January 11-14, 2010 (RALEIGH, NC) – The award-winning Samuel Cole Salon recently sent stylists from their talented team to Bumble & bumble University located in New York City’s historic meat packing district. The stylists enhanced their skill set by studying with master hairdressers at Bumble in a rigorous 4 day course entitled Design Studio. The stylists honed their skills, found inspiration and discovered different and unique ways to focus their ideas, expand their repertoire, and learn to view hairdressing in new contexts.

“BbU always sends me back to the salon feeling inspired, motivated, and confident. The knowledge and encouragement that I received from their elite education team is unsurpassed,” said one of the stylists.

Samuel Cole Salon is one of Raleigh’s top salons and is owned by the husband and wife team and veteran stylists, Jack and Joelle Ray. Continuing advanced education and inspiration are the Ray’s “Professional Edge” in this industry. “We only hire stylists who are passionate about the craft of hairdressing and whose continuing education goals align with ours,” explains Joelle.

January 18, 2010 (RALEIGH) – Samuel Cole Salon were the first to view Bumble and bumble’s newest launch – Wear and Care. This line is actually a re-launch of their former Treatment Line. Runway and editorial artist, Alejandro Jimenez, was on-hand to unveil this new line consisting of Mending (for chemically treated hair) and Quenching (for mechanically treated hair – blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, etc…). Each consists of shampoo, conditioner, complex, and masque.

Jimenez readied models featuring each new product while Bb sales consultant, Melissa Jones, presented a detailed look into the development, ingredients, uses, and benefits of the new line. “Samuel Cole Salon were Bb’s first choice to premiere this line which will not be unveiled to most salons until February. It has been exciting to witness Bb’s relationship with the salons blossom over time. I am thrilled to be the representative for these salons,” said Jones.

Jimenez presented his finished models and described how he created each style. Samuel Cole Salon stylists then created their own signature look using the new line. “Wow, what a difference the products made in the feel and condition of my hair,” said Carolyn Nord, Samuel Cole Salon Master Stylist.

“The new line is exciting because it features the most current technology available in hair care and solves the two main issues clients face, dry and damaged hair. The new packaging and formulations are incredible,” said Jack Ray, owner.

January 16, 2010 (RALEIGH) – Jack and Joelle Ray, owners of Samuel Cole Salon, hosted their 3rd Annual Holiday Awards Celebration. The red-carpet event took place at the Marriott City Center downtown. The Rays celebrated their teams’ success with an evening of food, fun, and recognition.

Jack Ray toasted the past years’ many impressive accomplishments: twenty four trips to New York City for advanced training, participation in fourteen fashion shows and photo shoots, Raleigh Fashion Week, winning The Social Magazine award for Stylists of the Year, Official Salons for The Carolina Music Awards Show, Pink Fest sponsor, featured in international style magazines, recognized as one of top three salons in Metro Magazine’s Bravo Awards, recognition as one of the Top 200 salon’s in North America by Salon Today Magazine, placing in the top ten of every Citysearch salon category, holding over 200 hours of in-salon education, hosted the filming and hair and makeup for two reality TV pilots, and held the Cut’s for Pups fundraiser benefiting Second Chance Pet Adoptions.

The Rays recognized this year’s winners for their top performance. Some of the awards for the night included Client Educator of the Year, Stylist of the Year, Runner Up Client Educator of the Year, Runner Up Stylist of the Year, and the Associate of the Year. The Rays also recognized the dedication and excellence of their Guest Services team and thanked their management team for outstanding performance and commitment.

Joelle Ray along with stylist, Sara Beard, hosted the popular award’s night segment – The “Bob’ies” – which featured a good natured tribute to each team member.

“I look forward to organizing and coordinating this event each year. It is amazing to see both salons gathered in one place having such a wonderful time and celebrating their success, both individually and as a team,” said Joelle.

December 2009 (RALEIGH) – Samuel Cole Salon located in North Raleigh captured top five honors in the categories of “Best Salon”, “Best Color”, “Best Blow Out”, “Best Highlights”, “Best Hair Straightening”, “Best Hair Cut”, “Best Make Up Artist”, and “Best Waxing” in Citysearch’s “Best in the Triangle” competition for 2009. The annual event lets consumers decide who’s the best by voting online. When the votes were tallied, Samuel Cole Salon emerged in the top five in all salon categories once again.

“It is very gratifying to be selected in this peoples’ choice forum. We strive daily to continuously improve and pamper out guests. Our team works so well together. They make sure every client receives quality service and an excellent salon experience. We are proud of our team’s ability to meet high technical standards and customer service goals,” said Joelle Ray, co-owner of Samuel Cole Salon with her husband and master stylist, Jack Ray.

December 3, 2009 (Durham, NC) – Samuel Cole Salon stylists readied models’ hair and makeup for a fashion showcase of Rachel Week’s School House brand collegiate apparel at The Streets of Southpoint. The hair was styled in very loose waves and braids, focusing on the natural texture of each model’s hair, but giving it some extra ‘oomph’ and shine. Make up reflected a fresh and light feel utilizing bronzers, lip gloss, and mascara. Weeks wanted to capture the look of the ‘everyday college student’.

Weeks is a graduate of Duke University and Fulbright Scholarship recipient who designs hip and stylish collegiate apparel. She is more than just a designer. She is dedicated to ethically producing her line of clothing. So much so, that she opened up a “living wage” factory in Sri Lanka.

“When our salons were contacted by Rachel to do this show, we were thrilled to be working with her again. She is one of many designers who we have established an on-going working relationship with through our mutual involvement in Raleigh Fashion Week and Strut ’09,” commented Joelle Ray, co-owner of Samuel Cole Salon with her husband and master stylist, Jack Ray.