FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2025
(New York, NY) – Sam Villa, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of the Sam Villa Company and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, accepts the Leo Passage Award during the Intercoiffure Fall Atelier 2025. The award honors extraordinary individuals who embody the true spirit of mentorship, education, and selfless service within the beauty industry. It celebrates those who have devoted their careers to elevating others, mentoring with compassion, teaching with purpose, and inspiring through example.
“Intercoiffure America | Canada established the Leo Passage Educator of the Year Award shortly after my father passed away in 2011, and we are deeply honored that ICA continues to recognize the lasting impact he made on Intercoiffure and the broader beauty and wellness industry.
“My father was an educator through and through. Even as a world-renowned hairdresser, he was happiest on stage or in the classroom—sharing his knowledge, inspiring creativity, and empowering the next generation.
“Our industry is filled with incredible educators, and Sam Villa truly embodies what it means to be one. He possesses all the qualities of a great teacher—warmth, kindness, patience, humility, and an undeniable mastery of his craft. We couldn’t be happier with this year’s selection,” says Robert Passage, Chairman & CEO of Pivot Point International, Inc.
Recipients of the Leo Passage Award are visionary educators and influential leaders who continually raise the standard of excellence in their craft. They empower students, ignite creativity, and nurture the next generation of artists. Above all, they are a reminder that greatness in education is not measured by personal accolades, but by the lives and careers transformed through their guidance and generosity.
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“Sam’s passion for teaching and commitment to the next generation of stylists continues to shape the future of beauty. He is more than an artist — he is a leader with heart and his mission has always been to share knowledge, empower stylists, and elevate the craft, reminding us that when we lift each other higher, we all rise together.
“As Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of the Sam Villa Company and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, he has inspired countless professionals worldwide through his innovative techniques, generous education, and unwavering dedication to the community.
“Thank you, Sam, for your artistry, your leadership, and your heart. Our industry is stronger, kinder, and more creative because of you,” says Scott Buchanan, President of Intercoiffure America | Canada – who presented Villa the award live onscreen, see here.
Josh Hafetz, Principal – Ethos Beauty Partners, presented Villa with the physical award while he was teaching at 2025 HAIRLOVE by Ethos Beauty Partners: “It was such a privilege to get the honor of giving Sam his award. How fitting too since the collective Ethos families of the Hafetz’s and the Klet’s have probably had over 50 Sam Villa events in our history. What better place for him to receive the lifetime honor than doing what he does best, another event for us! Also fitting is that right after receiving the award, he did a legendary performance culminating in a 500-person standing ovation. Sam is a legend!”
Villa accepted the award with heart, “Leo was a true visionary, not only in the way he viewed education, but in how he elevated the role of the stylist as both an artist and a professional. I have carried that belief with me throughout my own journey, letting it guide the way I teach, share, and connect with others in this industry.
“To be honored in this light is deeply humbling, and it’s not something I take lightly. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to walk this path and continue the work of lifting our craft.” See here.
Learn more about Sam Villa Education here.
Sam Villa is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sam Villaâ, established in 2007. The company is a leader in ergonomic tools, advanced education, and a culture that empowers the professional beauty community. Built on the core values of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, Sam Villaâ is more than a brand—it’s a movement redefining the future of the industry. Join the Sam Villaâ Community – Website: samvilla.com; Instagram: @SamVillaHair; Facebook: @SamVillaPros; YouTube: @SamVillaHair; TikTok @SamVillaHair:
Pinterest: @SamVillaHair; LinkedIn: @SamVillaCoContact: Glow Communications / squinn.glow@me.com, 207-781-2598.
Accolades: Sam Villa is the recipient of the 2025 Leo Passage Award, 2025 American Beauty Vision Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023 INKD Icon Leadership Award, 2021 NAHA Educator of the Year, Hair Awards USA Hall of Fame Inductee, 2021 AHP Icon Stylist Influencer of the Year, 2020 International Hairdressing Awards ‘International Hair Influencer of the Year,’ the 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Intercoiffure America/Canada Member, Behind the Chair Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007) and Favorite Overall Educator of the Year (2015).
