BSG Interview with Nicole Obert - Continued

BSG: How important was it to you that Nick Arrojo came to the finale party to root for you?

NO: uuhhhh he BETTER have been there! Out of anyone that could have been there, he is the one i wanted there the most. (Besides my mom Sharon and dad Greg who couldnt make it from Texas) He along with the rest of the salon, has been so supportive and proud of what I have accomplished. Every week it showed. I wanted him to see that the faith he has put in me and the potential he sees in me,is paying off. Hes a busy guy, but always makes time for his staff. It meant the world to me to have him there.

BSG: How hard was it to keep quiet about the results for so many months since the finale was filmed?

NO: It was actually easy. I loved listening to people try and figure out how i did. I didnt WANT anyone to know, because that would be no fun. PLUS, Ive become a pretty good little actress out of it. HA!

BSG: What has been the most significant accomplishment in your life thus far?

NO: There has been so much! I compete in competitions every year and do very well. Its helped get me where I am. Working for Nick was always my lifetime hairdressing goal and here I am, working for him, and getting more out of it then anyone could dream. All of these things, PLUS Shear Genius, is just a stepping stone into the life Im headed for.

BSG: Did anything said in the confidentials surprise you?

NO: I made sure that I didnt say anything I didnt want to be heard. What you saw was me, the whole way through. Id never say anything I couldnt say to someones face. Its what keeps me real haha.

BSG: What stylists did you get close to during filming? Do you stay in contact with anyone now?

NO: Charlie and Paulo. I talk to both of them often.

BSG: Do you see hair as being a lifelong career for you?

NO: It IS a lifelong career for me. Its what Im passionate about. Its what gets me out of bed everyday and pays my bills. Its taken me this far, why not keep going?

BSG: What does the future hold for Nicole?

NO: SO MUCH! I am currently 1 of 3 finalists for Wella's Trend Vision Award and compete in LA at the end of the month for the Young Trendsetter National Title. If I win there, I represent the United States at internationals in Lisbon Portugal in NOV. so stay tuned, because this isnt the last youll see of me!

BSG Interview With Charlie Price - Continued

BSG: How did you feel about not being able to compete in the Charlie's Angels challenge?

CP: -it was fine with me- again -there was not enough time to do a beautiful job-and the models were not great for the challenge- i felt lucky to not be under the gun like that -WHEW!

BSG: Who was your favorite guest judge and why?

CP: linda wells by far- she was one of the only judges that critiqued based on the actual challenge- i appreciated that she considered how my story worked with my looks -then responded through that prism- sally seemed oblivious to the challenge itself- and kim vo (as usual) blew me away with the irrelevance of his commentary- as if he had some sound bite to say regardless of whether it made sense- i adore a carefully delivered insult -that is the beauty of reality tv- unfortunately miss vo's are hamfisted and stale at best

BSG: I understand that Daniel and you are, as another stylist put it, "sisters-in-law." How did that happen?

CP: yup we are sisters-in-law i fixed up daniel with my boyfriend salvador's brother marco - there were immediate fireworks and marco just moved to dallas in fact

BSG: You're quite in tune with the fashion world. Do you ever plan to branch out from hair into clothing or accessory design?

CP: why thank you - i AM a design whore- i refer to barneys ny and neiman marcus as my houses of worship- as much as i would love to be a fashion designer but i really think i am more of a frustrated fashion stylist

BSG: What does the future hold for Charlie Price?

CP: in addition appearing on shear genius this year i won the title of north american stylist of the year so i have been asked to be on the mainstage at the next international beauty show2009 (in ny)-and the next international salon and spa expo 2009 ( in la)- i will be teaching a photo shoot class in toronto with my mentor ray civello in october- and finally i will continue to serve as a contributing fashion editor for 303 magazine.

BSG Interview with Dee Adames - Continued

BSG: How long have you been planning on opening your own salon?

DA: I have been wanting to open my own salon for the past 3 years.

BSG: Has it always been a dream?

DA: Yes! Today I put up the Dee & L Hair Studio "coming soon" banner in the windows! I am sooooo excited!

BSG How important was it to have your lovely Mom at the finale party?

DA: Very important! She is my support system and wanted her share the experience with me.

BSG: Looking back, would you have done any challenge differently?

DA: Yes, definitely the red carpet challenge

BSG: You mentioned in your video exit interview that you plan on going shopping when you get back home - are you a shopaholic? What was the first thing you bought when you got back?

DA: I do love to shop, but most of the money will go to the new salon. So I need to check into shopping rehab for now! LOL

BSG: Who is your style icon in the world of hairdressing?

DA: I would have to say Vidal Sassoon, hands down.

BSG: Do you think you learned anything new from any of the guest judges?

