
My First Time: A Razor Cut with Nick Arrojo
In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.
Sara Ortega is best known for her bridal updos. See why we chose to make her part of our 2019 MODERN SALON 100.

Sara Ortega @HairSpray_Studio
Sara Ortega @HairSpray_Studio
We first fell in love with Sara Ortega’s work when she entered our Slay Belles styling competition. As a finalist, the San Diego-based artist blew us away in every challenge, and we immediately knew we had to get to know her more. Whether it’s a simple braid or an intricate updo, Ortega has definitely earned her place on the map for seriously stunning styling. We’re so happy to consider her a part of our MODERN family, and we can’t wait to see all she’ll continue to achieve.
Sara Ortega
HairSpray Studio, San Diego
Specialty: Bridal Updos
Top-performing post: My glitter pony and the pink rose bouquet.
Favorite apps: I only use the IG filters to sharpen or bring light to my pictures.
I follow: @theupdogirl, @styles_by_reneemarie, @hairandmakeupbysteph, @BloHaute, @Caraclyne.Bridal

Sara Ortega @HairSpray_Studio
Sara Ortega @HairSpray_Studio
Pro tip: I’m a big fan of captions. I like to write about the season, mood or the feeling my upstyles give me. I like my images to be sharp and have a lot of light.
Hidden talent: I’m an eyebrow freak. No matter how bad your eyebrows are, or if you have no eyebrows, you will once I’m done with you.
Fun fact: I can draw and replicate anything you put in front of me. I also do acrylic painting.
My audience follows me because: No idea!
How social media changed my life: I was able to participate in numerous contests and be a finalist of some. I was able to get noticed by huge magazines and brands.
My first @modernsalon feature: It was June 2018. I posted a picture of some festive buns. It was the best feeling getting that kind of exposure.

In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.

Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.

With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.

Ashley Leoncini believes success in beauty is built through genuine connection, resourcefulness and the willingness to evolve. A bridal specialist with 17 years in the industry, Leoncini has created a career by making clients feel valued, investing in hands-on education and redefining success to include a healthier work-life balance.

Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.

When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.

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.