
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 SALON recently listened to Masters, a monthly audio program featuring interviews, success secrets and business building presentations by some of the best leaders in and out of the beauty industry.Here, we would like to highlight an ...

Getty Images
MODERN SALON recently listened to Masters, a monthly audio program featuring interviews, success secrets and business building presentations by some of the best leaders in and out of the beauty industry.
Here, we would like to highlight an interview with Frank Gambuzza (a beauty industry veteran of more than 40 years and owner of Salon Visage) conducted by motivational speaker and author of Be Nice or Else! Winn Claybaugh. In the Masters audio CD, "10 Disciplines of a World-Class Service Provider" Gambuzza shares his industry experiences and secrets for success. Below, we provide you with six out of the 10 secrets to success that Gambuzza discusses. To hear the others, visit www.mastersaudioclub.com.
Enjoy the Journey: "We are always trying to get there. I think we waste a lot of time chasing the dream instead of stopping to smell the coffee. Once you realize there is no there, you are able to enjoy the moment better. Remember that day by day you are constantly improving.
Strengthen Your Weaknesses: Lots of people know how to identify their strengths. In many situations, people continue to strengthen their strengths and then forget about their weaknesses. You can’t be a world-class anything if you have weaknesses. I think this industry has allowed mediocrity to be accepted. If we want to be world-class we have to figure out how to diminish our weaknesses.
Learn Your Craft: Understand how to say "please and thank you," know how to shake hands with someone and look them in the eye. Thank your clients for their business and understand body language. Clients don’t always remember what they looked like when they left the salon, but they will remember how they felt. Understand that you are there to serve. Take care of people at a level where they don’t want anyone else to do their hair.
What do You do With Your Other 8 Hours: Look at your day in thirds. A third we are working... a third we are sleeping...what are you doing with the other third? What do you do with the rest of that time? What are you becoming during that time? It’s easy to be a couch potato. If you want to be world-class, it would be best if you are practicing during that time. We need to push excellence.
Don’t Drive Their BMW to Work: No complaining! I don’t know any winners who complain. Don’t be a spoon “stirring it up” in the breakroom.
Win the Day: I think a year of goals is far too long to be thinking ahead. Instead of planning a year ahead, quarter or a month, take it day-by-day. If you win the day, you will win the week. Then you will win the quarter and then the year.

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.

From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.

A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.

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.

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.

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.

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