
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.
There are thousands of powerful, personal salon success stories happening every day throughout the Salon at Ulta Beauty. Here’s an inspiring one—watch for more online and on social media, and inside special editions of insideLOOK!


There are thousands of powerful, personal salon success stories happening every day throughout the Salon at Ulta Beauty. Here’s an inspiring one—watch for more online and on social media, and inside special editions of insideLOOK!
JESSICA WELCH
Elite Stylist, Brooksville, FL
Years with Ulta Beauty: 3
Career journey: After 13 years of doing hair and working at small salons doing haircuts for less than $10, I never thought that after just three years with Ulta I would grow to being an Elite stylist averaging almost $2,800 per week.
I had been in a challenging personal situation, but my first few months surrounded by generous, independent Ulta leaders, I knew I could work hard, be a strong single mother and did not have to accept a life of anxiety.
I was promoted to Salon Manager and was able to save money, buy a home, build security. As the salon and team grew, I realized my own book was overwhelmed, and I was missing my daughter. I made the executive decision to step down from management. Ulta leadership was supportive and by working smart, I met a challenge to level jump to Master Stylist to increase income. Later, as family expenses went up again, thankfully there was more great Ulta training as part of our new services program, and I soon earned a promotion all the way to Elite.
I am proud to be a provider and role model to my daughter. I showed her that being a salon professional is more than cutting hair and making tips, it’s a world of opportunity to grow and prove you can succeed in anything you love to do.
If it wasn’t for Ulta’s support and what the company has offered me, I would never be where I am. I am thankful for people at Ulta who held my hand and motivated me to keep fighting. I now have savings, a 401k and benefits for my daughter and me.
Check out the Salon at Ulta Beauty near you. Ask the salon manager for more info on local—and free!—Ulta Academy education and events. Apply at careers.ulta.com
LEARN MORE:

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.