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SEARCHSai Phet is best known for his freehand painting. See why we chose to make her part of our 20189 MODERN SALON 100.
Sai Phet @HairbySaiPhetkhosa
Sai Phet @HairbySaiPhetkhosa
We love when we find an artist whose work is not only stunning, but whose personality also makes us smile. Milwaukee artist Saiphet Khosa does an excellent job of educating his followers on color formulas and techniques while also giving us a sneak peek on who he is as a person. His humble and hardworking attitude have definitely caught (and kept) our attention.
Phonexay Phetkhosa (known as Sai Phet)
Hair by Sai Phet LLC, Milwaukee
Specialty: Freehand painting/ balayage/ foil to balayage master/ dimensional balayage specialist
Top-performing post: The post was in 2016 when I just finish my apprenticeship. I was new to Instagram and didn’t even know anything about hashtags. I just loved doing hair, and at the time that’s all that mattered. I posted a picture of my client going from light to dark. The post got more than 2.1k likes and more than 42 comments. I thought that was pretty damn good for someone who only had 342 followers at the time. The photo went viral. It ended up on several big accounts. Four years later, the photo is still being shared.
Favorite apps: I love Splice for all my editor videos. You can even do voiceovers with the app. Photo Grid or Splitpic for all my before and after photos. I also use Snapseed to help blur out the background of my photos
I follow: @bridget.house @korenlcartwright @Ginaatkinson @ellavationlounge @Katsalista
Sai Phet @HairbySaiPhetkhosa
Sai Phet @HairbySaiPhetkhosa
Pro tip: My best advice is that posting at the right time matters. Having a good amount of hashtags people are most likely to look up helps a lot, but what’s the most important is the artistry of the hair. Creating something unique and different. If I’m scrolling, the only thing that is going to stop me is a photo of someone’s hair that is unique, vibrant and perfectly styled. Yes, you can create great content using a camera phone, but if you have the money, invest in a pro camera. This is a business investment, and the way I see it is you only have one chance for someone scrolling past your content. Shooting at the right time of day is so important. If the sun is at its highest point you want to shoot underneath a shaded area. If you’re inside, shoot in front of a window. Don’t be afraid to get creative. It all comes down to just putting out unique work that defines you.
Hidden talent: When I first started, I got into the cosmetology. I did strictly men haircuts for the first three years. Now I mainly specialize in women’s color. Not many people know I have a skill in creating artistic men’s hairstyles.
Fun fact: When I was a teen, I actually wanted to be a music artist. On occasion, I’ll write music or rap lyrics. I also grew up around cars, so I fix everything on my own cars.
My audience follows me because: I truly think every day we’re all searching for a piece of ourselves that we are missing. It takes trying new things and venturing out to discover yourself. My followers have watched me start from the bottom. Working at a smalltown chain salon to where I am today. They’ve watched me cry and go through life just like them. I have always been transparent and authentic to my followers, and they can relate to everything I talk about. My account is about lifestyle and hair. I think hair is a blessing, but it amazing when you connect beyond that as well.
How social media changed my life: There is a lot of negativity that comes with social media, but all the positives outweigh it. I would have never have met the people I know today if I didn’t have social media. I’ve met so many amazing people and discovered so much things about myself. I’ve gone places I wouldn’t have without social media. It has definitely opened my eyes to a new world.
My first @modernsalon feature: It’s been so long I honestly don’t remember. All I know is I was screaming at my phone “omg who me! How is this even possible?” I couldn’t believe a smalltown stylist from Wisconsin was getting a little shine on such a big platform. I do recall when I worked so hard on taking a platinum card client to a dimension blonde. It was one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever done. I recall working on her for over eight hours. I remember brushing out the curls outside as the sun started to go down. Taking the photos with my Sony camera. As I took a look at how the photos were coming, I knew instantly these photos were going to be featured somewhere. My heart was so warm that day. I absolute love my job and all that comes with it.
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.
