Get to know the Members of the Creative Coalition
Sydney Ann Lopez
Sydney Lopez is a vibrant force in the beauty industry, known for her bold fashion colors and dedication to helping hairstylists succeed on social media. Her career highlights include gracing Modern Salon Magazine’s cover, being twice named in the Modern Salon Top 100, winning the American Influencer Award for Emerging Hair Colorist, earning a spot in the TSPA Hall of Fame, and receiving 11 BTC OneShot nominations.
She’s also been featured in SalonEvo, Beauty Launchpad, and multiple issues of Modern Salon. Sydney’s win on The Look Allstars TV Series further showcased her skills. With a passion for education, she has built a following of 221K on Instagram and 140K on TikTok, sharing expertise in creative color and social media. Inspired by her mother, Jean Barker, a stylist and salon owner, Sydney co-owns Headlines Hair Design in Denton, TX.
Amid her thriving career, Sydney enjoys raising her two children in Denton, spreading joy through her colorful artistry. Follow her on Instagram: @sydneyannlopezhair
Christopher Aaron
Christopher Aaron is a visionary stylist, educator, and industry leader, renowned for his artistry and innovation, as well as his unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and connected beauty industry. With years of experience both behind the chair and on stage, Christopher has built a reputation for inspiring and empowering clients and stylists alike through his exceptional talent and dedication to meaningful connections.
As a key member of the L’ANZA PRO INTERNATIONAL HEALING ARTIST team, Christopher has played a pivotal role in shaping global education initiatives, developing cutting-edge techniques, and mentoring stylists around the world. His work with L’ANZA has elevated his platform as a sought-after educator and artist, allowing him to share his expertise while promoting the values of creativity and collaboration. Additionally, Christopher collaborates with Salon Centric as part of the "It Takes a Pro" team, further solidifying his influence in the industry. Notably, he has had the honor of working at prestigious events such as the Oscars and has contributed his talents to renowned television networks like PBS and WTTW, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the beauty world.
Christopher is deeply passionate about inspiring artists of all backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of embracing every texture of hair and empowering individuals to brand themselves authentically. He believes that beauty is a diverse tapestry and strives to create an environment where every artist feels valued and inspired to express their unique creativity.
Beyond his professional accolades, Christopher advocates for social change within the beauty industry and beyond. He uses his platform to celebrate individuality, champion inclusion, and inspire others to build a more equitable world. His dedication to creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued is a cornerstone of his philosophy, both personally and professionally.
As Christopher embarks on an exciting new chapter in 2025, he will be joining the L’Oréal Professional team, embracing fresh opportunities while continuing to deliver exceptional client experiences and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hair artistry. Follow along as he shares his journey, celebrates the transformative power of beauty, and redefines what it means to truly connect through the art of hair.
Laura Acerra
Laura is known for her low-maintenance effortless looks and artistry behind the chair, while promoting wellness in her dedication to educate others across her social media platforms.She has earned recognition from some of the industry’s most prestigious platforms including 9 BTC One Shot Nominations with two Top 25 placements, ModernSalon Top 100, & MOB Awards Top 25. She has been showcased in top publications like Modern Salon, Read the Tease, and K18 Gradient Magazine.
Why The Collective? “Everything I do and share in this industry is a collective of little things I’ve learned along the way to feed my passion & help me grow, so it’s only natural in my dedication to educate others in these synergistic concepts by combining them into a collective idea, as a collective movement.”
Sarah Cabral
Sarah Cabral, known as @Sarahzstylz, is a highly accomplished hairstylist with over 20 years of expertise in the beauty industry. Renowned for her work in blonding, balayage, and creating dimensional, natural looks, she has built a reputation as both a stylist and educator. Sarah’s work has earned her multiple nominations in the One Shot Hair Awards, the world’s largest hair competition, solidifying her place as an industry leader.
Sarah is a proud member of the global Behind The Chair (BTC) Team, where she helps set trends and influence the next generation of hairstylists. Her artistry has been featured on prominent beauty platforms, showcasing her ability to craft transformative hair experiences that prioritize integrity and health. In addition to her in-salon work at Della Mane Salon in Franklin, MA, Sarah actively educates through social media, offering tutorials and insights to inspire fellow stylists worldwide.
Passionate about education and connection, Sarah uses her platform to share not only her signature techniques but also her commitment to helping clients and stylists alike achieve their goals. With her mix of technical mastery, creativity, and mentorship, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the hairstyling community.
Katie Brenner
Katie Brenner is a celebrated leader in the hair industry, with nearly two decades of experience as a stylist, educator, and innovator. As the Global Artistic Director for Rusk and the Artistic Director for Christian Michael, Katie plays a pivotal role in shaping Rusk Pro’s education initiatives, empowering stylists with cutting-edge techniques and tools to excel in their craft.
A Denver native, Katie co-produced Denver Fashion Week for four years, collaborating with industry icons like Charlie Price to bring high-caliber artistry to the forefront of the fashion and beauty world. Specializing in lived-in color and extensions, she is known for her creative approach and time-saving innovations, such as the Express Balayage technique.
Katie’s commitment to mentorship and professional development is at the heart of her career. Through her work with Rusk Pro, she continues to inspire stylists globally, fostering creativity and elevating the standards of the industry.
Leigha Petty
Leigha Petty, professionally known as @hair_by_leigha_ , is a talented hairstylist and extension specialist based at Studio 206 Hair Salon in Dalton, GA. Leigha is celebrated for her expertise in creating all things blonde and brunettes, as well as her mastery in hand-tied, tape-in, and Halo Couture extensions. She is committed to staying at the forefront of the beauty industry by continuously investing in advanced education to provide her clients with exceptional, personalized results.
Known for her vibrant personality and dedication to her craft, Leigha has earned a loyal following by combining technical precision with a welcoming, hype-girl energy that ensures every client feels their best. Her work has also garnered recognition from notable beauty platforms like Modern Salon and Behind The Chair.