
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
Galyna Poczciwinski, @ufirami, is best known for her braiding and upstyling. See why we chose her to be part of our 2018 MODERN SALON 100.


Galyna Poczciwinski, @ufirami
The stunning intricate styles of Galyna Poczciwinski are just one of many reasons why she first caught the attention of MODERN editors. But it's Poczciwinski bubbly and sweet personality that have helped us get to know her even better. As part of the Ulta Beauty Design Team, MODERN editors have gotten to work with Poczciwinski on numerous occasions and seen her beauty as an artist and as a person. We frequently notice Poczciwinski commenting words of praise on the works of others, and her signature black background showcases the romantic styles she creates in an iconic way.
Galyna Poczciwinski
Ulta Beauty, Milford, CT
Specialty: Braiding/upstyling
Followers: 3,624
Most viral post: My viral post was an updo, elegant twisted bun with some pastel colors in it and at first I didn’t even want to post it; I didn’t think it was good enough
Favorite apps: Photoshop Fix, I use it to clean flyaways on my pictures so they look nice and clean
Favorite hashtags: #modernsalon #ultabeautydesignteam #salonatultabeauty
I follow: @nickstenson@ammoncarver@sonyadove@danielle.keasling@seangodard@carmodyhoman
Pro tips: I make sure that the background is clean, I always use a black backdrop, that’s my signature. Natural light is the best, but most of the time I use ring light and I take a million pictures from different angles, that way I will at least find one I like.
Hidden talent (beauty-related): I am great at doing nails and nail design
Hidden talent: One of my hidden talents is handmade cards, love making them, so relaxing!
How social media changed my life: Social media definitely changed my life! I got a lot of new clients because of it, I made a lot of new friends through Instagram, I also had some awesome opportunities.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: The first time I was featured on Modern Salon Instagram in August 2017, it was one of my days off, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed, and I remember I was not getting any notifications for some reason at that time, so I keep on scrolling and then bam I see @modernsalon posted my style! I could not believe my eyes! I am pretty sure I had a mini heart attack as well. I told everyone about it, that was so awesome!
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.