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
Candy Shaw Codner: Spread the Health
There’s something about turning 50 that feels like a wake-up call for reviewing your lifestyle. “When I turned 50, I realized that I was closer to the end than the beginning,” says famed Atlanta stylist Candy Shaw ...
August 23, 2015
3 min to read
There’s something about turning 50 that feels like a wake-up call for reviewing your lifestyle.
“When I turned 50, I realized that I was closer to the end than the beginning,” says famed Atlanta stylist Candy Shaw Codner, owner of Jamison Shaw Hairdressers and Jamison Shaw Academy. “I wasn’t overweight; I wore a size 10. But I wanted to be flexible and in better shape. In addition to having my salon, I’m raising three kids, and I’m on the road all the time at hair shows with very early model calls. It’s hard to stay fit!!”
Knowing from experience that standard diets were not successful long-term for her, Codner wanted to figure out a more customized strategy. When she began journaling to take a hard look at what she was eating, one word screamed out at her: snacks!
“I was eating out of boredom,” she says. “My hand would just go to my mouth! When people would bring snacks into the salon, I would just eat them.” Cutting out most of her snacking and working with a trainer gradually changed her lifestyle. She added yoga and began mixing up her food regimen with “carb cycling”—eating carbs for two days and then taking a day off from carbs—which she says helped her to drop body fat and tone muscles. Over two years Codner lost 25 pounds. Her salon team took notice.
“My better habits have trickled down to my entire salon,” Codner says. “Many of my team members have hired my trainer, and we’re all eating healthier. It’s been heartwarming to me that leading by example has improved other people’s lives.”
To further encourage her team, Codner holds “boot camp” on Fridays at about 5:30 pm, when she brings in a trainer for an exercise session. “We literally close the door, put our yoga mats on the floor and do a class,” she says. “The workout makes a much better Saturday in the salon, which is our killer day. Plus I’ve never slept better or felt better!” At the December holidays and other very busy times, they take a sabbatical from the Friday class, but most of the year it’s on ongoing opportunity for staff—optional, not mandatory. Codner introduced it as a free perk, but now stylists pay $10 per session.
The highlight of the team’s year is “Farm Day” in the summertime. “I take everybody out to a beautiful bed-and-breakfast outside of Atlanta, and we have a total health day,” Codner explains. In addition to offering a no-alcohol menu of great organic food, the full day includes a speaker discussing something related to body/mind/spirit, hanging out with farm animals and fun retro activities such as a hayride, sack races and bobbing for apples. When Codner first proposed Farm Day, the team resisted—Codner says the first question was, “Will there be a keg?”—but they trusted their leader and now it’s everyone’s favorite day.
“We laugh a lot!” Codner says. “It’s the best money I spend for my staff—better than an awards ceremony or holiday party.”
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