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SEARCHKim Tran is best known for her babylights, which she calls #Kimlights. See why we chose her to be part of our 2019 MODERN SALON 100.
At MODERN, we often talk about having major hair envy when stylists post work that leaves us feeling like the heart eye emoji. Kim Tran embodies this feeling in nearly every finish she posts, but what also blows us away are Tran’s helpful video tutorials and her willingness to share her tips and tricks with the beauty community.
Kim Tran
Fairfax, Virginia
PR at Partners Tysons Corner McLean, Virginia
Specialty: Balayage and my version of babylights ( I like to call them #Kimlights)
Top-performing post: I would have to say that it was my post of my client Maddy. For our appointment, I had chopped her hair and created a blunt bob and touched up her iced out blonde.
Favorite apps: Phonto, Diptic, Videoshop
I follow: @SalSalHair, @AnhcoTran, @Hairby_Chrissy, @Lo_Wheelerdavis, @Mustinnnn
Pro tip: I personally think it’s a lot about the posing that you ask your client to do! I focus a lot on the hair (of course) but especially on my clients’ facial features and making sure they look good, too.
Fun fact: Baby whisperer lol
My audience follows me because: I think it’s because I’m open to sharing my techniques to the world, and I genuinely want to help everyone.
How social media changed my life: It opened up my eyes to realizing how social media can reach around the world and that we’re all connected in some sort of way! It definitely helped build my book up, and I have people look at my Instagram as my portfolio to book their appointments with me.
My first @modernsalon feature: One of the times was actually the photo I mentioned earlier, my client Maddy. It was probably one of my proudest haircuts that I have ever done on anyone! I was so excited to post my photo because I couldn’t believe how beautiful my client looked (and she is already so gorgeous). I believe it was reposted last year in October when I did her hair. The haircut and color went together so well. At that time, I didn’t do too many short cuts, and after that post, my clients started coming in wanting a shorter style, which was awesome!
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.
