THE NEXT LEVEL OF SALON PROFESSIONAL™ At The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) we believe that pursuing an education in the professional beauty industry is the first step to discovering a career filled with creativity and endless opportunity.  Our goal is to maximize your artistic potential through a program that teaches not only the latest techniques, but also proven business and marketing strategies.  TSPA’s quality education can significantly improve your earning potential and prepare you for a long-term future in the industry.

  • Our curriculum and training has been co-developed and continually updated with help from REDKEN 5th Avenue NYC. This ongoing collaboration translates to education that is some of the most relevant, trending and compelling in the industry.
  • Our approach to personal, hands-on training includes smaller class-sizes that enable more interaction and one-on-one time with educators.
  • We continually train and support the educators who instruct you in the skills you’ll need for a successful and rewarding career.
  • Our beautiful, innovative Academy locations provide a positive, real-world learning environment.
  • In addition to technical skills, TSPA develops your ability to grow clientele and bookings, increase retail sales, and build lasting guest relationships – abilities that put you in high demand with top salons.
  • We make the privately-held salons and spas, where incomes are highest, a target for placement.  Area salon and spa owners serve on our advisory boards and recruit from our school.  Additionally, we have relationships for placement with more than 6,000 Redken Club 5th Avenue salons across all 50 states.

  • Robin Halter – Co-Owner

    Being a co-owner of The Salon Professional Academy has changed Robin’s life in a very positive way. It is one of her greatest pleasures to watch new student go from uncertainty to confidence in their hands on skill and communication skills. Robin has been a licensed cosmetologist for over 30 years and a successful salon owner for 28 and counting. She stood behind the chair for 25 years and was drawn to the beauty industry because she wanted to be creative and have fun at work. What she discovered along her journey was that a new cut or color could change the way people felt about themselves. Robin wanted to share her passion by training new professionals to enjoy the same success that she had enjoyed and The Salon Professional Academy /Evansville was born. Redken has allowed the educators to teach at a very high level giving our students an edge in our industry.

    Carla Boyles – Co-Owner

    Carla is a licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, and Beauty Culture Instructor. She was drawn to the beauty industry at a very young age, and has enjoyed a successful career for close to 20 years. She has been a salon owner since 2000. Carla was in the trenches, standing behind the chair for the first 13 years, and has since devoted herself to education. The road to success was a little rocky in the beginning. She soon realized that there was more to having a successful career in the salon than just being a great hair stylist. A salon professional also has to have great communication skills and guest service skills. It is crucial to learn how to build a solid clientele. These things led Carla to search for something more. The Salon Professional Academy was that “something more”. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to share her experience with eager, new salon professionals in hope that they will find success earlier on their path.

    Melanie Holmes – Director of Admissions-Admissions Director of the year 2015

    Melanie is excited to use her B.S. Business degree from the University of Evansville at TSPA as the Director of Admissions. She has been in the industry for over 20 years serving as a Salon Coordinator/Manager. Mel loves being a part of an every changing, life altering and rewarding organization. She can effectively utilize her people and business building skill to aid in the creation of future salon leaders. The Salon Professional Academy partnered with Redken 5th Avenue is by far THE best example of how to generate amazing, well rounded and exceptional graduates!

    Julie Leishman – Financial Aid Officer-Financial Aid Officer of the year 2016

    Julie is a licensed Cosmetologist and Beauty Culture Instructor. She chose this industry because she has always had a passion for helping people in general but also helping people look beautiful and that same passion wakes her up every morning with a smile on her face! Julie worked behind the chair for 4 years before coming to TSPA as an educator. Julie now serves our students as the Financial Aid Officer which gives her the opportunity to know and guide our students in many areas of their lives.

    Lisa Brinkmeyer – Lead Educator/Cosmetology

    Lisa has been a Cosmetologist for 25 years and owned her own salon for 15 years before stepping out from behind the chair to become a Beauty Culture Instructor with TSPA. Being an educator has been the most rewarding experience in her career. Lisa has recently joined the SPEC team which is the parent company of TSPA and actively training and coaching new Academy owners and staff throughout the United States.Her favorite Redken product is Align. She loves the smell and the smooth finished look she gets with it. Brink is very thankful for all the amazing education that she has received from Redken.

    Victoria Ross – Lead Educator/Esthetics

    Victoria has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years and hold licenses in Massage Therapy Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Beauty Culture Instruction. Victoria has been with TSPA since 2007 and has experience as a salon owner as well as having worked in other salons and schools. She has a passion for teaching esthetics and is always looking for new ideas for services as well as learning/teaching methods for her students. Her favorite skin care product is Bioelements Ray Defense. It is a “New Generation” sunscreen. Anyone who knows Mrs Ross, knows that if you are tanning, a lecture from her is coming!

