By Cheryl Gushue
On June 14, 2018 Henkel had opened the #AcademyofHair at its Beauty Care Hair Professional HQ Culver City, California. With the latest cutting-edge technology and innovation, the new headquarters environment feels like a Google office culture mixed with the creativity of the beauty industry.
The world-class multi-branded learning center, the first of its kind in North America, is open to licensed stylists and hair care professionals, showcasing Henkel’s North American professional haircare brands, including Alterna haircare®, Joico®, Kenra Professional®, #mydentity®, PRAVANA®, Schwarzkopf Professional®, and Sexy Hair®.
“The #AcademyofHair is a one of a kind multi-branded and fully digital space, combined with our world-class brand portfolio and integrated in to our North American Headquarters,” said Stefan Mund, Regional Head of Henkel Beauty Care Hair Professional North America.
Mund is on the pulse of what is happening in our digital revolution right now. With two fully equipped studios complete with a green screen, anyone can create photo shoot brand images or video for their daily social media feeds. The digital trend lab was designed to set the stage for photo/video shoots or live broadcasts of demonstrations or trainings on social media or television.
After getting a personal tour from Stefan Mund himself, it was clear to see his passion for the brands and the new inspiring space. He commented on the freedom of the office to work from any of the various types of desks and reading or quiet room spaces spread throughout the facilities. There are no phones on the desks. If one wanted to make a call you would go into any of the private rooms that are decorated in the feel of each individual brand.
The head office is a massive location spanning three floors and still had some construction which was building a large open staircase to connect the floors. There were lots of locations throughout the office that you could find for learning, creating, socializing or just having your own quiet space. The idea is that you are not assigned or stuck to a desk. The impressive huge terrace from the seventh floor overlooking Culver City was a great spot to get some fresh air and clear your mind for a break.
We asked Mund about the importance of the company culture he created in this new environment. “Our guiding philosophy is to maintain brand DNA – preserve and enhance the uniqueness and entrepreneurship of each single brand while leveraging the halo effect of the company, brands and people.”
“Our new state-of-the-art facility and #AcademyofHair generates an environment of openness, creativity and collaboration. We are thrilled to bring together under one roof the best professional hair care brands in the industry, which has strengthened our footprint in North America as well as our overall Henkel culture.”
For booking information, questions, or to learn more about Henkel’s#AcademyofHair, email AcademyofHair@henkel.com.
Located at 5800 Bristol Parkway in Culver City, CA.