10/14/2025
Congratulations to everyone's friend and mentor Sam Villa, co-founder and chief creative officer of the Sam Villa Company and global artistic ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue N.Y.C. LLC, who received 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.
Congratulations to everyone's friend and mentor Sam Villa, co-founder and chief creative officer of the Sam Villa Company and global artistic ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue N.Y.C. LLC, who received 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.
“My father, Leo Passage, founder of Pivot Point International, 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," says Robert Passage, chairman and CEO of Pivot Point International. “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."
Adds Scott J Buchanan, president of Intercoiffure America | Canad, a“Thank you, Sam, for your artistry, your leadership, and your heart. Our industry is stronger, kinder, and more creative because of you."
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 have the honor of giving Sam his award. How fitting, too, since the collective Ethos families of the Hafetzs and the Klets 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 Passage 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.”
