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SEARCHMorgan Abernathy is best known for her reds and jewel tones. See why we chose her to be part of our 2019 MODERN SALON 100.
Morgan Abernathy, a colorist in Charlotte, North Carolina, says launching her Instagram page breathed new life into her craft—in addition to being pickier about the clientele she now services at Studio Chaos. Her audience loves to follow her not only for her beautiful reds and jewel-toned effects but also for her “keeping it real” approach to the industry and real connections she makes with her community. Fun fact? She’s also a writer and working on her very own romance novel!
Morgan Abernathy
Studio Chaos, Charlotte, North Carolina
Specialty: Reds and jewel-tones
Top-performing post: A fiery red melt topped with a ruby crown
Favorite apps: SnapSeed is my go-to for all editing purposes. Vee for video and music selection.
I follow: @hairbymisskellyo @hair_princess_steph @AdlyDesign @jaywesleyolson @Doug_Theo
Pro tip: Taking outdoor photos is best with indirect sunlight to illuminate, without too harsh of lighting. Direct sunlight is a no-no, hair is too shiny and reflects light instead of receiving light.
Hidden talent: I don’t offer it in my services anymore because color has taken over my life, but I can wax perfect brows with my eyes closed.
Fun fact: I write! I’m actually writing a romance.
My audience follows me because: I’ve been told my work is aesthetically pleasing and that everyone loves my attitude. I’m not above keeping it real—but in a nice way.
How social media changed my life: Social media breathed life back into my craft. It’s allowed me to be pickier about my clientele and where I want to take my business instead of taking what walks off the street.
My first @modernsalon feature: The first time MODERN SALON posted one of my photos I shed tears. I didn’t know what was happening: I opened up Instagram and had crazy notifications and DMs. I was really confused then someone sent me my photo on @modernsalon and I couldn’t believe It. It was a huge transformation I had just done along with my caption telling everyone about the struggles of going from complete correction to white. On top of that, I had just started my hair crystal business and she was wearing one of my crowns. So, it not only changed the game for my professional Instagram but it put my crystal business on the map as well.
Click here to see the full list of this year's MODERN SALON 100.
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.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Caidy Brasure's perspective on specializing in editorial and special occasion styling.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Shonda Harvey-Gayle's perspective on specializing in extensions.
