ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Actress and activist Laverne Cox led a joyful evening of diversity and inclusivity at the inspiring kick-off of Matrix Destination 2020 (Destination), Sunday, January 19, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Spa, Orlando, FL. The Matrix Total Results partner and Emmy nominated actress kicked off the three-day training event by welcoming over 2000 hair professionals with a spectacular mainstage opening show featuring Laverne Cox herself.
The Matrix Destination 2020 ethos —“Live Your Color”— resonates loudly among beauty enthusiasts everywhere. As such, the program celebrated creativity and community as every member of the Matrix Artistic Director team and guest artists shared uplifting video messages and presented inspiring work. Their models represented a full range of ages, sizes, ethnicities and genders—manifesting the Matrix ethos that Matrix is a place where everyone is welcome.
The following morning, January 20, Cox joined Global Business Ambassador Tabatha Coffey in the opening welcome general session discussion, “Coffee with Coffey.” The pair discussed Cox’s journey to stardom, and how she overcame adversity to break barriers and open doors for other artists and creatives. “In 2012, I was facing eviction and a few months later I started filming Orange is the New Black,” she said. “The lesson for me and for all artists “is to continue doing what you love with every inch of your being and maybe things will work out.”
Together, the pair represented Matrix’s commitment to empowerment and to the important role beauty plays in building confidence in women and men. “I connected with Matrix because Matrix is about everyone being invited to the table, no matter who you are or what kind of hair you have,” Cox said. “I think when it comes to hair and beauty, everyone should be represented. I’ve met stylists here from all over the country. The energy here is really special.”
Cox and Coffey also chatted about beauty and glamour—topics near and dear to both. “Fashion and beauty have always been my way of showing the world who I was,” Cox revealed. “Today I work with incredible hair and makeup artists who come with creative ideas and the skill sets to back them up, and we play. That’s what everyone at Matrix does for their clients.”
Cox and Coffey agreed that one of the biggest challenges most artists face is changing negative thoughts that hold them back. “We say things to ourselves we would never say to our child or best friend,” Coffey noted. Agreed Cox, “We must learn to say nurturing, empowering things to that child inside of each of us every day. Get out of our own way and understand our thoughts create our lives.”
Matrix Artistic Director Michelle O'Connor and Matrix Celebrity Colorist George Papanikolas were responsible for Cox’s colorful hair looks for all of her Destination appearances. Cox sported a wide range of Bellami wigs with unique hues and textures, created with Matrix SOCOLOR and SOCOLOR CULT hair color and maintained each look with Matrix’s new Total Results styling products that include Length Goals collection for wigs, extensions and hair pieces.
Held at the new Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Spa, Jan 19-21 in Orlando, Matrix Destination 2020 was an unforgettable experience for more than 2,000 attendees. Led by a stellar line-up of award-winning artists and some of the biggest names in social media, the schedule included a theatrical opening night show and party, inspirational mainstage hair presentations, hands-on classes and surprise celebrity guests. For three days, thousands of beauty professionals had the opportunity to elevate their skills, energize their creativity, and collaborate with their Matrix family and colleagues.
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