Erica Keelen (@ericakeelen_hair_love) of Studio Sage, Jacksonville Beach, Florida, adds the word "competition" to the list of her specialties. She should! The salon owner and colorist has entered many industry contests, winning or placing in most. In addition to grabbing a spot as semi-finalist in NAHA in 2015, Keelen won the ColorTrak "Summer Of Color" competition in 2016, earning a spot at MODERN's photoshoot workshop, ARTIST SESSION. Her 29K followers are treated to more than 1200 posts of powerful fashion melts and transformations. Believing education is the backbone of success, Keelen travels the country teaching the latest in trend, placement and technique.
@ericakeelen_hair_love
Studio Sage, Jacksonvillle Beach, Florida
Specialty: Hair color and competition
Followers: 29K
Most viral post: In 2015 I won the “Pravana Show Us Your Vivids” contest. Daryna Barykina was my model. That image is when I learned what “going viral was” the color and image was called starry night and It was inspired by Van Gogh and everyone loved it.
Favorite apps: iMovie for all editing and videos. Adobe photofix to help me soften skin blemishes and background irregularities. Piccollage is helpful when story boarding for an upcoming shoot and showcasing inspiration photos.
Favorite hashtags: #modernsalon #studiosagehair #lovewhatypudo
I follow: @kcstauffer @madzilla @presleypoe @theavettbrothers
Pro tips: First and foremost be genuine and true to yourself. Be specific in your caption about the photo, and engage with your followers with gratitude and explanation when asked about a post - which I’m always working on being better about myself.
Hidden talent (beauty-related): Most people know me for my fashion and hair color skills but my precision bobs are something I would have eagerly shared with Vidal Sassoon himself.
Hidden talent: Party Planning is one of my favorite things – but I’m not sure if I’m good at it.
How social media changed my life: I get to be socially awkward and funny with people I haven’t even met and make connections throughout our industry with people that inspire me, not just the ones that feel inspired by my work.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: Modern Salon shared a photo of my work Daryna Barykina shot. I think I had only shot two photos with Daryna at that time. I opened my phone and realized I had 300 new followers or more. I didn’t know what was going on or what happened. But at that moment I realized I was not just doing what I loved presently in that moment, taking classes and continuing my education but connecting with our industry. I love the relationships I’ve build and created through Modern Salon and Instagram.
See the full 2018 MODERN SALON 100 here!
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