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
Aveda Salon Gila Rut Wraps Up Fashion Week San Diego
Last month, stylists from Gila Rut Aveda Salons, with three locations in southern California, wrapped their fifth Fashion Week San Diego.
by Meg Psiharis
November 1, 2017
1/3
2 min to read
Last month, stylists from Gila Rut Aveda Salons, with three locations in southern California, wrapped their fifth Fashion Week San Diego. The 40-60 person team, made up of the company’s stylists and Bellus Academy beauty school students, executed hair and make up for approximately 120 models over two nights including traditional looks along with hair extensions, temporary color and hair accessories. The main shows featured six to eight designers a night and included TV segments, magazine shoots and local events pertaining to the show—and the Gila Rut team styles it all.
“We have a team of three senior stylists that take the lead, and year-round we attend advanced styling courses to develop our knowledge and build our tool belt, plus stay inspired,” says Karla-Lopez-Martinez, who co-owns the salon with Keri Davis-Duffy. “Between the three of us we share inspiration found in the hair and fashion industry. We meet on a monthly basis three-four months prior to Fashion Week, and we create an inspiration board and discuss it up to the last couple of weeks prior to the shows. We use the latest trends in styling, clothing and design as a guide to our hair designs. Then we choose one that inspires us the most.”
Selected to participate by Fashion Week San Diego Founder Allison Andrews, Gila Rut benefits through exposure. The salon is featured on the Fashion Week San Diego website, gains visibility through social media posts and is highlighted in various media coverage. But, the team says some of the most valuable take-aways come from the experience in general.
“I see it as a creative outlet for our team they otherwise would be limited to experience,” Lopez-Martinez says. “We get to work with other creative individuals that like us, are lovers of all things fashion, creativity and electric energy. It gives our team the opportunity to have a "fashion week experience" without having to leave the city or incur the travel expense. Another side benefit is we get to meet students that are on top of their game and bring fresh passion and who are like-minded individuals. In past years, some of these students have become team members of Gila Rut Salons!”
Originally posted on Salon Today
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