At MODERN SALON, we are fortunate to collaborate with our sister title, SALON TODAY. Both brands live in the professional beauty world and serve the same community from different angles.

As we prepared this year’s MODERN SALON 100, our annual recognition of standout artists, we invited salon owners to nominate rising stars on their teams. The response was tremendous, filled with heartfelt praise for talented professionals.

Some of these nominees were also selected for the MODERN SALON 100. We wanted to share these lovely notes and nods from owners to spread the love. And because their enthusiasm was such that their submissions were lovely and sometimes very long, the nominations have been edited--but the love is still there.

BRAGGING RIGHTS: SALON OWNERS ON THEIR TEAM MEMBERS

Tiffany Pearl — @oyespa_tiffany_pearl — Nominated by Hitesh Soneji, President, OYESPA
“Tiffany Pearl is the next generation of pro beauty leadership in action. As Associate Director at OYESPA—a role earned through performance, mentorship, and creativity—she delivers cutting-edge color, editorial styling, and advanced education while championing her peers. Tiffany’s platform reflects her commitment to uplifting others, balancing innovation with technical rigor.”

Olivia Mazur — @hairbyyliv — Nominated by Ashley Hogue, Andreas Hogue Salons, Northbrook, IL

“Liv is a young stylist (only 19), but has the ‘old school’ drive and work ethic we’re used to seeing in more mature generations. She comes early, stays late, and bends over backwards for her clients. In just eight months, she was promoted to Level 2 stylist — record time for us. She checks every box: customer service, retention, rebooking, retail, upselling, and most importantly, talent. She’s happiest doing lived-in colors, lightening services, and grey blending, and she’s collaborating with Goldie Locks on content creation.”

Trinity Underwood — @hairby.trinityelizabeth — Nominated by Ally Deering

“She started with our team before going to cosmetology school — it was in her plans from the start. Throughout school, she worked as an assistant, which propelled her confidence and skill. She attends every in-salon education she can, and she handles anything with a sweet smile and a ‘yes’ attitude. Average ticket $160, just over a year behind the chair.”

Triston Clasper — @hair.by.triston — Nominated by Ally Deering
“Cosmetologist and makeup artist specializing in mature-skin, bridal, and drag; a Facebook-forward educator who turns chair-side moments into mini lessons and complimentary touch-ups—helping generate 100+ Google reviews in one month.”

Angela — @hairby.angelaloy — Nominated by Kelly Glester

“Angela, also at our Lakeview location, delivers beautiful work and brings dedication to every guest she serves.”

Evelina — @hairbyevelina.r — Nominated by Kelly Glester

“Evelina is an emerging stylist in Frankfort with strong technique and the ability to make every client feel at ease.”

Jill — @jillmarie.beauty — Nominated by Kelly Glester

“Jill blends artistry with consistency, ensuring every client leaves looking and feeling their best.”

Cora — @coravasquezhair — Nominated by Kelly Glester

“Cora brings both talent and dedication to her work at our Frankfort salon.”

Haley — @haley_doesbeauty — Nominated by Kelly Glester

“Haley is based in Orland Park and is building a steady, loyal clientele with her artistry.”

Reilly — @reillymullinsbeauty — Nominated by Kelly Glester

“Reilly is committed to excellence and client satisfaction, producing consistently beautiful work.”

Sydney — @sydneyvasquezhair — Nominated by Kelly Glester

“Sydney, from Orland Park, is developing her reputation with quality service and attention to detail.”

Jacey — @jaceydoesmyhair — Nominated by Kelly Glester

“Jacey is a fast-emerging stylist whose client-first approach is helping her grow quickly.”

Natalia Alvarez — @coolhairforthepeople — Nominated by Katie Kline, Karen Allen Salon, Temecula, CA

“She’s been with us 13 years and was chosen as one of just 15 stylists in the country for Aveda’s advisory panel. She’s passionate, driven, determined, and delivers five-star guest service every day. She’s also a mentor and leader in our salon.”

Camille Veillon — @_camilles_creations_ — Nominated by Ally Deering

“Camille has personality, people skills, and professionalism. She loves color chemistry, knows products inside and out, and is an outstanding culture keeper. Her eyes are set on becoming a six-figure stylist.”

Caris Ruby — @beautyby.caris — Nominated by Ally Deering

“Quiet storm — she can and does handle any client in her chair. She’s calm, quiet, and makes you lean in. Average home care ticket: $29.”

Lily Galer — @stylesxlily — Nominated by Martha Lynn Kale

“Fastest to complete our apprentice program in salon history. Ambitious, built incredible demand, and even our educators want her to teach a blowout class.”

