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SEARCHConnie Holmes has done it all—stylist, salon owner, manager, educator, platform artist, artistic director. But sometimes the unexpected happens.
During her 32 years as a stylist, Connie Holmes has done it all—stylist, salon owner, manager, educator, platform artist, artistic director. But sometimes the unexpected happens, and after a divorce that left her starting over, she remarried and moved from Oklahoma to Arlington, TX, looking for a job. At the Salon by InStyle she discovered a place where she could care for her clients her own way, mentor a new generation of artists and continue to grow in the profession she loves.
RESPECT
“One of the things that struck me immediately about working for this company is you’re not a number,” says Connie. “They treat everyone like a professional and they treat everyone with respect, as an individual. They want to see you move up and grow. You don’t find that in many other companies, but here, it’s the nature of the culture.”
THE DAY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
“A long-time client came in and asked me for something more trendy than usual,” Connie remembers. “So we gave her a fabulous cut. On her way out, she said, ‘Connie, I love you and today you made me feel more special and beautiful than ever.’ She went home to have lunch with ‘Daddy,’ her husband, and later that day she passed away. Her last words to me were about how I made her feel and that’s when I understood it’s not only the quality of work but the quality of the experience that touches your client.”
NURTURE THE NEXT GENERATION
“My passion is for young, upcoming stylists,” says Connie, “and I have a thirst to share and empower. At this company, I can mentor in my salon and maybe eventually as an educator. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - that is to have succeeded”
WHY I BELONG @THE SALON BY INSTYLE
“It elevates me. I feel important. I have the flexibility to be a daughter, to be a wife. I have the flexibility to spread my wings. At the same time, I have security. I always tell young stylists, ‘Why fly with crows when you can soar with the eagles at the Salon by InStyle?’”
More Salon by InStyle associates share their #IBELONGinbeauty stories:
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.
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.
