
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.
MODERN scoured the Internet bringing you some of our favorite “intense” nail designs from Instagram! Inside you will see everything from Japanese- and Aztec-inspired designs to watermelon and leopard print – not to mention florals, stick-ons and matte polishes.
MODERN scoured the Internet bringing you some of our favorite “intense” nail designs from Instagram! Below you will see everything from Japanese- and Aztec-inspired designs to watermelon and leopard print – not to mention florals, stick-ons and matte polishes.
MORE ABOUT THE NAIL ARTISTS BELOW:
Known for her elegant simplicity, Jin Soon Choi was born in Korea and moved to New York City in 1991. She quickly built a reputation as a rising freelance nail artist. Her early experiences manicuring at salons - where the pace was fast and there was little time spent with each client - inspired her to go out on her own and offer more personalized, one-on-one services. She earned the nickname "Bicycle Jin" as she biked to and from her clients' apartments on her trusty 10-speed.
Jin soon earned a loyal following as the go-to manicurist of top editors, photographers, designers and celebrities. Crowned the "Nail Guru" by The New York Times Magazine, Jin is best known for her ability to pinpoint current and emerging trends and translate them into the art of nail design. In 1999, she opened her first Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa in the East Village specializing in nail treatments along with waxing and brow shaping. The success of the 300 square-foot spa led to two more locations: one in the West Village, where neighborhood regular Sarah Jessica Parker was the first client, and another on the Upper East Side, which features an intricate walnut wood wall running the entire length of the salon.






Jenna Hipp, the founder of Nailing Hollywood has done numerous nail designs for celebrity Lea Michele in Seventeen and has been featured in other consumer magazines like Vogue and on the covers of Glamour, Elle, Baazar, Cosmopolitan, Allure and more.

Celebrity Hollywood Stylist Kimmie Kyees has regular clients including: Rhianna, Katy Perry, Jenna Jameson and P!NK.


Stephanie Stone is an LA based nail stylist represented by Nailing Hollywood. Her Instagram is @stephstonenails if you would like to follow her.


Britney Tokyo was born and raised in Japan, but now resides in Los Angeles. As a young girl, she started to have an interest and a love for art, being influenced by her grandfather who was an artist himself. From age four, Britney learned water and oil painting.
After college, Britney's decided to attend one of the top nail academies in Japan. While there she achieved the JNA Level of a 1st class nail technician. Upon completion in 2005 she relocated to the states where she acquired her California manicurist license.
Britney is also an accomplished gel master and qualified to be a LED gel educator. She has also taught multiple nail art classes. Over the years she has won numerous titles for custom nail art in international contests outside of Japan and the US. She continues to participate in competitions locally and regionally to this day.


Founded by Sharmadean Reid in 2008, Wah Nail Salon in London has painted nails in cars, bars, clubs, at the Grand Prix, in an Airstream, in Japan, at festivals, at The Brits, for celebrities, for fashion people, for Fashion Week, for kids, for music videos, at work and at home. You name it, they probably have done it.




Founded by Celia Cecchi in August 2012, I Scream Nails first made it’s mark on the Melbourne nail art scene setting up a pop up salon in a half vacant space behind Northcote fashion store Lupa Clothing. A four week pop up salon quickly turned into a full-time gig and I Scream Nails has become Australia’s most in demand team of nail artists.
With over a year of pop up salons and events under their belt, in September 2013 I Scream Nails opened their first permanent salon in the heart of Collingwood, Melbourne.
In February 2014, I Scream Nails launched the very first ‘Nail art bike’, a portable nail painting station that can be seen around the streets of Melbourne painting peoples nails. Made up of a team of 15 nail artists, I Scream Nails has worked and collaborated with some of Australia’s biggest brands including Westfield, Myer, Sportsgirl and Kit Cosmetics.




MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

"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

Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.

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.

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.

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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.

This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.

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

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.

These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.

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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.

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.

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