DA: Yes, just hard to pin point one thing.

BSG: If you could cut anyone's hair, living or dead, who would it be?

DA: I would love to cut Princess Diana's hair. I would just love to get into her head and heart the truth!

BSG: How did you get that giant prop check home? And if you did get it home, what did you do with it?

DA: It is being FedExed to me. Don't know it's so big, maybe just keep it a closet and bring out when friends are over, just for bragging rights! lol!

Dee's Bravo Interview, Continued

BSG Interview with Daniel Lewis - Continued

BSG: Are you always as chatty with your clients as you were in the twins challenge?

DL: Nicole pointed out that I shared a lot of information about myself with my clients. It is called a conversation…you know interaction between two people where both parties respond to each other equally. I guess when your sentences mostly consist of: “Like, Um and Oh my God!!” you are thrown off by fully developed adult sentences. Besides, I can’t help that I have had an interesting life and I must be saying something right considering I am known for booking clients months out.

BSG: What was your favorite challenge and why?

DL: Well, duh, the first elimination was pretty great because I was most happy with my work and I won. I will say though the family challenge was way up there on the list.

BSG: What do you love most about Dallas?

DL: What do I love about Dallas? What is there NOT to love? Dallas is a down to earth comfortable place to live that just happends to be filled with wonderful people, beautiful homes and shopping like you truly would not believe. It also helps that it is so nicely centered geographically in the country so that anything I may lack here is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Finally, Dallas has one of the best gay communities anywhere. I attend the largest gay church in the world (Cathedral of Hope). We even have an entire neighborhood fondly called the “Gayborhood” with great shops and clubs. I am so at home here and that makes me happier than a pig in shit! Lol!

BSG: Did your friends have Shear Genius viewing parties?

DL: There were viewing parties hosted by many of my friends and clients from all over Florida, Texas and New York City. I could not even begin to go to all of them, however my favorite was the premiere party that I hosted for the cast and friends in New York back in June. It was the only time we have had to view an episode all together and it was a blast!!

BSG: What did you think about the twist that the short cut winner got immunity in your final episode? Was it fair?

DL: I personally thought that it was not that fair for immunity to be given in the short cut challenge mainly because the winners of even eliminations stopped getting immunity much earlier (i.e. poor Paulo who was robbed of immunity in the wig challenge). I think giving the short cut winner choice of season or model in the elimination would have been a little more acceptable but it is a game and anything was possible so que sera sera.

BSG: Do you keep in touch with any of the other stylists?

DL: I talk to Meredith once a week or so; Paulo occasionally (what a great guy!!). I talk to Glenn often and we have vacationed together some (she is the bees knees!). Charlie and I have actually kept up more than anyone I think due to a bond we formed on the show. Shortly after filming, he introduced me to his boyfriend Salvador’s brother, Marco and we fell madly in love (big smile on my face) so we have gotten close. Charlie is totally a bitch...don’t get me wrong but he is one of the funniest and honest people I have ever met and I love him for that.

BSG: What does Daniel's future hold for him?

DL: Wow! That’s a loaded question. My salon business is growing by leaps and bounds. I am looking at several new locations and a possible franchise scenario. I have poured my heart and soul into my business and it is really paying off. There is also the aforementioned product line I am working on and (shhhhhh) maybe another stint on the small screen. All of this followed by settling down with the love of my life, 2.5 children, white picket fence, labradoodle and a beach cottage…you know, the usual. I cannot wait to live more, but if I died today, wow what a life I have lived already thanks in part to Shear Genius!

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BSG Interview with Paulo Candido - Continued

BSG: If you couldn't be a stylist, what would you like to do?

PC: If I couldn't be a stylist, I probably would have been a photographer.

BSG: What was the best part of your experience on Shear Genius?

PC: The best part was being chosen. So many thousands of stylists applied and I was one of twelve lucky stylists to be chosen for this season.

BSG: What was the most difficult challenge for you?

PC: I think that the most difficult challenge was the one with family members. Obviously that is the one that got me cut. It was also our first exposure to people on the outside world. On set and in the house we didn't have access to anything such as phones, tv, books magazines, etc...so to have the ability to see and talk to someone outside of contestants and production, and it being a family member was awesome!

BSG: Was it discouraging to be in the bottom 2 or 3 so many times?

PC: Yes of course it was discouraging! I didn't get a good start with model selections. Basically if you had a great head of hair to work on, you could rest assured that you would end up with great results. Also I really feel that the judges just didn't get me. Obviously they just wanted conformity and not something outside the mainstream. I can't tell you how many times I got crap from people because I choose not to do skinny hilites, long layers, point cut and round brush and hairspray everything to death. I don't work that way, and I wasn't going to change for anyone.

BSG: Who was your favorite judge and why?

PC: It would have to be Jaclyn Smith. Even though I really don't find her qualified to be judging a hair competition, she is still a beauty icon who has a great sense of style. Plus she has a huge heart and is really sweet and down to earth.

BSG: What does the future hold for Paulo?

PC: A lot! There have been so many new doors opening that I am currently trying to figure out which one to walk through. Whatever it is, as long as I am doing hair I am a happy man.


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BSG Interview with Nekisa, Continued

BSG: Did Dee really have a crush on you?

NB: You know Dee reminded me of home because of her positive and down-to-earth personality. If she did have a crush on me, it was quite innocent and understated.

BSG: Do you keep in touch with any of the other stylists?

NB: Yes. Meredith and I speak regularly. She's hilarious! Paulo, Dee, Glenn, and yes even Charlie.

BSG: Were you surprised at anything the other stylists said in their confidentials?

NB: Nothing surprises me. I did think that for any contestants who cried like a baby....pathetic and unappreciative. We were chosen from thousands of stylists and my eyes are open to that.

BSG: Do you still work with Sebastian as an educator? If so, what do you teach?

NB: Sebastian was recently acquired by Proctor and Gamble so all of the educators, including myself, are going through a new auditioning process. But yes I am still with them and hoping to make the "Design Team."

BSG: How long did it take to reach "master stylist" level?

NB: Are you kidding? I was BORN a master stylist! Okay but technically about six years ago.

BSG: Do you feel that being on Shear Genius was a valuable experience for you?

NB: I am a beauty junkie and so every and anything having to do with hair is an experience that I want to have. I loved the cameras and the fame!

BSG: What does the future hold for Nekisa?

NB: In the famous words of Tom Petty, "the future is wide open"....

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BSG Interview with Glenn Mitchell - Continued

BSG: What is it like style hair for New York Fashion Week?

GM: AMAZING! It is so extremely exciting. I worked the Alice Temperly show last fall with Alain Pishon and to stand beside someone of his esteem is both humbling and exhilarating. It is so fast paced, and if you get to do first look with the lead (which I did) well... its just like what you would think I feels like. FAST FAST FAST!!!! OMG OMG OMG!!!! and then.... Thats it? that only took like 3 minutes! We styled hair for 3-4 hours for a matters of seconds on the catwalk!

BSG: Tell us about Mission:Makeover.

GM: mission makeover is a collaborative effort between myself and an amazing team of doctors. We have a facial plastic surgeon, a cosmetic dentist, and an optometrist. We choose a deserving person from our community to perform an "extreme makeover" on, in the hopes of restoring their self-esteem. Everyone volunteers their time and talent to the project. Once our work is complete we host a reveal party in her honor and all the money raised at the reveal party we donate to a local charity.

BSG: You have a big fan following back home! Did you watch the show with your fans, or did you watch quietly at home?

GM: First of all there is not a single group of people more loyal then Alabamians... that’s why we have so many American Idols from here! But anyway, we are not supposed to view the show in public, so I would attend the viewing parties until the show started. Then I would dash home to watch the show with Nick and Lily. So we were usually 10 minutes behind everyone else watching, which was funny because both of our phones would be blowing up with text messages and we would have to resist reading them until it was over.

BSG: Who were your favorite stylists, and do you keep in touch with any of them?

GM: In the house I roomed with Gail and Nekisa, so we bonded. The boys (Paulo, Charlie and Daniel) I fell in love with instantly. I have grown even closer with them since the show. Daniel and I have a lot in common, and love traveling together. Charlie is someone I respect greatly and value his opinion (he will always tell it like it is). Paulo is like a brother, he is always taking care of my emotional state. And Gail and I beat the business bush to death!

BSG: Was the appearance of Kate Jackson really a surprise, or did you all expect her to show up at some point?

GM: It was a surprise to us... well until her makeup artist showed up and asked us were he needed to go, and we all stood there with our chins on the ground saying "OMG she IS here!!!". I REALLY liked how honest and direct she is. She also loved my color work on my 3 models, so how could I not like her!

BSG: What was it like working with the guest judges?

GM: I really liked most of them. Campbell took a beating from us for his questionable win to Matthew. Neeko was really into the girls on the cast. Tab was fabulous. Roy was cool, a bit quiet though. Oscar was confusing with his critiques of us. We didn't know who he liked until he called them out, and our 2 red carpet judges we really fun and exciting!

BSG: What does the future hold for Glenn?

GM: My future is so bright I'm having to wear sunglasses as I write this (of course I am my car...)! I am working out the details of a large personal appearance and well I have a few things up my sleeve. Lets just say there is a hole in the beauty market I hope to fill soon!

