Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
Licensed To Create Awards is Back for its Second Year
Entries open February 1 for CosmoProf Beauty's Licensed to Create Awards, which will take place during Premiere Orlando, June 2, 2019.
January 18, 2019
Backstage, MODERN SALON interviews Larisa Love, Phil Ring and Jacob Khan, alongside 2018 student color winner, Lori Bassett.
Cosmoprof
2 min to read
CosmoProf Beauty will be hosting the second annual celebration of the Licensed to Create Awards at the Premiere Orlando, June 2, 2019.
The awards are designed to feature emerging stylists, honor seasoned professionals and celebrate the vast wealth of talent within the industry. Fifteen categories will be awarded to licensed professionals and student cosmetologists, voted by their peers across a variety of disciplines. See a complete list of last year's winners here.
“With the success of our first year behind us, we are excited to see what year two will bring,” says Mark Spinks, President, Beauty Systems Group.
There are both new and returning categories this year. The categories include:
Best Bald Fade
Best Braid
Best Clipper Design
Best Creative Color
Best Curly Color
Best Dimensional Blonde
Best Nail Art
Best Platinum Blonde
Best Precision Cut
Best Process Pic
Best Redhead
Best Transformation
Best Updo
Best Student Color
Best Student Cut
“We are proud to host an event where our community is able to showcase their artistry and be celebrated by their peers! I can’t wait to see what you are #licensedtocreate this year,” says Meghan Gentz, Director of Social Media, Content and Community, Beauty Systems Group.
Woven into the awards show, various stage presentations from professional beauty brands will be featured throughout the event.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to walk the gold carpet where they can sip and selfie with industry icons and be interviewed by trade media, interact with digital elements and connect with peers prior to the event’s start. Check out sights and sounds from last year here:
Attendees will also receive a gift bag valued at more than $400 packed with full size products from industry leading brands. Tickets are $40.00 and are available for purchase online at licensedtocreate.com/awards.
Interested in entering? This year's competition is open to all licensed professionals and enrolled cosmetology students:
Entry period opens February 1 and closes March 31
Voting Period opens April 15 and closes May 15
Artists are allowed one entry per category, per day
Winners will be announced live on stage
Additional information and full list of categories available at Licensedtocreate.com/awards
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty