Dear Beauty Expert, Novice, or Curious Consumer –

My name is Linda LaCombe, and I created MyCosmoPro.com with the goal of bringing together cosmetologists, estiticians, manicurists, professionals and consumers, and anyone else interested in the multi-billion dollar beauty industry. Our purpose is to share ideas, opinions, techniques, sources. and information valuable to the health of the industry, and of interest to the people who use it and work in it..

Even during times of recession, when most businesses struggle and many fail, the huge, complex, and ever-evolving “lipstick” industry not only survives, but flourishes, because it is key to how most of us feel about ourselves, specifically regarding personal appearance.

The “beauty” field, and its associated businesses, have expanded dramatically over the past two decades, as baby-boomers age and men become more concerned with appearance. With glamorous images on the covers of magazines and billboards, and on our television sets, the bar is high and we seek to emulate what we see.  Professional help, along with the use of readily available and affordable beauty products, give us an edge in our desire to put our best image forward.

My fascination with hairdressing began at an early age. My maternal Grandmother, whom I always called Nanny, would meticulously wash the fine silky silver hair that barely covered her head, and while still “damp,” as she called it, would carefully roll the front in little metal rollers that snapped shut. When she reached the back, she recruited me to finish the job, patiently sitting while a ten-year-old painstakingly wound each strand.

Every few weeks, when a haircut was necessary, I would comb it straight and she’d hand me the scissors with the encouraging words, “Make it nice and even.” And then I would cut. When it was dry, we’d fluff it out and brush it. We were both proud. I later realized the importance of the broad smile that spread across her face. She’d add a little lipstick, and she was ready to go.

My mother always said that I had an “eye” for it, and this was very important to me because my older sister seemed to have everything else. By the time I was thirteen or fourteen, I was helping family and friends with everything from sets and cuts to coloring and perms. I never realized how dangerous this could have been until, at eighteen, I started beauty school. With my new found knowledge I was happy, and more than a little relieved, that everyone had survived with their hair intact. “Eye” or not, my career could have been over well before it began. Ultimately, no one was surprised when I became successful at something that I had always loved, and still do.
 
Beauty has long been an important part of daily life for both men and women. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks used oils and plants to enhance and care for their faces, hair, and bodies. Some of those same “products” are still being used today.

Beauty, as a business, is always changing and growing, with new products and techniques introduced almost daily. Inspiration is everywhere. What was taboo a season ago is suddenly “hot.” This site is for all of us who are a part of, or wish to join, this wonderful field; for those who want to stay current, educated, and connected to, not only others in the industry, but to clients and consumers, and to would-be professionals seeking their place.  

Having the tools to freely share information, to study new issues, and to follow new trends as they develop make this a truly exciting time to be a part of the “global society.” We will strive to make this site an important asset to us all, and we invite you to contribute to this effort.

Thank you for joining us. We’ll talk soon!
Linda