Celebrating the Life of Fabio Sementilli

“Our industry can make you a star, a business icon, a community steward or an amazing teacher. But I strongly believe leadership is not about age or experience; leadership is about your attitude and willingness to pay it forward.” – Fabio Sementilli

BTC is heartbroken to report the tragic death of globally-recognized hairdresser, Coty Professional Beauty Vice President of Education and industry icon, Fabio Sementilli, who passed away suddenly Monday evening at his Woodland Hills, Calif. home. He was 49. 

Nicknamed “Big Daddy” by his team and peers, Fabio was a beloved educator, mentor and friend, and today, the entire hairdressing industry is feeling the loss of one of its brightest stars.

As Fabio recently shared on Facebook, he received his cosmetology license 30 years ago. Before joining Wella Professionals, he was an award-winning hairdresser who owned and ran a successful salon with a staff of 75 people. Undoubtedly, his years behind the chair and running a salon gave him a wealth of knowledge to share with so many of us. 

This year would have been Fabio’s 10th year at Wella, and the impact he made on Wella education in those 10 years is undeniable. Fabio was integral in the creation and implementation of the Hairdressers at Heart initiative, the sole purpose of which is to empower hairdressers. 

Whether educating onstage, hosting a local cut-a-thon or mentoring a Hairdressers at Heart scholarship winner, Fabio was a constant inspiration, and the shock of his sudden passing will reverberate throughout our industry for years to come. When we think of Fabio, we think of the sun—a force of nature, a ball of positive energy and passion. You always knew when Fabio was in a room.

Today, as we mourn the loss of a legend, thousands of salon professionals are coming together to remember the life of a father, husband and industry leader that was taken too soon. Here is only a fraction of the ways Fabio has impacted so many of our lives.

 

My heart ?? is heavy for the loss of such an iconic legend!!!! The laughs we had will never be forgotten some of the best memories I’ve had!!!! It was a pleasure to work beside this bundle of joy and that laugh was infectious miss u to the moon and back R.I.P.#fabiosementilli

A photo posted by The HairCrew (@thehaircrew) on Jan 24, 2017 at 8:50am PST

 

R.I.P. My dear mentor and authentic leader! @fabstyle67 I am left without words this morning. The vice president of Coty Professional has just passed away. He was one of the trainers while on Team Canada ???? in Russia. He was as an exemplary man at every level. An ICONE in the hairdressing industry he always had the right words, at the right time! My deepest sympathies go out to his whole family. Things will never be the same again. Fabio had the biggest heart in the industry. I feel privileged to have known him and be guided by him! #fabiosementilli #rip #wella #coty #toronto #behindthechair #modernsalon #stlaurenttrendsstedorothee #academiesophia #laval #hairdressers

A photo posted by Sophia Iannantuono (@sophiaiannantuono) on Jan 24, 2017 at 8:52am PST

 

Remembering a legend today. You’ll be missed. #FabioSementilli

A photo posted by SEVEN | haircare (@sevenhaircare) on Jan 24, 2017 at 8:19am PST

 

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him. You will be miss my friend..wish you safe travel#wella #wellaeducation #alwayswithus ??????

A photo posted by Oscar Blandi (@oscarblandi) on Jan 24, 2017 at 10:27am PST

 

The entire day went by and it does not make it any easier. There are not enough words or time to express the great devastation of a genuine soul that was taken from us too soon, so unexpectedly and so wrongfully. With the heart of gold, passion for life and such an amazing spirit, I will miss the great big bear hugs, infectious laughter and the smile that lit up the room. The mentorship, leadership, support, and the belief in me and everyone to do great things will never be forgotten. Your words were always inspirational and will be with us everyday. Thank you @fabstyle67 #RIP #bigdaddy Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. We will miss you! #wellalife #wellalove #wellafamily #michelleleestyles Thank you @modernsalon for the great #wordsofwisdom from #fabiosementilli

A photo posted by Michelle Lee (@michellelee.styles) on Jan 24, 2017 at 5:41pm PST

 

Just one of many of our amazing times in Europe … Can even put in words of how sad this is to happen to truly one of the most Amazing Men I’m honored to have spent so many great times with …. #wellafamily #fabiosementilli

A photo posted by Brian Cody (@brian_cody) on Jan 24, 2017 at 3:00pm PST

 

I’m in absolute SHOCK.. The world lost a beautiful human being last night. I will miss you Fabio Sementilli. :'( @fabstyle67 #FabioSementilli #TheHairchitect #NekesaMohler #SebastianPro #Wella

A photo posted by Nekesa The Hairchitect (@thehairchitect) on Jan 24, 2017 at 10:23am PST

Fabio is survived by his wife and children and his Wella team. Our hearts are with them all during this time.

“I have been so truly blessed to have been mentored and inspired by the best and to have worked and created alongside so many talented and passionate hairdressers in the salon, backstage and on stages around the world. I’m far from perfect, but I serviced thousands of customers with integrity and made lifelong friends along the way.” – Fabio