Today we’d like to introduce you to George Papanikolas.
George, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My mom saw my passion for hair early and suggested I go to Beauty School when I was in High School, I didn’t do it then because I was afraid of getting picked on, and since I was academically strong I had bigger ideas for my future. I went to get my Marketing Degree from USC, working in the corporate world for about five years until I finally decided to go after my real passion for Beauty.
Business School and my corporate experience set me up for success in my new field as it gave me the tools to position and market myself. I was lucky enough to work under and assist some of the biggest Hollywood Stylists which earned my pedigree in the industry. That quickly evolved into my own relationships with Celebrity clients and being an early adopter to technology and social media which quickly catapulted my career. I’m the Brand Ambassador for Matrix which is part of the L’Oreal Family, I’m a colorist with the Wall Group which represents me for celebrity work, and split myself between salons in Los Angeles at the Andy Lecompte Salon and NYC at the Rita Hazan Salon as well as guest visits to salons in London, Miami, Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any career, it had its struggles, long hours and stress, but overall I’ve always loved it and am constantly evolving as an artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Balayage is my signature look. I was one of the first people that took the popular “Ombre” hair color mainstream as it was seen on so many of my celeb clients, as well as the education that came along with it. It became popular during the early days of Instagram when you would post you were doing a class and it would sell out in 24 hours!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m a bit of a real estate guru. I have flipped several houses and buildings over the last 15 years having set up my life in a way where doing hair has become more of a hobby. In a weird way, it’s made me love doing hair even more since I do it because I love it, and the relationships that go along with it, rather than having to do it survive.
Pricing:
- Base Color $175
- Base Color and Highlights $625-725
Contact Info:
- Address: Andy Lecompte Salon 616 N. Almont Drive. West Hollywood, CA 90069 310-273-4100 Rita Hazan Salon 720 5th Ave New York, NY 10019 212-586-4343
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.thewallgroup.com/artist/george-papanikolas
- Instagram: @georgepapanikolas
- Facebook: @georgepapanikolascelebritycolorist
- Twitter: @georgepapanikol
- Youtube: @georgepapanikolas
- SoundCloud: @georgepapanikolas
- Other: www.georgepapanikolas.com
