With more than 40 years in the beauty industry, Sam Villa has collected many titles throughout his career. He’s Redken's Global Artistic Ambassador, he’s started his own company, Sam Villa Hair, he’s a world-traveling educator, and he’s been nothing short of an inspiration, leader and icon to stylists everywhere.

There is one thing he’ll say he isn’t though—he’s never claimed to be an inventor. Instead, he calls himself both a student and a teacher with an unwavering passion for education. “My goal has never been about being successful,” Sam says. “I just always want to…