
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.
Samantha Peters, a February 2015 graduate of Bellus Academy, is the new “face” of Sebastian Professional’s What’s Next Awards. Earlier this year, Peters took home top honors in the “Student Talent” category at ...

Samantha Peters (left) with her model
Samantha Peters, a February 2015 graduate ofBellus Academy, is the new “face” of Sebastian Professional’s What’s Next Awards. Earlier this year, Peters took home top honors in the “Student Talent” category at the 2015 What’s Next Awards competition. The live competition shines the spotlight on professional and student hair stylists as they compete in front of a live audience and judging panel, creating hair designs that reflect a particular theme established by Sebastian.
As the face of the What’s Next Awards, Samantha’s image will be used on all collateral and promotional pieces for the 2016 competition. “We are so proud to celebrate Samantha’s career success and her passion for taking her artistry to new heights as she continues to forge an amazing career path,” said Lynelle Lynch, owner and president of Bellus Academy.
Peters encourages other stylists to enter competitions early in their careers. “Winning two competitions so freshly out of school has given me the confidence to truly believe in what I do,” she said. “Competing inspires me to push forward to the next level.”
Educators and mentors also played a substantial role in shaping Peters’ confidence. She credits Bellus Academy educators Erik Thane and Bryden Muggleston for their coaching and support throughout her educational journey. “Both instructors pushed me to do my best work, but most of all they kept me inspired throughout all of my competitions,” said Peters, a hairstylist at Studio 78 in San Diego.
Left: Samantha Peters, 2015 Student Talent Winner will serve as the face of the 2016 What’s Next Awards
About Bellus Academy: Bellus Academy is an award-winning beauty and wellness institution dedicated to graduating career-ready professionals. Bellus specializes in advanced training and has built a reputation for innovative education, consistently nabbing top honors in Modern Salon’s Excellence in Education program. Bellus Academy continues to partner with the highest caliber of experts, product lines and equipment manufacturers, raising the bar for educational training worldwide.
About the What’s Next Awards: The What’s Next Awards contest encourages new and established artists across North America to create daring hair fashion by expressing their talent through a one-of-a-kind styling competition.

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

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