Beauty Bosses: Jason Backe and Ted Gibson, Cofounders of STARRING by Ted Gibson

Jason Backe & Ted Gibson. [Photo by Brad Mitchell Cohen]

Our latest Beauty Bosses are Jason Backe and Ted Gibson, cofounders of STARRING by Ted Gibson Salon and co-creators of STARRING by Ted Gibson—a professional luxury line of hair care that is editorially driven to build confidence and create great hair. Backe is one of the most sought-after celebrity colorists in New York and Los Angeles, while Gibson is a longtime celebrity stylist whose work has graced countless magazine covers and has styled the tresses of Debra Messing, Gabrielle Union, and more.

The business partners (who are also a married couple) opened the world’s first smart salon powered by Amazon and Alexa in 2019. The Los Angeles-based salon is equipped with innovations and unique technology designed to minimize contact and offer convenience and safety to clients in a luxurious and stylish environment.

The salon is also cashless, features voice-commanded technology, provides individualized experiences in individualized clouds (pods), doesn’t have a front desk or assistants, and doesn’t carry any in-store inventory—all products are available for purchase through the salon’s booking platform or Amazon, which will then be shipped directly to clients’ homes.

We spoke with Backe and Gibson, who shared their favorite beauty and wellness tips, best advice, favorite ways to relax, and more. 

When did Starring by Ted Gibson Salon open and when was the product line founded? What’s the meaning behind the name “Starring?”

Ted & Jason: We opened in April 2019 and the product line was launched in September 2018. “Starring” is a recognition of everyone’s star potential. We all have Starring moments: a graduation, a wedding, a new job, a big date, and so forth. Whatever your starring moment is, we have the product and service to help you celebrate it.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

Ted & Jason: We created Starring by evaluating the things we love in the beauty business and things we less than love. We built a salon and launched a product that fill those gaps.

Starring by Ted Gibson Salon in Los Angeles is the world’s first smart salon powered by Amazon and Alexa.

Does Starring have a hero product?

Ted & Jason: Shooting Star Texture Meringue.

Where is Starring sold?

Ted & Jason: Amazon, Violet Grey, and New London Pharmacy.

Future plans for the brand and salon?

Ted & Jason: We have five formulas ready to go. We aim to expand the line. We are also interested in multiple salon locations as a franchise to bring the smart salon concept to cities around the country and world.

Who inspires you?

Ted: Jason inspires me.

Jason: Ted inspires me.

Starring by Ted Gibson Shooting Star Texture Meringue ($52) is a non-sticky mousse-foam hybrid that is incredibly light yet has a powerful hold.

Secrets to success?

Ted: Perseverance—getting up even when I don’t want to.

Jason: I work hard, trust my gut, and surround myself with people who know more than me.

Beauty secrets?

Ted: Drink lots of water…and Botox.

Jason: Botox, a little filler, coloring my beard, eating well, and exercising regularly.

Wellness tips?

Ted: Meditation for 15 minutes, reading for 15 minutes, and getting in touch with my source.

Jason: Drink water, work out, and get good sleep.

Best advice?

Ted: Know your worth.

Jason: Say “yes” to as much as possible. It’s a big world with a lot to do and see. Get out there, do it and see it!

Favorite way to relax?

Ted: I love TV and movies!

Jason: By the pool at our house in Palm Springs. 

For more information, visit the salon’s website and follow them on Instagram: @starring @tedgibson @jasonbacke

[Images courtesy of Jason Backe & Ted Gibson]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk