Consultant, Multi-Textured Expert & Educator at MIZANI.

Jasmine Gibb

Jasmine started her career in Garden City, NY, where she attended Paul Mitchell Cactus Academy. Her tenacity and talent won her recognition at PBA's Beacon 2010 and Redken's Road to NAHA competitions. Mentored by industry icon, winner and 7 time nominee of NAHA, Kris Sorbie, Jasmine mastered cutting edge styling techniques and won NAHA 2012 texture award. One of Jasmine's most sought after signature styles is extensions. Her work also includes bridal, editorial, and precision cutting.

Lisa Gregory

Lisa Gregory has been an integral part of the style and beauty industry since 1983. She takes inspiration from hair and fashion trends in London, where she was born and raised. Her combined passions for artistry and education led to a position with Wella, Great Britain. She was involved in national academy classes, shows and photographic works that were published in international magazines. Lisa has enjoyed working with Graham Webb International as a Platform Artist and Academy Instructor, and has been involved in the creation of numerous hair collections and photo shoots for them. Her overall work ethic and talent have led to her being rewarded with multiple honors from the British Hairdressing Awards.

Meagan Herrera

Meagan Herrera has worked behind the scenes of some of Hollywood's biggest television and feature-film hits. Her work includes American Idol (where she began working at only 19 years-old), Hunger Games, The Hangover 2, The Voice and more.

Sherri Jessee

Sherri Jessee is one of the most desired, yet easily approachable internationally renowned hair and makeup artists in the world. With over 20 years of experience as a successful salon owner, stylist and platform artist, she was names the 2013 North American Editorial Stylist of the Year and is a recent recipient of the President’s and Createur de Mode awards for her work with Intercoiffure Mondial.

Dale Johnson

Born and raised in Memphis, Dale attended the Art Institute Of Atlanta earning an associates degree in Fashion Illustration and afterward became a licensed cosmetologist. It wasn't long before working in a hair salon led to freelance hair and makeup work for fashion editorials and advertisements. Dale had finally found his true career direction. It's been an astonishing 25 years of excitement and creativity. He still finds being a hair and makeup stylist the absolute most exciting and challenging career. He has been very fortunate to have had great diversity in my career over the years that has included fashion editorial,advertising campaigns,celebrity, commercials ,movies,music videos and concert tours.

Timothy C. Johnson

Timothy C. Johnson began his career at Vidal Sassoon in Chicago. He later moved to Milan, Italy where he started his career in fashion, styling hair for photo shoots, runway shows, and commercials. His work has appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Marie Claire, O, The Oprah Magazine, and more. Assignments have taken him all over the world. His first book Red Carpet Hair: Beautiful Hairstyles for Special Occasions was published in 2011. Timothy currently resides in New York City.

Theodore Leaf

Theodore Leaf has been featured on NBC's 'Fashion Star', E! Network's 'Fashion Police' and Style Networks 'How Do I Look?'. He is also the youngest contestant ever on Bravo Network's 'Shear Genius'. Theodore has produced numerous tutorials available on YouTube which have reached over 1,000,000 views. He is currently based at Sally Hershberger Salon in Los Angeles, CA.

Gea McAnear

Gea McAnear is an artist in the truest sense of the word. Her passion for style and beauty stems from her passion from people and life. For the last decade Gea has dedicated herself to being a successful salon professional working behind the chair, building her business and serving her clients. She also has worked with local San Diego fashion designers, styling hair for photo shoots, fashion shows and fundraiser events.

Suzanne Mulroy

Suzanne Mulroy brings 25+ years of experience in the beauty industry to her current position at Milady. She began her career as a make-up artist in Chicago, building a diverse and extensive clientele and continues to share her extensive knowledge and commitment to the industry helping hundreds of people achieve their dreams. Some of her contributions include: producing workshops at Fred Segal Beauty for professionals and novices alike interested in pursuing a career in film, TV, and fashion, running two multi-million dollar Beverly Hills spas, overseeing a five million dollar sales territory, and traveling the world as an international speaker. She currently is developing programs and products designed to revolutionize the industry.

Diego Raviglione

With more than 23 years of experience as a highly creative, artistic hair designer and educator for Redken, Joico and Graham Webb International, Diego Raviglione exudes and untouchable enthusiasm for the art of hairdressing and inspires the same in all his students. His work has been published in Elle, EllGirl, Oprah Magazine, InStyle, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and Shape. Raviglione’s ingenuity has been featured on runways during Los Angeles Fashion Week and on stage at Lollapalooza where he served as head stylist to featured acts.

DJ Riggs

DJ Riggs is a beauty industry veteran and 3-time NAHA finalist developing his brand of collaborative cutting, engaging education and comprehensive editorials. His primary focus is the MAINENTRANCE Artists initiative. Both a seasoned educator and on-set editorial stylist, DJ spent 10+-years as Creative Director at-large for TIGI and his work has appeared in the pages of W, French Vogue, Nylon and Women’s Wear Daily. Riggs has founded the EDIA Cosmetics for Hair label.

John Simpson

Goldwell Hair Care Lead Artistic Director John C. Simpson’s personal philosophy is “See it. Think it. Create it! Find beauty in everything you see and do.” John enrolled at a major cosmetology school in his native city. The recipient of the 2008 North American Hairstyling Award (NAHA) has been a Goldwell Hair Care educator since 1997. He finds that teaching is as innate to who he is as hairstyling. When not on the road for Goldwell Hair Care, John works at the Pittsburgh salon he has co-owned since 1993.

Robert Thomsen

After graduating from The Orlo School of Hair Design in Albany, NY, and an apprenticeship with a Sassoon and Bumble trained hair cutter at Jean Paul Salon & Spa, Robert learned the value of developing a solid technical foundation to become a great hairdresser. His background working in fine dining establishments also taught him that a great customer experience was what kept guests coming back. Now, as a certified Aveda colorist and proficient scissor and razor haircutter, Robert excels at providing impeccable service while partnering color and style to make sure his clients feel spectacular. This talent earned him the award of Capital Region's Best Stylist 2012 in the upstate New York publication Metroland. His passion for education regularly brings him to classes with Aveda, Goldwell and Arrojo to help him continue to elevate his craft.

Patrick Tumey

Patrick Tumey is one of the most sought-after makeup artists working in the industry today. He brings his extensive skill and passion to every project, and his resume speaks for itself. His clients include Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kimora Lee Simmons, Alyssa Milano, Mandy Moore, Sophia Bush and Gina Gershon. His work has appeared in countless editorial spreads in some of the nation’s top magazines, including Latina and Elle Girl. Patrick’s talent and dedication have assisted him with securing some of the largest advertising campaigns in the world, including Paul Mitchell, Lexus, Bacardi Limon, Saab, Graham Webb, and Smashbox Cosmetics.