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
Don't Go for a Job, Go for a Career
Decide on the type of work you want to do, the level, and quality. Then, find your tribe that supports you. Hang with people who do the type of work in which you want to excel.
August 28, 2017
Carlos Valenzuela courtesy of Carlos Valenzuela Beauty.
3 min to read
Today, I received another letter from Mrs. Edwina Mafalda from the Republic of Burundi. She writes:
“Dear One,
I am recently widowed from my husband who was killed by rebels. I need your assistance in relocating five million dollars to your bank account for which I am willing to share half of the money. You would never worry about money again and live a life of luxury.”
Why even open this junk mail? I like to rate the creativity of the request and imagine someone writing multiple versions, bouncing them off other cronies. Right before I toss it, I think, “Really? Is this the best you can do?”
Quick money schemes have been around since the dawn of man. Ah, the lure of passing on the grind and challenge of moving up for unlimited resources and the freedom to do whatever you want. Most of us tried coming up with the easy formula. In my case, it always points to a surrender and dedication to my craft — and all that this entails.
Maybe the magic formula is elusive, but there is common thread among the real winners in the beauty industry. This means that although I can’t come up with the no-fail secret to success, I am sure of what it isn’t. Here goes:
Don't get a job, go for a career. Admit it, you are creative, you fidget, get bored easily. I tried jobs — the speed of my burnout was like a flashbulb. Go for the jackpot; maybe get a job to support your career, like students who work to pay for beauty school.
Be sure you love your career. You should feel like you own it, protect it, improve, and thus ultimately define it. New trends come from dedicated professionals.
Don’t serve up anything you wouldn’t buy yourself. If you don’t believe and understand beauty concepts, you will be a boring disaster. Successful salon professionals believe in their craft. I am so hung up on this that I refuse to create some style requests — if it damages, looks bad, or is poor quality, I won’t do it. I love and honor my craft this way. Move along, now.
Surround yourself with like-minded people. Notice that greatest shifts and trends in our industry are created like minded groups of people. Vidal Sassoon, Tony & Guy, Aveda, Pivot Point, etc. Limit your exposure to negative and pessimistic people, places, and things.
Train continuously. Push, push, and push yourself — this means not waiting until you go to a class or seminar. Learn everyday from the salon; go online while you are waiting for clients. Here is the best part: your prices should reflect your commitment to perfecting your skills. Charge for your dedication to being the best. Come on.
Decide on the type of work you want to do, the level, and quality. Then, find your tribe that supports you. Hang with people who do the type of work in which you want to excel. Throw yourself into it. Wear the black, the tats and shave your head, it’s all part of it and I love it — because the big payoff of having a career is being happy. What a concept.
The alternative? Move to Burundi where apparently there is lots of cash sitting around.
I’ve got contacts.
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