
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Meet Peka Grayson (@impekablenails), the Seattle based manicurist known for using the nail to share her art, which many have called "masterpieces."


Peka Grayson
Peka Grayson (@impekablenails) is a Seattle, Washington based manicurist known for using the nail to share her art. Some have called her work "masterpieces" on the tips of the fingers. Most of her nail work is powerful, decorated, bejeweled, long and beautifully shaped - and always has a WOW factor.
Peka Grayson
Impekable Nails, West Seattle, Washington
Specialty: From gel manicured natural nails, to crystal clear or encapsulated extra- long acrylic extensions with custom hand painted photorealism portraits or designer bling.
Followers: 37K
Most viral post: My most viral post would definitely be my custom hand painted “Cardi B – Bodak Yellow – Bling’d Out” set. it was a portrait of Cardi B sticking her tongue out on the middle finger on an encapsulated canary yellow Mylar sculpted stiletto set.
Favorite apps: Boomerang: they’re so much fun if done correctly. Font Candy: my most frequently used app. Without this I wouldn’t be able to watermark my photos. KiraKira: I don’t use filters or photoshop, but this app adds the perfect amount or an “over the top” sparkle to pictures and videos.
Favorite hashtags: #ImpekableNails #Love #Art
I follow: @badgalriri@beyonce@erykahbadu@riconasty@Leximartone
Pro tips: I personally love natural poses and in natural settings. I like to find the perfect amount of shade and light with a solid or natural textured back ground.
Hidden talent (beauty-related): I am a dual licensed Cosmetologist-Manicurist. I started as a beauty professional as a Cosmetologist and it was fun doing hair, but it didn’t fulfill me. I remember at a point in school when I had all my requirements done I told the front desk no more appointments. I’ll be in the break room polishing nails.
Hidden talent: My heart belongs to art in all forms. I love photorealism, and self-expressive pieces. I enjoy drawing, and painting on all types of canvases. I can do custom designed shoes, crystalizing accessories, and so much more.
How social media changed my life: Being able to show my work and share my energy with the world continues to elevate my life and business in so many ways. I have been given many opportunities by sharing what I love to do, and being able to connect and network with other professionals and those who support Impekable Nails. I have inspired many not only to do nails but to do what they love with an unapologetic certainty.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: My most recent feature in Modern Salon was another viral set. It was my custom neon green, glow in the dark, encapsulated real snake skin tipped, sculpted sharp stilettos. They didn’t have to be in the dark to glow so they would glow everywhere.
See the full 2018 MODERN SALON 100 here!

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.