9 minute read
FROM LOCAL STARS TO GLOBAL ICONS
SAM JAMES & MAT JOHNSON JOIN MATRIX'S ELITE TEAM.
In a bold move towards fostering global creativity and innovation in the world of hair artistry, Matrix has proudly introduced Sam James and Mat Johnson as its newest Global Artists.
With their unrivalled expertise and passion for pushing boundaries, Sam and Mat are poised to revolutionise the industry on an international scale.
Sam James, a beacon of inspiration within the Matrix Australian Artist community for the past six years, now steps onto the global stage as a Matrix Global Artist. Her journey from local prominence to global influence promises to shape the future of fashion forecasting, education, and product development, igniting creativity wherever she goes.
Meanwhile, Mat Johnson’s appointment as a Matrix Global Artist represents the culmination of a distinguished 13-year career as a Matrix Australian Artist and Global Mentee. His unparalleled dedication and vision make him a driving force in global education, photo shoots, and captivating hair shows, setting the stage for transformative change.
As Sam James and Mat Johnson assume their roles as Matrix Global Artists, they bring with them not only their exceptional skills but also a shared determination to elevate the craft of hair artistry to unprecedented heights. Their appointment signals a new chapter in the evolution of Matrix, one characterised by collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Editor Louise May chats with Sam James and Mat Johnson about their new global roles...
Congratulations on your new roles! Can you tell us about the role and what you are looking forward to?
Sam: Thanks Lou, it is super exciting and something I’ve been striving over a decade. I’m still pinching myself! The role is to continue to educate and inspire Hairdressers but now on a much more global level, working across the world. To create MATRIX campaigns for the world to see and use, educate our signature looks from here in Australia hopefully to many different countries, as well as forming part of the R&D team so being able to give feedback, suggest products, colours etc as well.
I guess the thing with Global, is being able to collaborate with so many other incredible artists and creative professionals. Learn their ways, share ours, and grow as an artist on a whole new level.
Mat: This role entails photoshoots for global branding, marketing, education, social media, and advertising. Shooting digital education videos, live on-stage education, hosting global events. Fashion forecasting with the entire global team workshopping and sharing ideas to unify the brand. Testing new products and trialling new colours and styling products and giving feedback to the global scientists on what we think of the results and letting the marketing team know our thoughts.
What inspired you to pursue this opportunity?
Sam: After educating and judging one of the largest Live colour competitions in the world in India last year, I knew this was for me. The challenge of the language barriers and differences in products and trends was so exciting! I hope that by being part of the Global team, I will be able to help bridge the gap of education across many countries. I learnt so much there and hope to inspire other Matrix leaders globally on how to keep their industry motivated.
Mat: I have been part of the global mentee program for the last decade, and I have had the opportunity to work with Matrix globally for more than 10 years and am thrilled to finally have a spot on the global team.
You have been with Matrix for a very long time, can you tell us what you love about the brand and why?
Sam: Every time I represent Matrix, I just get to be me and have fun!! Our brand is all about being authentic, genuine, and honestly - not boring. I think when it’s the right fit you just feel like you should have been there all along which is how I’ve felt from the get-go. It is also the truest, uncomplicated colour brand I’ve ever worked with, and all of my team love it as much as me.
Mat: I’ve been part of the Matrix design team in Australia for the last 13 years. I am extremely proud to be part of Matrix Australia as it’s the brand that unifies the industry that has something for every hairdresser and every person. Matrix is a brand constantly evolving with new technology, specifically engineering products for every single hair type and colours that are evolving with every season like fashion.
How do you envision leveraging your creativity and expertise in photo shoots and hair shows to make an impact as a Matrix Global Artist?
Sam: WELL.... I’m glad I’ve put the time in across these areas over the years, lol as I’m heading to NYC soon to create a new global Matrix Campaign. My years of creating collections, I feel and hope, has all been in preparation for these next years.
