First Time Contestant Takes Home First Prize
Congratulations to Jeffrey Dufault and Vadre Grigsby
By James Giddings
The excitement bubbling out of Jeffrey Dufault these days is palpable. Having captured the image that won the cover of the California Stylist was an exciting—though unexpected—joy to comprehend.
Why the surprise? Our man Dufault never expected he could win. This was his first year to submit a photo, to the Stylist or anyone else for that matter. Then when the time came to get down to the difficult business of shooting photos, it was all just too easy.
The unexpected easiness started with who he would partner with to create the striking cut and color he had planned. Enter Vadre Grigsby, a fellow Pravana educator and also an amazing makeup artist. When asked, she was happy to join the project. Now what about a model?
Out to L.A. they go looking for a model to capture the bold look the duo was hoping to achieve. Surely, this is where the difficulties would start, right? Enter Kelly Hascup, the gorgeous model you see before you.
Did they find her while scouring through the phonebook for agencies and agents? Well actually... No. While taking a quick break at their hotel this beautiful model walked right by where Dufault happened to be standing. When approached for the job, she was more than happy to join up. Could things really be this easy? When would he wake up from this idyllic dream?.
Surely, the actual photo shoot would present the colossal challenge we all expect to be coming. The other shoe has to drop sometime, doesn’t it? Dufault truly believed it had to. In the months prior to the actual shoot, while preparing financing show and getting things ready, things had gotten a little rocky and discouraging.
Nevertheless, he soldiered on, stuck to his goal and made it through. However, would the good times continue to roll during the actual shoot? or would his worst fear materialize?
Unbelievably, things went splendidly. Dufault knew exactly how the style should look. With Grigsby's skilled hand they created the striking cut and color you see before you. Then Grigsby perfected the tone and color of the skin and makeup.
Their talented photographer, Rebekah Shannon, swung into action, framing the shot perfectly and taking multiple angles to be sure to capture the winning image. Hascup was a joy to work with, modeling every variation of Dufault’s vision with ease. Five poses later their work was done—almost effortlessly.
Is there any chance this winning photo was an accident? Certainly not. The interviewer speaking to Dufault for the Stylist commented, “Speaking with Dufault about haircolor and the work he put into creating the look was like speaking with Steven Hawking about unified field theory. Being the humble layperson, I felt I was in the presence of styling greatness.” The information this 23-year styling veteran imparted about what they did to create the look was thorough, extensive, specific—and quite impressive.
When asked about his salon, Dufault’s Beauty, where he hones his skills and educated others, he spoke passionately about the ideals it embodies. The salon aims to provide the same feel one gets at a five-star hotel or restaurant. Of course, the quality of the cut and color services are held to the highest level. Furthermore, every aspect of the business is continuously being perfected, so that, if possible, every detail brings a sense of satisfaction and value to each person who visits. Their goal is to be sure everyone feels they received more than they paid for at this high-end salon. These professional values contributed greatly to the winning cover you see on this month’s California Stylist.