    Abby Turpen –Lead Educator/Classroom

    Abby has been a cosmetologist since 2006 and an educator for 6 years and still has a passion for working behind the chair and does so part time. She started out as an educator at a family owned school but was looking for more in the way of leadership and education. TSPA and Redken have provided her with the tools and skill set that has allowed her to develop her students in the areas of their technical and business building skills at a very high level. Abby has proven her leadership ability by leading several of her student team members to the highest achievement (level 4) and had a winner in the TSPA National Student Competition in 2014. and won first place in the Educator category in 2017 and coached a 1st place winner in the Men's category. Abby is also certified as a MUD instructor.

    Alyssa Gough-Educator

    Alyssa is a Cosmetology graduate from TSPA. Alyssa started with TSPA as a part time front desk employee and soon discovered her desire to be an educator. Alyssa is now employed full time as an educator but still maintains a part time schedule behind the chair. Her favorite Redken products are, Pillow Proof, Guts and Satinwear.

    Don Drake-Educator/ 2020 SPEC National Conference Educator of the Year

    Don is a Cosmetology graduate from TSPA. As a student, Don set his sights on coming back to be an educator with our Academy after putting the required time into working behind the chair. Don's favorite Redken products are, Rough Paste and Pillow Proof.

    Don was named Educator of the Year for 2020 at our National SPEC convention.

    LynTeara White-Educator/Cosmtology and Esthetics

    LynTeara is a graduate of our Esthetics program at TSPA Evansville. Lyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and one of her specialties is Eyelash Extensions. Lyn has developed her own lash brand and training program. Lyn's teaching style is upbeat and full of energy and she is always willing to lend a listening ear to our students.

  • redken_logo
    Over a decade ago, The Salon Professional Academy joined forces with Redken 5th Avenue NYC to develop a salon and cosmetology franchise that has changed the industry.  Redken and TSPA collaborated to redesign what a “beauty school” was from the ground up – revisiting everything from the way things were taught to how the student salon area looked and functioned.  The result was a ultra-modern training facility providing students with skills beyond what they do behind the chair; skills that prepare them for a professional, successful career.

    Redken Diamond Academy

    This exclusive award is earned for the commitment to, and delivery of, Redken’s advanced education protocols and standards. This recognition can only be earned by successfully completing a rigorous examination of the Academy’s facility, systems, curriculum, and staff.

    Recognized By Redken For Excellence In Education.

    With a commitment to industry-leading education, business skills that prepare students for more than passing state boards, and a desire to see our students surpass all expectations for this profession, Redken has provided The Salon Professional Academy franchise locations the exclusive designation of “Recognized by Redken for Excellence in Education.”

    Bioelements Partner School

    We’re proud to be a Bioelements Partner School offering a curriculum infused with the latest technical training from the industry leader in skincare.

    • Whether I am setting up for a hair class at a salon or wrapping up a hair show, I always take a moment and feel blessed to be in the greatest industry ever. Being able to work with industry's greatest artists at hair events and training is fulfilling and inspiring. Every bit of my success I owed to the staff at The Salon Professional Academy Evansville and Redken for giving me a career I am passionate about. The Academy is where my dreams were cultivated and goals were set.

      I placed my future in the hands of the administrators, educators, and owners of the Academy and now it's my turn to pay it forward. My journey has led me towards educating salon professional all around the US and continuing my work behind the chair impacting lives of those I touch.

      Considering Cosmetology? Allow yourself to be fully immersed in the process. You will graduate with the tools to succeed in whatever path you decide to take within the beauty industry. The opportunities are endless and are there for you to take and become a part of something you love. Being a cosmetologist allows you to be yourself, stay creative and always be unique.

      Jake KisselCo-owner of Element of Style Salon and Spa and PureArtist at Pureology Serious Colour Care

    • I would highly recommend TSPA to anyone interested in the beauty industry. I feel that my education there absolutely plays a role in my success as a stylist. Their curriculum teaches you an amazing set of technical skills. But, more importantly, you also learn the business skills you need to keep up with our ever-changing industry. It was an awesome experience that has greatly and positively impacted my career and life.
      Loved it!

      Stephanie Majors

    • “The quality of education that a TSPA academy provides is beyond any beauty school I have ever experienced. What I value as a salon owner is when a TSPA student comes in for a position at our salon they are trained on the level system, understand the importance of retail, and most importantly, their skill level is exceptional. Here is the reality, it is important a graduating TSPA student understands the importance of not only how to sell retail but also how to sell themselves. The added benefit of the business-building education that TSPAs bring to the student is financial security.”

      Leah FreemanInternational Redken Artist, Salon Owner

    • “To have a passion in life is one of the strongest emotions we can have, to experience it every day is a gift, and to earn our living doing it is the blessing only few of us discover… hairdressing for me is all of the above. If being a salon professional is your dream then realize it in the capable hands of the Educators at The Salon Professional Academy, recognized by Redken 5th Avenue NYC. It’s the place to be to learn what you need to enable you to live better and earn better. You will leave school with intense enthusiasm, continued support and a stronger passion for one of the best professions that can take you to where you want to be.”

