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.

  • Kristen Kohl – Owner and President

    Kristen Kohl has been a successful entrepreneur in Florida for over 25 years. She has extensive experience in real estate, property management, and the beauty industry, and is president of three post-secondary schools that work with federal agencies. With a wide background in all facets of business, her strengths are business management, team building, budgeting and overall compliance, and regulatory and finance obligations. She loves to explore new opportunities for the community and find the right team members to put her dream into action.
    Kristen was born in Greece to a native Greek mother and an American father who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. After graduating high school, she attended the University of Milwaukee for business administration. In 1990, she moved to Florida and earned her optician’s license.
    Her first venture as an entrepreneur was purchasing her mother’s salon, after only three months of working there. By 1998, she had built and designed the Imperial Salon and Spa in Suntree, Florida. The upscale 10,000-square-foot salon was the first of its kind in Brevard County.
    In 2010, Kristen opened her second location, Imperial Salon and Spa II in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. Only a year later, she opened her first post-secondary cosmetology academy, The Salon Professional Academy located in Melbourne, Florida. In 2017, she opened The Salon Professional Academy in Delray Beach, Florida, and in 2019, she opened the Elevate Salon Institute in South Beach, Florida.
    In opening these schools, Kristen worked with several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Education, National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), the Florida Department of Education, and the Veteran’s Administration. The schools are fully accredited and offer financial aid and scholarships.
    Kristen continues to pursue her entrepreneurial goals. Most recently, in 2020, she opened her first luxurious riverfront resort in Cocoa Beach for family getaways, retreats, and weddings.
    Kristen believes in giving back to the community. Her passion is Promise of Brevard, an organization that empowers people with cognitive and physical disabilities to gain independence in their lives. During the catastrophic hurricanes in the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas, she organized a drive to gather and ship supplies to those in need.
    COVID-19 has also made a huge impact on Kristen’s life and organizations. She has worked to increase access to effective and affordable rapid testing, which will allow people to feel safe and to overcome their fear and anxiety of being exposed to the virus.
    Kristen is grateful for the mentors who have taught her the value of perseverance and remaining positive through all of life’s challenges. Her advise to those seeking purpose in their lives is to “Find your passion, which is your most important responsibility. Once you do, be diligent, forthright, and focused. It’s called living in your purpose… the sweet spot!”

    Cindi Johnson – Compliance Financial Regulatory Officer

    Cindi began her career in the beauty industry in early 2013 as the Business Manager for The Salon Professional Academy. She has a B.S.B.A. from the University of Arkansas and a passion for Education. She was quickly promoted and has served the school in various roles. In November 2018 she was promoted to the Compliance Financial Regulatory Officer over our 3 locations.

    Jeannie McCallan - Director of Admissions

    Jennifer Turbeville- Director of Financial Aid

    Jennifer started her career at TSPA Melbourne in April 2019. She comes to the Academy with a B.A. from The University of Central Florida. She started her professional career as an educator for middle/high school students in Orlando, FL. She relocated to Brevard County as a Child Abuse Investigator which led her to becoming a Law Enforcement Officer. Her investment in education has been a continuous theme throughout her career and she continuous to impact students as the Director of Financial Aid.

    Renee Miller - Director of Education

    Renee has not only worked behind the chair; she has also been a salon owner. Renee believes in continuing education in this industry and was fortunate enough to have travelled far and wide to receive the education and knowledge she now owns.
    Renee started in this industry as she saw that it is always evolving and therefore provides a lifetime of learning and growth. She takes enormous pride in her fair assessment of all students. Her reward as an instructor is seeing her students grow on a personal and professional level.

    Pedro Torres - Lead Educator

  • 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.”

    • It all started with a choice and in 2012 TSPA was the clear answer. I was able to work full time and go to school full time. Now I have a career I can be proud of and it's all thanks to TSPA.

      - Shanel WilloughbyTSPA Alumni

    • I LOVE TSPA! I was the first Melbourne, Fl., TSPA graduate in February 2012. TSPA was truly a awesome experience for me, it helped me to dive into my professionalism, gain confidence, and realize my self worth behind the chair. Meanwhile, gaining knowledge about all the TOP 10 tips, Redken color, product and techniques. TSPA is a great stepping stone to the stylist world an has blossomed me into a rockstar artist. If you love what you do you never work a day in your life, challenge yourself!

      - Kyera Briggs, Dec. 2014TSPA Alumni

    • In 2013 I decided to attend The Salon Professional Academy and my entire life changed for the better. It was a struggle walking more than an hour over the causeway to attend school every day. I pushed myself harder than ever to become one of the top students at TSPA and shine above the rest. Before TSPA I didn't have much going for myself at the time. I was living on my best friend’s floor out of a small bag. I can say now I'm doing very well for myself, I'm driving a brand new car and just signed my lease for my new apartment. TSPA showed me how to be the best hairdresser I can be. I do fabulous hair and nails at Imperial Salon and Spa and can't wait to grow with this company and become a Redken platform artist someday. I owe my new career and life to TSPA and will forever be a Redken lover.

      - Jason MartinezTSPA Alumni

    • “TSPA to me was truly life changing. When I enrolled I had already previously attended multiple colleges including UCF for hospitality management and a Bible college in Hawaii. At the time I had no idea what I wanted to do for a profession but I always felt a sense of artistic creativity within me that I had not tapped into yet. TSPA gave me the foundation as a hair stylist to tap into that creative side. Just as important TSPA also gave me the foundation to become a professional in the industry which I define as someone who is able to take their artistic side and turn it into something that is truly a career in life. With the knowledge gained and the connections made I was able to become a level 4 hairstylist, build a full book, and now work for the leading color company in the world which is Redken.”

      - Richie WermuthTSPA Alumni

    • “The Salon Professional Academy truly has changed my life and made my dreams a reality! I am forever grateful for the wisdom and instruction I gained throughout my time at the academy.
      To anyone who has dreamed of a career in the beauty industry, don't wait!!!”

      - Joy EllisTSPA Alumni

    • “The Salon Professional Academy Melbourne truly exceeded my expectations with becoming a salon professional. I was prepared in business skills and growing my business going into my career as a cosmetologist. I am now almost two years out of The Salon Professional Academy and the level of professionalism and technical ability exceeds most, comparatively speaking. I am proud to say that I have achieved a Level 2 Stylist position at a high end Summit Salon. TSPA was a fun and inspiring environment and I highly recommend it for future professionals of our industry.”

      - Kara CafeoTSPA Alumni

    • “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