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SEARCHJanel Latessa is best known for her custom balayage and foilayage. See why we chose her to be part of our 2019 MODERN SALON 100.
Janel Latessa @hairbyjanellatessa
Janel Latessa @hairbyjanellatessa
Janel Latessa, @hairbyjanellatessa, says that if she wasn’t a hairdresser, she would be a chef. It’s “all about the creativity and art — even when I cook!” Latessa says. Based at JL Hair Artistry, Mayfield Hts., Ohio, Latessa is an ambassador for Product Club and educator for Lakmé.
Janel Latessa
JL Hair Artistry
Mayfield Heights.,Ohio
Specialty: Haircolor, custom balayage and foilayage, blonding and bridal updos/styling
Top-performing post: A before-and-after hair transformation on a new client. She had gray at the new growth, level 4 grown out in the middle and warmer blonde ends. She wanted to be as cool and ashy as possible while covering her three inches of new growth and ending up with a lived-in look through balayage.
Favorite app: FaceTune is great for blurring the background and smoothing the skin. Pic collage for my before-and-after hair transformation photos, so I can have them side-by-side to see the difference in one photo.
I follow: @ashleenormanhair, @coloredbycaitlin, @hairbytabitha, @lisalovesbalayage
Janel Latessa @hairbyjanellatessa
Janel Latessa @hairbyjanellatessa
Pro tip: Lighting! I find that the best lighting is in an overcast or indirect light outside, ideally on a clean background. Also ask your model to wear neutral colors or to bring a jean jacket. People love hair styling tips and information in your post!
Hidden talent: I can flat iron curl a whole head in about 15 minutes.
Fun fact: If I didn’t do hair, I would be a chef. I love to cook and finish each as a beautiful presentation! It’s all about creativity and art, even when I cook.
My audience follows me because: I’ve noticed my Instagram audience/clients enjoy following me for inspiration photos and knowledge. Many come in saying “I saw that you mentioned a violet-based shampoo and coming in regularly for toners. Should I do that!?” It makes me happy they are engaged and paying attention to my posts!
How social media changed my life: It’s helped me grow in the hair industry and gain new clients especially in balayage and blonding since it’s the majority of my posts. I spend more time with clients now and love that I don’t want to rush or double book. I love my work again! I know clients appreciate the extra time too.
My first @modernsalon feature: I remember being at work getting a message on Instagram to check my email. I originally thought it could’ve been spam. I was shocked. It was real! I was asked to give details about one of my transformation hair color photos for MODERN SALON to feature. Immediately I thought in my head “Wow, Janel, you were mad at yourself for going in on Sunday, not taking a day off work and LOOK hard work pays off.” It’s one of my biggest dreams came true!
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.
