RALEIGH, NC (October 28, 2026): Sunday Salon continues its commitment to professional development, international education, and recognizing the talent behind its success. This year, Salon Creative Director and Master Colorist Lisa Edwards and Educator and Master Stylist Jess Mallard traveled to Spain for the Davines World Wide Hair Tour 2026, joining more than 3,400 hair professionals for an international experience centered on education, creativity, and connection.
The trip marked another chapter in Sunday Salon's Stylist Experience initiative, which recognizes team members through meaningful opportunities that encourage both personal and professional growth.
Recognizing Talent Through Experience
At Sunday Salon, recognizing hard work goes beyond traditional rewards. The salon believes that investing in its people means creating opportunities to learn, travel, build relationships, and experience the industry from new perspectives.
For Jess Mallard, earning the trip to Spain was a meaningful acknowledgment of her dedication and contributions to the team.
"I was absolutely thrilled! Learning that I had earned the trip to Spain made me feel seen and valued at Sunday Salon," said Mallard. "It perfectly reflects our work-hard, play-hard culture, and I am so grateful to be part of such an incredible team!"
As an Educator and Master Stylist, Jess contributes to the salon's technical standards and supports the development of fellow stylists. Her participation reflects Sunday Salon's commitment to recognizing individuals who help strengthen its team.
For Lisa Edwards, celebrating that dedication is an important part of leadership.
"When someone consistently shows up for their team, takes pride in their work, and contributes to the growth of the salon, I think it's important that we recognize that," said Edwards. "As a leader, I want our team to know their hard work is valued. Creating opportunities like this is one of the ways we can show that appreciation."
Experiencing Hair Education on a Global Stage
The Davines World Wide Hair Tour brings together leading hair professionals, educators, and creative teams from around the world to share techniques, explore new perspectives, and celebrate the evolving hair industry.
For Jess, one of the most memorable moments came during the opening presentation by Jesus Oliver. Speaking to an audience of approximately 3,400 attendees, Oliver created an experience that felt remarkably personal.
"The love he has for his craft is infectious and I felt personally welcomed by him even though he was speaking to 3400 people!" Mallard shared. "I feel that he embodied everything I love about Davines and it pushes me even more to strengthen my relationship with this community."
Throughout the experience, Lisa and Jess explored:
- Global education: Learning from internationally recognized hair professionals and educators.
- Technical innovation: Discovering new approaches to cutting, styling, and hair design.
- Creative perspectives: Experiencing how different backgrounds and disciplines influence the industry.
- Industry connection: Building relationships with professionals who share a commitment to continued learning.
Beyond the presentations, the event offered opportunities to exchange ideas, experience different approaches to the craft, and connect with the international hair community.
Turning Inspiration Into Practice
One of Jess's most significant takeaways came from artist Isaac Salido's presentation, which explored creativity through ten chapters.
The showcase encouraged Jess to think beyond traditional techniques and consider how experimentation, individuality, and intentional choices influence her work.
Since returning from Spain, Jess has already begun incorporating elements of the experience into her approach behind the chair, particularly through dry styling techniques and creating intentional volume across different hair types.
"My biggest takeaways from his showcase were prioritizing my effort where it makes the greatest difference, along with celebrating uniqueness and embracing imperfections," Mallard explained.
The experience also encouraged her to bring more creativity and playfulness into her work and everyday life, reinforcing the value of exploring new approaches beyond familiar routines.
For Sunday Salon, this is one of the greatest benefits of international education: the opportunity to translate new perspectives into meaningful professional development.
"One of the things I value most about experiences like this is being reminded that there's always something new to learn," said Edwards. "You can spend years developing your skills and still find inspiration in the way someone else approaches their work. That exposure is incredibly valuable."
Investing in People, Strengthening the Salon
At Sunday Salon, continuing education is an essential part of maintaining technical excellence and creating opportunities for long-term career development.
Through its Stylist Experience initiative, the salon prioritizes:
- Recognition: Celebrating the dedication and contributions of individual team members.
- Education: Providing opportunities to expand technical knowledge and experience the industry beyond the salon.
- Growth: Encouraging professional connections, curiosity, and continued development.
For Jess, connecting with professionals from around the world was equally as meaningful as the education itself. The experience helped broaden her perspective on future possibilities within the industry and reinforced her professional ambitions.
"Building connections with industry professionals from around the world broadens my horizons for what lies ahead," Mallard shared. "It makes my ambitions feel within reach while giving me a bright, clear direction."
Her reflections highlight the lasting impact that professional experiences can have beyond the technical knowledge gained.
As an Educator at Sunday Salon, Jess also has the opportunity to share these perspectives with her colleagues, contributing to the salon's collaborative approach to education.
Bringing International Inspiration Back to Raleigh
While the Davines World Wide Hair Tour took place thousands of miles from Raleigh, the experience continues to influence Jess's work and professional outlook.
From exploring new styling methods to strengthening international relationships, the trip reinforced the importance of remaining curious, adaptable, and engaged with the broader industry.
For Lisa, providing these opportunities is an important part of building a salon where talented professionals feel supported and appreciated.
"I want Sunday Salon to be a place where talented people feel challenged, supported, and valued," said Edwards. "Recognizing their accomplishments and giving them opportunities to grow is something I genuinely believe in. When we invest in our people, we're investing in the future of our salon."
Following last year's Stylist Experience at Goldwell ColorSphere in Italy, this year's trip to Spain reflects Sunday Salon's continued investment in education, professional achievement, and meaningful recognition.
For Jess, the experience offered a renewed sense of inspiration and possibility.
"As an artist, I believe art inspires art," Mallard reflected. "Even taking away just a fraction of the sights, sounds, and emotions from this experience leaves my cup overflowing with inspiration!"
Through experiences like the Davines World Wide Hair Tour, Sunday Salon continues to celebrate the individuals who contribute to its success while creating opportunities that support the growth of its team and the experience of its clients.
About Sunday Salon Inc.
Founded in June 2020, Sunday Salon is an award-winning hair salon specializing in lived-in dimensional color, precision cutting, curly haircuts, and chic styling. Known for its technical expertise, commitment to continuing education, and transparent, values-driven culture, Sunday Salon continues to set the standard for modern hair care in Raleigh, NC.
Media & Contact Information
Sunday Salon Inc.
Raleigh Iron Works
1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Suite 170
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: (919) 650-2416
Email: [email protected]
Press Room: https://sunday.salon/press
Beyond the Chair: The Sunday Salon Stylist Experience
From Raleigh to Spain, Lisa and Jess joined hair professionals from around the world at Davines World Wide Hair Tour 2026. An experience celebrating creativity, connection, and the importance of investing in the people who make Sunday Salon what it is.
