
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Lisa Walker, @lisalovesbalayge, is best known for her blonding, balayage, color correction and formulations. See why we chose her to be part of our 2018 MODERN SALON 100.


Lisa Walker, @lisalovesbalayge
Lisa Walker's handle says it all: she loves balayage. At MODERN, we love looking at her beautiful balayage creations. A scroll through Walker's page shows a multitude of videos and photos capturing her gorgeous color work, and we always appreciate the lessons we learn from her educational content.
Lisa Walker
Rochester Hills, MI
Creations, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Specialty: I specialize in blonding, balayage, color correction and formulations. Most of my posts contain information on how I achieved specific results
Followers: 665k
Most viral post: My most viral post was a transformation video from dark to light. I posted it once before but it didn’t do that well so I tried again with a different cover photo and that post blew up. The cover photo was of my hand weaving some of the hair so maybe that struck people’s interest a little more. A lot of people were tagging their friends and commenting on the photo, which increased the engagement significantly and I think led to the overall success on the post.
Favorite apps: SplitPic, I like it because there’s no borders or lines and it blurs the pictures. iMovie is user-friendly and anyone can figure it out. iMovie does everything i need, I can edit, split, speed up, slow down, all from my phone.
Favorite hashtags: #wowcomb #balayagebootcamp #lisalovesbalayage #colorcorrection #hairtransformation
I follow: @garyvee@mounir@textsfromyourex@kuthaus_claremont
Pro tips: Caption for sure, you have to create engagement. The more I educate people in the captions or inform them there’s more engagement on the photos. People ask questions, they tag their friends and it draws people to the post. Pictures for attention, caption for engagement.
Hidden talent (beauty-related): I’m really good at makeup, but I hate to do it. I used to do it in the salon but never really advertised it. I still have a passion for it but more for myself doing my own makeup and collecting makeup.
Hidden talent: I’m a really good bowler, don’t take me to a bowling alley because I’ll win.
How social media changed my life: It made me up my own game and want to be the best. I was able to learn more and share with others. It definitely brought me out of my shell and made me less reserved. Social media helped me create meaningful relationships likes everyone at Kut Haus Claremont, I would’ve never known them if it wasn’t for social media. It taught me not to take everything so seriously and realize that most people only show the good parts and some people only broadcast the bad parts.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I remember being so excited, so happy tears of joy but then when the modernsalon.com feature came out about the post I was crucified on the Facebook page by people trying to tell me how to do what I did their way, saying the technique I used was wrong. But it didn’t matter because I was still proud to be featured and I realized it didn’t matter what negative things people say that the personal achievements are more meaningful than anything anyone has to say.
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.