
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Kelly Ries, @boldsandblended, best known for her balayage, hairpainting and color. See why we chose her to be part of our 2018 MODERN SALON 100.


Kelly Ries, @boldsandblended
If you're looking for the perfect combination of vibrant colors and more traditional hues, then Kelly Ries' page is for you! Reis seems to have mastered the balance of knowing when to post blondes and brunettes and when a bolder color choice might be the image with the best engagement. We love seeing Reis continue to surprise us with what she will post next, and we know that quality with Reis is a sure bet with any color.
Kelly Ries
Impressions Hair Studio, Ellicott City, Maryland
Specialty: Balayage, hairpainting, color
Followers: 2,149
Most viral post: I did a side by side pic of the inspiration pic a client brought to me next to the after pic when I finished her hair and you could barely tell the difference between them. I also posted a funny meme a few years ago that went crazy that was a pic of a bowl of bleach next to a kitchen spatula and it said “ when you forget your balayage board” Lol!
Favorite apps: My favorite app for pictures is Snapseed because I can watermark, crop, and smooth the clients face if it’s in the pic. My absolute favorite video app is Splice. It’s the easiest app for editing videos and you’re able to zoom in on a video using the motion (Ken Burns) feature.
Favorite hashtags: #ModernSalon, #MarylandHairstylist
I follow:@Prettylittleombre@HeatherChapmanHair@PresleyPoe@Lisalovesbalayage@LizHaven
Pro tips: I’m a firm believer that lighting makes the biggest difference. Natural light outside or right near a window but not in direct sun, so under an overhang or under a shaded spot, is best!
Hidden talent (beauty-related): You wouldn’t know it by looking at my Insta, but I love cutting short hair/pixies. A huge part of my clientele is actually short hair, too.
Hidden talent: I’m a great singer, but only in my car, of course.
How social media changed my life: Aside from my business growing tremendously, I’ve also made some amazing connections with other very talented stylists on Instagram. Also, looking at a picture of my work that I’ve posted makes me see it a little more clearly. Rather than my client just walking out the door, I look at the pictures I’ve taken and it has actually made me see either where I need to make improvements or see a placement of color that I really love.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: It was a close up, very detailed picture of a high contrast high/low light and I have to say that being recognized by them is an amazing feeling!
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.