
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
See what a day in the life of an Ulta Beauty Elite Stylist and Design Team Member looks like! Follow Bianca Donahue as she takes us through her whole day.

Bianca Donahue (@biancad.beauty), an accomplished Ulta Beauty Elite Stylist of Rockford, IL, has an illustrious career that takes her all over the country. Donahue is an important member of the talented Ulta Beauty Design Team, named 2022 NAHA Team of the Year, which means she gets to work on a wide array of special hair projects as she travels across the U.S. A master of all things curls, color and extensions, she loves taking care of her home clients, too.
Join us as we explore a day in Bianca Donahue's life:
6:15-6:30 AM: I wake up around this time to get my kids ready for school and start my day.
7:30 AM: This is school time and it’s time to drop off three out of my four kids.
8:00-10:00 AM: I usually use this time to feed my two year old breakfast, make my coffee, shower, and prepare for work. Also, some days are less chaotic than others and I’ll squeeze a 15-20 minute workout in here as well.
10:15 AM: It’s time to head to the salon. My rides to work are typically uplifting and motivational to help me mentally prepare for the day ahead.
10:30-11:00 AM: I arrive at work and spend the first 15 mins preparing for my guests, I also print out and review my daily appointment schedule. This allows me to track my guests and helps me achieve my monetary goals.
11:00 AM-2:00 PM: I'm usually doing quick services to prepare for my evening rush.
2:30 PM: I’m taking lunch around this time. As any hairstylist, I’ve learned to eat with urgency. TV dinners, leftovers, and quick Target runs to grab whatever is most convenient is how I usually spend my lunch.
3:00-7:30 PM: This is typically my busiest part of the day. After-school or work guests love these apppointment spots (This is why I take an early lunch.)
7:30 PM: Around this time I’m sanitizing and cleaning the salon, and then it’s time to clock out and head home.
8:00 PM: My family has probably eaten dinner by now, so I either have leftovers or eat what’s most convenient for the day's festivities.
9:00-11:00 PM: I use this time to reflect on the day. Taking a shower, reading, and watching a movie are all things I do for quick self-care after a busy day in the salon. I’ll also spend about 15 minutes creating a to do list for the day or weeks approaching. Usually by 11 PM I’m ready to shut my eyes and prepare to do it all again tomorrow!

Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.

With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.

Ashley Leoncini believes success in beauty is built through genuine connection, resourcefulness and the willingness to evolve. A bridal specialist with 17 years in the industry, Leoncini has created a career by making clients feel valued, investing in hands-on education and redefining success to include a healthier work-life balance.

Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.

When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.

Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.

Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.

Erin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.

North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.

For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.

Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.

Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.

For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.

Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.

Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.

For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.

Transformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.