After 30+ years in this industry, I hear that phrase all the time. And nothing makes me happier than being able to impart wisdom to others in our business. In fact, I believe the sign of a true professional is someone who generously shares information, education, and inspiration with others; you’re not feeding the competition by doing so—you’re elevating yourself to a new standard of excellence.

And, trust me, I get plenty of questions; which is why I decided to share answers to a few of the queries I hear over and over again.

I had the honor of being a 2015 CITY Awards Keynote Speaker at CosmoProf’s amazing beauty show in Las Vegas last week. Sharing my wisdom with colleagues in the industry is truly a motivating part of my work and this occasion was no different.

Inspiration. It’s all around us. And for me, New York City provides the kind of visual stimulation that directly ignites my creative spark. But you don’t need to be in the Big Apple to look at the world around you and bring that aesthetic reportage back into the salon every day. You just have to keep your eyes open. Here’s a snapshot of the kinds of things that influence my work…

I took to the stage at America’s Beauty Show last month, where I presented the audience with some of my favorite tricks for achieving off-the-charts-perfect color. I’m happy to say that the show was superbly received; so I thought I’d bring those “secrets” to all of you today as well. Here goes!

It’s March and I feel as though I’m living in a Manhattan snow globe. Pretty hard to leaf through the spring fashion pages of Vogue or Bazaar while trudging around in boots and woolens.

This could explain why, all of a sudden, we’re seeing bright lips popping up all over the city. So I’m wondering: Can a hot-pink or scarlet mouth beat the midwinter blues? I believe it can (as long as you choose the best pink or red). These two do the trick…

Earlier in the year, I posted a blog about my childhood riding teacher, Norma Cohen; and the important role she played in my formative years. The woman didn’t just teach me a sport; she granted me the power to always try my hardest…to never give up…and the desire to pass that magic gift on to those who work under my tutelage.

Ever play that game, “If I could have anyone sitting around my dinner table, who would it be?” I love that, because nothing is more enlightening, mind-expanding, and FUN than surrounding yourself with wise, interesting people. I try to do this in my life as much as possible; I think it makes me a better, smarter, and more open person.

But if we’re talking ultimate fantasy, let’s extend that dinner table to my very own talk show—one in which I get to ask all the questions inquiring minds want to know. Here’s my guest list:

Sometimes, when I’m flipping the pages of a magazine, I read about a certain celebrity’s glamorous schedule and think to myself, “That’s a load of crap.” You and I both know that sandwiched between the red-carpet appearances and the private Pilates sessions just has to be the real, true stuff of life…the thorny phone conversation with the lawyer…the realization that you’re two weeks past-due for a waxing appointment…that someone forgot to put the bacon on today’s Cobb salad.

I’m a little addicted to two veggie dishes right now. (You know that feeling? When you just want to keep eating the same thing every day for a while? That’s me lately.)

Here’s the one I’ve been making at home:

Arugula salad (chopped fine) with cubes of seedless watermelon and feta cheese. The dressing is extra-virgin olive oil, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. So fresh and delicious…and it feels as though I’m bringing a touch of summer into these cold February days.

Sure, I love receiving gifts. But I love giving them even more…and I think one of the most eternally gracious things you can do around the holiday season is to avoid arriving empty handed when invited to someone’s home for a gathering. It doesn’t take great expense or effort to pick up a trinket en-route; and the gracious impact of a small gift is huge. Here are a few of my favorites….

Fabulous designer fragrance soaps: Chanel or First by Van Cleef & Arpel are at the top of my list.