Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Bellus Academy Grad Is Face of Sebastian’s What’s Next 2016 Awards

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 ...

Anne Moratto
Anne MorattoDirector of Brand Content Strategy, MODERN SALON and NAILS
Read Anne's Posts
August 6, 2015
Bellus Academy Grad Is Face of Sebastian’s What’s Next 2016 Awards

Samantha Peters (left) with her model

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.

http://www.bellusacademy.edu/





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.

Ad Loading...


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.



Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Career

Ad Loading...
Michelle Bowden works on a hair piece on a mannequin
Career|Articles|Apr 15, 2026

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.

Ad Loading...
Career|Articles|Jan 9, 2026

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

Ad Loading...