Eugene Cardamone
Gene’s career path as a leading cosmetology professional has taken him all over the world. After completing his cosmetology education and apprenticeship, he traveled extensively across Europe representing some of the most prominent beauty product manufacturers including Redkin, L'Oreal, Wella, and Schwarzkopf.
Mr. Cardamone has also led numerous platform demonstrations in color techniques and hairdressing basics to thousands of stylists and potential hairdressing students. He has produced multiple beauty shows at nightclubs, fashion shows, and country clubs; and has conducted advanced educational training programs for leading beauty product manufacturers as well as international training seminars with the Shear Ego International School Artistic team.
Gene’s progressive style of education and training caught the attention of the Rochester beauty community and the demand for his type of advanced stylists increased. In 1986, he responded to the call by establishing the Shear Ego International School. The creation of the Shear Ego International School came from Gene’s desire to give back to an industry that has served him well over his career.
“With each class, we strive for excellence and we aim to provide students who are interested in the beauty or barber-stylist professions with a quality education that provides the opportunity to excel in an industry that is both stimulating and rewarding.”
William Paparella
As Artistic Director, William brings a global perspective and a deep passion for both the technical and human sides of hairdressing. Born into a family of salon owners in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with roots in Italy, William was immersed in the world of hairdressing from a young age. His career spans over four decades, during which he has honed his craft across Italy, Spain, England, and the U.S.
William’s role as Artistic Director is defined by his commitment to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of stylists. He believes in sharing knowledge rather than merely teaching, and he customizes his approach to meet the unique needs of each student. His goal is to foster creativity while guiding students to become well-rounded professionals ready for the challenges of a dynamic industry.
William's leadership is characterized by his ability to stay ahead of trends and his dedication to creating an environment where both students and clients thrive. His deep understanding of people and passion for education make him an invaluable asset to the institution.