Olivia ‘Liv’ McIntyre — @liv.did.my.hair — Nominated by Martha Lynn Kale

“Full time on the floor just over a year, putting out beautiful work and building a loyal clientele.”

Emma Spasaro — @emmadelstyles — Nominated by Martha Lynn Kale

“Full time since November; focuses on rebooking and building social media to showcase her work. Also an incredible leader.”

Carlie Melzer — @hairbycarlieanne — Nominated by Martha Lynn Kale

“On the floor since January, steadily building. Won our team-voted culture award.”

Haven Pannell — @havens.chair — Nominated by Martha Lynn Kale

“Just under a year on the floor, putting her head down and doing the work to build quickly.”

Camille Preble — (@cammiepreble) — Nominated by Jordan Becker, INTERLOCKS Salon, Newburyport, MA

“Master Stylist, Master Colorist, and Lead Hair Extension Artist, advancing toward Master Goldwell certification. Known for flawless color formulations, custom transformations, and advanced extensions work. Also a mentor to apprentices.”

Jack Reed — (@jacksbitchinblowouts) — Nominated by Jordan Becker

“Senior Stylist and Colorist with exceptional color placement, cutting finesse, and passion for client education. Will attend Goldwell’s Color Sphere in Milan.”

Brianna Crane — @thesoftmane — Nominated by Kyndell Walter, Genesis Salon and Spa

“Passion for color and flawless blowouts. Newly licensed but had clients lined up as an associate. Natural ability and talent for the industry.”—PUT HER ON THE REAL LIST

Macey Peyregne — @beautybymaceyp — Nominated by Kyndell Walter

“Approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm. Beautiful, classic content that stays in tune with trends.”

Alexis Harper — (@alexis_grayandgrahamsalon) — Nominated by Abbie Crafton, Gray & Graham Salon

“Certified in IBE extensions, exceptional curly hair specialist, and in her second year behind the chair has achieved six-figure success. Goal: to become an educator.”

Meaghan McNulty — @manes.bymeg — Nominated by Allison Bridges, Curl Evolution, Babylon, NY

“Completed her first year and is projecting $135K for next year. Focused on fundamentals, delivering strong curly hair services, and making a name in the curly community.”

Nicole Gutierrez — @hairbyynic — Nominated by Allison Bridges

“Started on the floor in Jan 2025, projecting $114,630 this year. Excels in curly hair, building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service.”

Sydnei Cave — @sydnspirals — Nominated by Wafaya Abdallah, Oasis Salon

“Licensed in Dec 2023, she has loyalty from long-time clients and is on track as a team leader at 24. Brings care, presence, and responsibility to every guest.”

Miche Budin — @curlthings — Nominated by Wafaya Abdallah

“Second-year apprentice who wants to perfect services from the start. Committed to excellence in curls, texture, and color, with a passionate heart for social justice.”

Jennifer ‘Avelina’ Plaud — @avelinashairartistry — Nominated by Tony Anders, Kenneth’s Salons + Day Spas

“An emerging stylist building our texture demographic and involved in product testing. Understands the balance of craft and career-building.”

Shane Gillespie — @shanesheds— Nominated by Liz Arrindell, Luscious & Co

“Started as front desk coordinator, inspired to attend cosmetology school, and returned as a Junior Stylist. Advocate for LGBTQ and neurodivergent clients, creating safe spaces for gender-affirming services.”

Londin Hutchison — @londin.hutchison — Nominated by Jill Hutchison, Jillian’s Salon

“Started at the front desk, then became certified in spray tanning, Jane Iredale makeup, and lashes/brows. Currently in barber school, assists stylists, and helps with head spa services.”

Gabbye Goff — @gabbyegoff — Nominated by Jill Hutchison

“Started at the front desk, certified in spray tanning and makeup, then enrolled in barber school. Assists stylists, helps with head spa, and applies makeup for events.”

Kylie Weston — @k_bbeautiful — Nominated by Mechele Duke

“In year three as a stylist, developing her skills and growing her clientele.”

Lauren Keck — @laurenkeckhair — Nominated by Dana Funk, Studio Gaven

“Former Redken artist, now specializing in mesh integration and hair replacement systems. Associate educator, Kerastase ambassador, and shareholder at Studio Gaven.”

SPA, NAIL & ESTHETICS

Emily McNabb — @beautybymcnabb — Nominated by Tony Anders, Kenneth’s Salons + Day Spas

“One of our fastest-growing estheticians, quickly rose to educator status. Professional, engaging, and a role model for peers and clients.”

Charity Johnson — @ charity.at.kenneths — Nominated by Tony Anders

“Nail technician and educator known for artistry, versatility, and inspiring others without intimidation. A joy to be around and a leader in her spa location.”