I believe in the power of community and connection.
For over 40 years, I’ve seen how meaningful relationships can shape both personal and professional lives. At Salon Lorrene, we’ve built a community centered on care, trust, and a shared passion for beauty and wellness. It’s not just about the services we provide; it’s about the relationships we’ve cultivated with our clients and team members.
When you attend the show, you get to experience that same sense of belonging and connection. It's an opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and grow together. I encourage you to join us, strengthen those bonds, and find inspiration from those around you.
Being a part of something bigger than yourself can lead to incredible opportunities and unexpected magic in your life.
Lorrene Conino, President
Cosmetologists Chicago
P.S. Feel free to email me directly if you have any questions. I read and respond to every email.
Lorrene Conino
Founder and owner of Salon Lorrene in Palatine, IL, has successfully led her full-service salon and day spa for over 25 years. She is a two-time winner of the Wella Hairdressers at Heart Charity Competition and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Roosevelt University.
Larry Kane
Owner of Jonathan Kane Salon, Larry is a member of CC, PBA, and Intercoiffure. He has received numerous accolades, including the Zero Hero Award, Salon Today Top 200 (nine times), Excellence in Training by the South Suburban Small Business Association, and the Phorest 5 Star Award.
Frank Fulco
A lead executive in the professional beauty industry, Frank manages association finances, digital marketing, and overall business operations. He holds digital marketing credentials from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and strategic business leadership education from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Mireya Villarreal
With over 20 years in the professional beauty industry, Mireya Villarreal is the founder and CEO of Pink Pewter. She also founded The Pink Pewter Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit scholarship organization. Mireya is a mom, social media influencer, author, and motivational speaker.
Anthony Gordon
CEO and hair stylist for Gordon Enterprises, Anthony Gordon oversees five salon locations with over 70 employees. He has received several awards, including Top 200 Salon for 16 years, Chicago Magazine’s Readers Choice Award in 2017, and Best of the North Shore. Anthony is a member of Cosmetologists Chicago, Intercoiffure, and PBA, and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Utah.
Karen Gordon
Owner of J. Gordon Designs and Karen Gordon Hair Loss Solutions, Karen Gordon is a certified trichologist. She serves as the Director of Cosmetology USA for the World Trichology Society and is on the Board of Directors of Intercoiffure America/Canada. Karen holds a Master's in Applied Business from DePaul University.
Robert Passage
With over 40 years serving the professional beauty industry, Robert Passage is the Chairman, CEO, and Global Ambassador for Pivot Point International. He is also the co-founder and board member of Beauty Changes Lives, a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), and a past president of the Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools (IACS).
Anna Manukyan
Senior Director of Education & Creative at Ulta Beauty, Anna Manukyan brings over two decades of experience, combining hands-on creativity, business acumen, and leadership skills. She leads education and industry relations teams, supporting beauty professionals across more than 1,400 Ulta Beauty salon locations.
Rudy Moser
Managing Partner and Owner of A.SALON, Rudy Moser runs an environmentally conscious, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly full-service hair salon. A.SALON was recognized as a finalist for Best Salon by Chicago Reader in 2019 and 2020. Rudy holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota.
Beata Luberda Goodman
Providing advanced education in the spa industry, Beata Luberda-Goodman trains physicians, nurses, massage therapists, and estheticians. Her experience includes roles as Medical Esthetics Director for Chicago Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Regional Educator for Dr. Howard Murad and the International Dermal Institute.
Erskine Reeves
Chief Executive Officer and Instructor at Erskine Reeves Barber Academy since 2014, Erskine effectively manages staff, instructors, recruitment, and finances. As CEO/Stylist of Erskine Reeves Barbershop since 2009, he trains teams, manages marketing, and serves as a senior stylist with expertise in hair care.
Maggie Bujak-Karshna
Combining her passion for hairstyling and business acumen, Maggie and her husband founded Pilorum Salon and Spa in 2017. Under her leadership, the salon earned the prestigious Niles "Small Business of the Year" award in 2020 and hosts annual drives supporting a local animal shelter.
Robert Reed
Founder of ERGO Research, Inc., Robert Reed has led the company in providing cutting-edge hairstyling tools for nearly three decades. With over four decades of industry experience, including roles as President of Hikari Scissors U.S.A. and VP of Sales and Marketing for Vidal Sassoon, he ranks in the top 1% of endorsed hair care professionals on LinkedIn.