
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
She serves as the primary stylist on all of Beyoncé’s film, television, and music projects, in addition to working with celebrities like Zendaya, Taraji P. Henson, Shakira, and Mary J. Blige. Get to know what inspires her.

Kim Kimble, celebrity hairstylist, beauty expert, and entrepreneur, is a third-generation stylist who started as a “shampoo girl” in her family’s Los Angeles salon. “Being a stylist is in my blood,” she says.
In 1995, Kim Kimble opened her first salon, Phaze II, in Los Angeles, which has since expanded to a West Hollywood location. Her big break into entertainment came when she was hired as key hair stylist on the movie B*A*P*S starring Halle Berry. The elaborate hairpieces she designed for the film captured the attention of Hollywood executives and talent. Since that time, she has continued to work in television, on music videos, ad campaigns, and films. She serves as the primary stylist on all of Beyoncé’s film, television, and music projects, in addition to working with celebrities like Zendaya, Taraji P. Henson, Shakira, and Mary J. Blige.
Her work has been featured in the pages of Vanity Fair,Allure and Vogue, and she has worked with renowned fashion photographers Patrick Demarchelier, David LaChapelle, Gilles Bensimon, Mario Testino and Annie Leibovitz. In front of the camera, she has been a hair expert on many shows, while also starring in the reality show LA Hair, which recently completed its fifth season on WE TV.
What I’m known for: I am a celebrity hair stylist working in the entertainment industry and I am also an entrepreneur manufacturing hair care products, wigs, extensions, and tools.
Favorite item in my wardrobe: My jeweled Gucci Tennis shoes!
Favorite era in fashion: The 70s. I absolutely love bell bottoms and the boho look.
My professional inspiration: Madam C.J. Walker (an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist ) and Annie Malone (an American businesswoman, inventor and philanthropist thought to be one of the first African American women to become a millionaire).
My guilty pleasure: I love binge watching Netflix and reality tv shows.
If I hadn't become a hairdresser: I would have either become a chef or fashion designer.
Every beauty professional should: have a passion for the industry.
Most people would be surprised to learn this about me: I love soft rock bands from the 70s and 80s.
Person whose hair I would love to style and why: Janet Jackson, she's my hair icon. It would be a dream to do her hair.
The thing that is getting me through these crazy, COVID-19 times: My spirituality. It keeps me grounded and sane.

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.

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.