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BSG Interview with Gail Soifer, Continued

BSG: What was the most difficult challenge in the five that you participated in?

GS: the most difficult challenge for me was my final challenge with the wigs. I have never cut wigs before and it really hurt me in the end.

BSG: Who were your favorite stylists, and do you stay in touch with any of them?

GS: my favorite stylists were Glenn, because I think she is an amazing person and role model. Charlie, because even though he seems like a tough ass, I liked him right from the start and he is very kind and extremely talented. I also really liked Nekisa, she was the momma-bear, and Dee because she is strong, knows herself and likes to take care of others around her.

BSG: You originally wanted to be a doctor. Was there any one thing that turned you to the beauty industry instead?

GS: I love helping people look and feel their best, and what better way than through a great hair
cut!

BSG: You mentioned in your exit interview that you could see new directions in which to take your work and your salon. Care to elaborate?

GS: Since the show, I have started running my own loft style salon in Columbus. I have continued my education through both taking and teaching classes and could not be happier. I do plan on giving Oscar Blandi a call next time i am in New York though! I still have the business card he gave me.

BSG: What do you see yourself doing in five years?

GS: In five years I see myself either opening a salon here in Columbus, Ohio or creating and marketing my own cosmetic line.

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BSG Interview with Meredith Spiros, Continued

BSG: How exactly do you use your fashion education when cutting hair?

MS: Fashion trends start in the textile industries and then filter down to all aspects of life. Understanding how fashion trends are created helps me be a better hairstylist because I am able to consult with my guests to complete their total desired look.

BSG: How did you come to be on Shear Genius?

MS: An email was forwarded to me about the casting call in Chicago and I started the process from there.

BSG: Do you think the judging should take more into consideration the wants and needs of the client, as discussed in your initial consultation?

MS: The very nature of a reality show is to test one’s reaction to stressful situations. It is stressful for the client, the contestant and even the judges. We can only deal with what is in front of us at the time, make our decisions, and try not to regret them.

BSG: What did you think about the guest judges on the show?

MS: Well, it wasn’t Vidal Sassoon, but they were lovely nonetheless.

BSG: Are you still in touch with any of the other stylists?

MS: I made some great friends and I look forward to seeing them and continuing our relationships after the show has completely aired.

BSG: What does the future hold for Meredith?

MS: I am thoroughly enjoying the present and I believe that with hard work today, the future will take care of itself. I am a happy wife and mother and a happy employee of Salon V, the best salon environment I have ever worked in! I love to teach others and help them expand their horizons and discover new things about our industry. I consider myself truly blessed every day just to wake up and get to do what I love.

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BSG Interview with Parker - Continued

BSG: Do you keep in touch with any of the stylists?

Parker: I talk to Dee every once in a while. She’s right down the street so to speak (Miami). I just saw Charlie and Nekisa when I was in New York a few weeks ago.

BSG: What was the best thing about being on Shear Genius?

Parker: Shear Genius was a fantastic experiment for me. There is nothing quite like being whisked all over the country doing something you love. I met a lot of really amazing people, and a couple very excellent stylists. It was just great.

BSG: Do you watch Real Housewives of Orange County?

Parker: I have. It’s the only housewives show out of the bunch I have watched. Dramatically magical.

BSG: Are you still in touch with Tammy Knickerbocker? (the OC Housewife whose hair he styled)

Parker: I have actually corresponded with Tammy since the show. She was really sorry to see me get cut. One letter she sent me had the flowing quote: ”You were amazing and I would go to your salon any time and would recommend you to my friends “ – Tammy Knickerbocker She’s a beautiful, and amazing woman.

BSG: Looking back, is there something you would have done differently?

Parker: Well in retrospect, I could have been a bit more vocal about my reason for not lightening Tammy’s hair. The color was essentially nothing more than a touch up on her home haircoloring extravaganza. I listened to her desires and concerns, and gave her exactly what she wanted, and what was agreed upon in the consultation. She loved it, and I’m satisfied.

BSG: What does the future hold for Parker?

Parker: While still living in West Palm Beach, Fl., Much of my time is spent preparing for the opening of theDavidkSpace – A Boutique Salon Experience, as the education director. The Space is going to bring a superior New York style Salon experience to a much in need West Palm Beach, FL. We are going be teaching Physicalhair, as well as breakthrough approaches to consultations, individually created coutureHair, and other protocols for excellence that David K has pioneered, which are now industry standards. www.thedavidkspace.com. As well, I am still actively taking haircut appointments at 2 salons that can be contacted through my website www.parkerplotkin.com, and working on several editorial projects. There’s still much more Parker to come. Just be on the look out.

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