Mat: I envisage leveraging my creativity by working with the global team in New York and bringing back all that knowledge to Australia. As on the global team we have members from northern Europe, southern Europe, the UK, the Americas and now Australia, we have so many different skill sets, and I am able to see what techniques and on trend looks are happening all over the world. As Europe is generally six months ahead of Australia, I have the privilege and the opportunity to bring those to Australia ahead of time.
Could you share any insights into upcoming trends?
Sam: My predictions are that the Mod Bob is just the start of short and stylish hair, and I think it’ll get shorter. I think long hair we’re starting to see more undone, bigger hair but I think that’s going bigger and wilder in style. In short, we’ve had undone hair for a long time, but I think we’re going to start triple moussing again, lol.
Colour - I feel like similarly it’s been undone, easy maintenance for a while especially with the huge current Bronde trends (which I love!) but I think there’s going to be a huge cry of ‘make me actually Blonde again!’ and I’m about it!
Can you tell us about your India tour coming up and what you are looking forward to?
Sam: So last time was one city, this time it looks like 4 Cities. So, a nice little Tour eeekkkk doing Live shows educating the masses. I am super excited to get my hands back on some luscious Indian hair and do some serious colour transformations! The people are so welcoming and are just sponges so you’re teaching soooo much, it really made my cup sooo full last time, so lots more of that, I hope.
Mat: I’ve had the great privilege of representing MATRIX across Australia, Asia, Europe, and of course the USA. And I’m extremely excited to go to India to work on stage, educate and immerse myself in the Indian culture. Working with different nationalities and different hair types constantly motivates me to expand my technical knowledge to push the boundaries. With countries that have predominantly thick, dark, strong hair, they are always looking for new creative things to push the boundaries within their market. This motivates me to come up with extremely creative techniques and ideas to help inspire that part of the world.
What is your fave product and why?
Sam: Ok so the most amazing products I still can’t get over is THE FOOD FOR SOFT range. For Thick, coarse, curly, damaged hair or extensions it’s my go-to. Shampoo, conditioner and an oil - feels like glass after because of the avocado oil and Hyaluronic acid.
Most used and loved Bond Insider as we’re a heavy Blonde and transformation Salon. I never get bored of realising after a new blonde client has been with us around a year, how their quality of hair is dramatically different. They think they need to go dark, but we know they just need the right Lightner that cares for their hair.
Mat: My favourite product by far would be Light Master with bonder inside. This has been an absolute game changer for the industry and as a lightening professional tool. The quality of the lift and the quality of the hair post-lightening is definitely a premium service that we use every day in the salon.
What excites you most about this opportunity?
Sam: I guess the most exciting part about this role is that I have an opportunity to reach and build the confidence of many stylists around the world. Only then, can they really start to create beautiful hair when they believe they can, and they’re excited and passionate about what they’re doing, they will strive for success, and this is how we will keep people in our industry. Mat: Play excites me the most is the ability to be back working globally and working with the global team.
Being in a room with like-minded individuals and having so many skills in one room is so beneficial to my career learning new techniques, new methods and what’s happening in fashion and hair all over the world. After the world shut down in 2020, the global team was put on hold, so now that the opportunity has arisen for me now to be part of the Matrix Global team, I am super excited for this to take place.
Finally, what advice do you have for fellow hairstylists and aspiring artists who may look up to you as they navigate their own careers?
Sam: KEEP GOING! In the beginning it feels like a lot of knockbacks or close seconds but know that you learn from those and come back better and stronger for it. This was so out of reach in the beginning of my goals, but by going as hard as I did every year with shoots, comps, and education, it started to get closer. Focus on how far you’ve come each year, not just on where you’re going. DO YOU, DO IT WELL!
Mat: My number one piece of advice is to always say yes when opportunity knocks! I have many young stylists asking me about how to get to this position and what I say is to always say yes to any opportunity. Be easy to work with, be early, help out with every event, go over and above with your effort and never give up. I had been hairdressing for 21 years before I made the Matrix Global Team.
