Monroe Stylist a Semi-Finalist in the Goldwell Color Zoom Challenge

Darren Reitberg, the owner of Salon DARIN at 435 Main Street in Monroe, had entered the Goldwell Color Zoom Challenge four times with no response, before advancing in the creative hair coloring contest this summer.

"This year I received a phone call from the president of Goldwell congratulating me on being a semi-finalist in the Global Partner Category," Reitberg said.

Though it took five tries to advance in the international contest, Reitberg said he felt confident this time around.

"You learn from your past experiences," he said. "Honestly, I knew this was my year. I wasn't surprised. I felt really good about it, because it was my best work. It felt right."

The category is open to all stylists who have worked for the Goldwell brand team as a freelancer, trainer or guest artist, using Topchic, Colorance, Elumen and/or Nectaya for their color creations.

A national winner will be chosen for each category based on the beauty shots entered. All national winners will be invited to participate at the international live hands-on competition in Los Angeles in October 2013.

Breanne Milyo, a stylist at Salon DARIN, modeled for Reitberg's beauty shot and and the two will compete together in Los Angeles if he advances.

Industry representatives from Germany are doing the judging this year and Reitberg expects to hear a decision on the finalists by July 15.

What Could He Win?

If Reitberg makes it to and wins the live, hands-on competition in L.A., he will be awarded the title of Global Partner Colorist.

He would become a member of the new international Color Zoom Creative Team that will create the next Color Zoom Collection 2015. His work on the Creative Team would be part of the international PR-campaign for Color Zoom 2015.

In addition to the Awards Party, Reitberg would experience first and exclusively the launch of the Color Zoom Collection 2014, and have the opportunity to join inspiring "Look & Learn" seminars.

Finalists will receive a $1,000 cash award and two training/mentoring sessions at a Kao USA Inc. Academy facility, including round-trip airfare and one night's hotel stay.