
My First Time: A Razor Cut with Nick Arrojo
In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.
Morgan Thomas's engaging and insightful content makes every stylist feel truly ‘seen’ and keeps us all asking when she’s going to be signed for her own Netflix Special.

Morgan Thomas, on stage and educating.
In 2023, we focused on “A Day in the Life” of beauty pros using an hourly breakdown of their day. In 2024, we’re going with a Q & A format, with some short answer questions, and a peek into the preferences and point-of-view of some of our favorite artists.
Morgan Thomas (@jadebeautyco)is a suite owner and educator residing in the Chicagoland area. She is a Design.Me artist and Oligo Professional Ambassador specializing in lived-in blondes and editorial styling.
Educating throughout the United States and Canada, Thomas says she loves expressing her creativity through innovative color techniques and avant-garde styling looks. From the guests in her chair to the students in her classes, she is dedicated to spreading her passion for the industry and uplifting her beauty community.
Thomas was named MODERN SALON’s Indie Pro Artist of the Year in 2023. She was singled out for this special designation by the team at MODERN SALON because, “she embodies inspiration, laughter, and education, and serves as a remarkable ambassador for our industry to the wider world. Her engaging and insightful content makes every stylist feel truly ‘seen’ and keeps us all asking when she’s going to be signed for her own Netflix Special.”

Morgan Thomas @jadebeautyco
My professional mentors: Nina Tulio, Dawn Bradley, Ben Brown, and Sharon Blaine.
My guilty pleasures: True Crime documentaries (Editor’s Note: You owe it to yourself to watch her Reel “If Color Correction Was a Documentary.”)
My favorite hair product I can’t live without: Design.ME Quickie.Me Dry Shampoo
If I hadn't become a hairdresser I would have been: A nurse.
Every beauty professional should: Practice self-care, whatever that looks like for you!
Most people would be surprised to learn: I can be quite introverted and am a major homebody.
Person whose hair I would love to cut/style/color and why: Zendaya, because she’s an icon and seems like she would be such a fun client.
The best advice I ever received: There is no luck in success, just hard work.
Favorite streaming service: Netflix
Favorite social app: Instagram
Nail polish, gel nails, or natural nails? Dipped polish. And fun fact, dipped polish doesn’t get stained from hair color.
Makeup brushes, beauty sponges, or fingertips? Beauty Sponges, specifically a Beauty Blender.

In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.

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.