Stephen Adams

Stephen Adams is a highly respected hair educator, business strategist, and creative leader with over 30 years of experience in the beauty and cosmetology industry. As the co-owner of Moxie Hair Salon, founder of Beauty Certified Education Association, and principal educator at Axcelr8Academy.

Stephen Adams is a highly respected hair educator, esteemed business strategist, and innovative creative leader with over 33 years of extensive experience firmly rooted in the beauty and cosmetology industry. As the Founder and co-owner of Moxie Hair Salon—established in 1999—along with founding the Beauty Certified Education Association in 2012, and serving as the principal educator at Axcelr8 Academy since its inception in 2022, Stephen has established a remarkable reputation for elevating industry standards through his commitment to innovative education, strategic business development, and adept brand management. His expertise encompasses not only hair cutting and coloring but also salon operations, positioning him as a trusted mentor to stylists and salon professionals across the nation.

Stephen’s illustrious career is defined by his unwavering dedication to education. He has worked as a national and international educator, collaborating with esteemed brands such as Aveda, Paul Mitchell, and Arrojo. It was during this vital stage in his career that he began to train stylists at various experience levels. Renowned for his remarkable creativity and precision, he has mastered the art of crafting exquisite hairstyles using a razor. As the acclaimed Nick Arrojo aptly states, “Stephen is a Wizard; he can do everything—Amazing Cuts, Beautiful Colors, and he is also proficient in styling hair." His versatility allows him to excel in all areas, but his greatest strengths lie in hair cutting and color chemistry.

As a Coach, Mentor, Creative, and Education Director, Stephen has played a pivotal role in restructuring educational programs for several salons. He has also helped to develop strategic recruiting initiatives while directly recruiting and training new stylists. Moreover, he has led dynamic marketing campaigns and partnered with national educators to deliver cutting-edge training sessions. Stephen’s unwavering dedication to inspiring creativity and facilitating growth within the beauty industry has cemented his status as a highly sought-after educator and leader, helping professionals refine their craft, expand their businesses, and achieve enduring success.