MENU
SEARCHDecide 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.
Carlos Valenzuela courtesy of Carlos Valenzuela Beauty.
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.
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
Whether a beauty professional chooses a commission salon, booth rental, salon suite or salon ownership, the common thread is having more choices than ever before.
Sport Clips Haircuts will host its inaugural "Level Up Live," a first-of-its-kind virtual event that combines live haircutting education, career inspiration, product knowledge, and employment opportunities for licensed stylists and cosmetology students nationwide.
Orthopedic PT reveals three daily exercises plus ergonomic advice that can help salon professionals avoid the aches and injuries caused by standing, bending and repetitive overhead work.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"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
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
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.
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.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