      Kris SorbieRedken Education Artistic Director and President Kris Sorbie LLC, NYC

    • “Being that the TSPA academy is a Redken recognized academy, I believe that the principles that make Redken a huge success in education are easy to recognize when you’re experiencing the academy. I'm excited to see what we will witness in our profession in the near future because I know that the principles I've learned have changed my career and life. Now, seeing our youth start with these skills is very exciting to see unfold. The quality that a TSPA academy creates is a salon professional that is more technically skilled and is more career-focused, over all a better professional ready out of school.”

      Hugo UriasRedken Artist, FUEL Facilitator, Hairdresser for 20 years

    • “I have been working with the educators at TSPA for many years. The difference is in the educators. They say… ‘the bigger the party, the more people show up.’ TSPA schools attract passionate, committed professionals who love teaching others what they've learned. You can feel their commitment in everything they do and that translates to the TSPA graduate in more confidence, better skill retention, and at the end of the day - more earning power.”

      Scot ShermanFormer Redken Artist, Salon Owner

    • “The combination of strong technical skills and unique business building essentials make TSPA one of the top education facilities in the country. Students are provided the opportunity to gain skill excellence from amazing instructors as well as internationally recognized guest artists from across the country. When students graduate from TSPA they are fueled with a skill set to build a solid foundation behind the chair.”

      Ryan MorganRedken Artist, Redken Exchange Facilitator

    • “Exclusive training and unforgettable moments are in store for the student that attends The Salon Professional Academy. [They] offer top-notch education that will create healthy habits early on in your career behind the chair, as well as, more money in your wallet for the rest of your life. The point of difference with TSPA is this: While you are building your technical skill, you aren’t just learning to pass the State Board exams, you are learning how to build, run and grow a business.”

      Jayson MorganRedken Certified Designer & Colorist, Salon Owner

    • “Beauty schools are a great way for students to learn practical cosmetology skills while simultaneously preparing themselves for a rewarding career path and there is only one that I recommend and that is The Salon Professional Academy. In today’s world of cosmetology schools there is no better school that trains a student for the salon community then TSPA. TSPA schools teach technical skills, as well as solid business skills to support any salon, as the school atmosphere is professional and conducive to the achievement of excellence by student and faculty alike based on learner-focused education. The educators at TSPA find the knowledge and guidance to prepare a cosmetology student for a long successful future in the cosmetology field. The staff and management of TSPA schools instill the student with confidence to succeed in the professional salon industry.”

      Sam VillaRedken Education Artistic Director, Platform Artist

    • “I am thoroughly impressed by the well-rounded skills of the students that The Salon Professional Academy provides our industry. And as an owner, it is refreshing to hire students that are so well prepared.”

      Phil LeeRedken Educator, Salon Owner

    • “TSPA is undoubtedly the finest and most thorough academy for coaching and grooming the hairdressers of tomorrow! By not only learning your new hair skills from the industry's best, most experienced instructors, but also how to combine them with essential business strategies, you will be fully prepared for success!”

      Kenny BerkRedken Artist, 35 years industry experience

    • “I believe the Salon Professional Academies are some of the finest schools available in our industry. They have an excellent education philosophy and [their] curriculum stands out; providing their students with a complete cosmetology experience and prepares them for a great career in this industry.”

      Patrick ParentyPresident L’Oréal Professional Products Division, USA

    • The decision on choosing the correct academy to fast track your hairdressing career can be ominous. I think that means hard! LOL. Seriously, as the Artistic Director for Redken, President of Fuel Education and hairdresser for 47 years, I’ve traveled the world, taught and performed in 27 different countries. There is one common thing in the hairdressing industry… your “Learning to Earning” ratio. Simply put, the more you learn and the higher the quality of your learning – the more you earn.
      TSPA is affiliated with education-centric companies like Redken and Fuel Education Systems that train and help to produce the finest TSPA educators with the highest standards of education in the industry – bar none. How does that affect you? The best educators produce the best students. Salon owners want graduates who are salon-area ready with minimal post-academy training.

      TSPA understands your need to be grounded in the Principles of Design, Finish and Color upon entering your first salon. They help ground you in those principles and ready you for that position behind the chair; and TSPA has one of the highest rates of job placement …and after all that is the point, isn’t it

      Chris BaranEducation Artistic Director - Redken

    • As an educator for Redken (and as a working hairdresser), I have trained and worked with thousands of hairdressers in salons and schools all over the nation. No matter where I am, I can always tell a "TSPA" graduate because they are consistently one step ahead of their peers - in skills, professionalism, and customer service.

      Jesse LinaresRedken Artist, Artistic Director - The Studio by Studio Gaven