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SEARCHErin Cheney is known for sharing tips and tricks on her page, @hairbyerinc. See why we made her part of the 2019 MODERN SALON 100.
Erin Cheney, a stylist and colorist out of Huntington Beach, California, is an incredible braider and balayager, and she also shares weekly hair tips and tricks on her Instagram Stories to help share her skills with the world. When she placed in a recent MODERN SALON styling contest, Cheney says it helped amplify her exposure and boost her motivation to keep pushing herself in the hair universe.
Erin Cheney
Huntington Beach, California
Opal Hair Studio
Specialty: Balayage, boho braids, textured bobs
Top-performing post: My most engaged post was a styled, vibrant look. I used Pulpriot colors in a few of their purple shades and styled a “festival” inspired look. The look included braids, twists and small silver hoops. I utilized my neighbor’s cactus for the background of the post since my inspiration was the boho-desert vibe.
Favorite apps: Snapseed because I love the ability to whiten and brighten my photo’s background, which makes the unedited, unfiltered hair pop; Instasize is great for sizing within the Instagram frame if the picture isn’t “Instagram” sized.
I follow: @michellehair, @kellynaso, @heatherchapmanhair, @lo_wheelerdavis, @georgecolorboygeo
Pro tip: Hashtagging should be specific to your end goal. If your goal is to get new clients in your chair, hashtag accordingly to your city and surrounding cities. If your goal is to engage with other hair stylists and industry professionals, hashtag specific techniques such as #warmbalayage.
Hidden talent: I love cutting pixies and shorter hair, but I always forget to photograph them.
Fun fact: I can sing.
My audience follows me because: I try to post a variety of hair content between cuts, colors and styling. I post weekly hair tips and tricks on my Instagram Stories, which I hope are helpful and useful.
How social media changed my life: In 2009, I remember our instructors telling us it was going to be tough to build a clientele in the current economy. They were right, it was tough, but I persevered. Facebook was a game changer because I posted every opening I had available just to fill empty spots in my chair. My Facebook friends started to tag their friends and family who started booking appointments with me and the domino effect eventually happened. Facebook had become the new “word of mouth.” Instagram’s popularity came to surface a few years after Facebook and I created my @hairbyerinc account. I began using Instagram to post client photos as often as I could. I studied the patterns of hashtags and photography styling until I found the right ones that worked for me. Once I figured out the hashtag game, numerous appointment requests came in saying, “I found you on Instagram…” I realized just how many people were coming to me solely from my posting on Instagram! I am so thankful for both Facebook and Instagram. I truly feel building my clientele would have been difficult without their platforms. The social media world has revolutionized the hair industry and I am glad to be a part of the movement.
My first @modernsalon feature: I remember being completely stunned! In June 2017, I submitted some last-minute entries to the Balayage & Boho contest. I was notified in July that I had made the top ten semifinalists of the contest. I opened the email while I was at work and could barely read it out loud to my coworkers. It was the best shock I’ve ever felt! I am so glad I entered that contest because it has inspired me to step up everything else I do in my hair universe.
Click here to the 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.
