Matt Swinney was immersed in the industry at a young age having two stylist parents, he honed his skills at the Aveda institute in 1997. Opening Evolution salon in 2002 with Mike Dahl, he launched his career to a whole new level.
In 2013 he was the Avant Garde NAHA winner. NAHA is celebrating 25 amazing years in just a few more weeks, and we had the pleasure of speaking with Matt Swinney, on his NAHA experience…
1. What does it mean in the industry to win a NAHA award, what changed in your career?
“I believe that being a NAHA winner really connects you with the some of the highest level talent in the industry. Winning has allowed me to create a culture within our industry that base is authenticity.”
2. How did you feel the moment you found out you won?
“Satisfied. It was one of the more satisfying moments of my life.”
3. Who pushed you to enter?
“A good friend Oscar Bond had a hand in introducing me to NAHA and what it meant to the industry.“
4. What was the most nerve-wrecking moment you had at NAHA?
“I really was not nervous at NAHA – the most nerve racking moment is when they announced the finalist in April. After that what will be will be.”
5. From your experience, what do you think you have to do to win a NAHA?
“Honestly I have no idea. Every year it is so different except for a few people. All I can say is shoot to make yourself happy not to win NAHA and you will produce your best results.”
6. Which artists do inspire you in your work?
“I am most inspired by Orlando Pita, Serge Normant, Angelo Seminara.”
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“I am such a ‘live in the moment’ person that I don’t pretend to know about the future, but I do know I will continue to live most authentically to myself. By doing that I believe I produced my most inspiring work and it makes possibilities endless…”
