
My First Time: A Razor Cut with Nick Arrojo
In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.
Interviewed by Winn Claybaugh, Stacey discusses her 30-year career and breaking boundaries as a high-profile female in a male-dominated culture. As a single mom to three daughters, she answers the question, “Can a woman have it all?” Stacey’s message of “Never limit yourself” will certainly inspire.

@KillaCamTheArtist (makeup)
@Greg_Romano (Photography)
Damon Young of Kimble Hair Studio (Hair)
@Greg_Romano
Stacey Kutzis a Los Angeles-based Guild Award winner and two-time Emmy- nominated barber-stylist with more than 30 years as a stylist to the stars. Catering to a high-profile clientele spanning the music, sports, TV, and film industries worldwide, Stacey currently serves as personal barber-stylist to Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, Anthony Anderson, Brian White, Columbus Short, Brandon T. Jackson, Alfonso Ribeiro, Derek Luke, Anthony Mackie, and many more. She is also the barber-stylist for America’s Funniest Home Videos, Black-ish, and The Voice.
A native of New York City, Stacey lived an eventful and colorful childhood. Her mother was a model and fashion designer, her father was a music producer-songwriter, and her stepfather was a record company executive at RCA, Solar, and Warner Brothers. Her grandfather was a barber for more than 67 years: at age 17, he opened the first African- American-owned barbershop in Gordon Heights, Long island. All of these factors introduced Stacey to the world of A-list celebrities and instilled in her a natural eye for style, laying the path to her present career.
Stacey’s process of discovery involved happy accidents and experimentation while cutting her brothers’ hair. Her talent blossomed as requests poured in from the celebrities who frequented her household; she quickly became the personal barber for Kid ‘n Play, Teddy Riley and Guy, New Edition, Doug E. Fresh, Kwamé, Martin Lawrence, Heavy D, Sean Combs, Shawn and Marlon Wayans, Jamie Foxx, Riddick Bowe, The R.O.C., Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade.
Establishing a following, gaining union accreditation, and maintaining a responsible reputation was no simple feat, but Stacey’s perseverance and dedication to honing her craft paid off in many ways. Her membership in I.A.T.S.E. (International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Entertainers) and MUAHS (the Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild, Local 706), where she also serves as an executive board member, attest to her commitment and devotion.
Interviewed by Winn Claybaugh, Stacey talks about her long-term career as a barber- stylist to the stars and about breaking boundaries as a high-profile female working in a male-dominated culture. As a single mom to three daughters, Stacey discusses what balance looks like and answers the question, “Can a woman have it all?” Stacey’s message of “Never limit yourself” has served her well and will certainly inspire the masses.
For more information, visit www.mastersaudioclub.com. Follow Stacey on Instagram @ StaceyKutzLive and www.staceykutzlive.com
Behind the Scenes with Winn and Stacey: https://youtu.be/HI8ZwQZuS_c
Stacey Kutz and Winn Claybaugh
About MASTERS Audio Club
The monthly MASTERS audio program features interviews, success secrets, and business-building presentations by the absolute best leaders in and out of the beauty industry. With subscribers in countries around the world, MASTERS boasts the most complete library and history of what makes the beauty industry great. Founded in 1995, MASTERS lets you hear the actual voices of your favorite artists, educators, and mentors as they tell their own stories and share their amazing wisdom for success.
Winn Claybaugh, founder and host of MASTERS Audio Club, has interviewed over 325 industry icons for MASTERS to date, including NAHA winners, best-selling authors, major manufacturers, distributors, salon owners and stylists, makeup artists, and more. The MASTERS roster includes luminaries like Vidal Sassoon, Yosh Toya, Sam Brocato, Robert Lobetta, Ruth Roche, Vivienne Mackinder, and Robert Cromeans, to name just a few.
For more information, visit www.winnclaybaugh.com/masters Now available in CDs and downloadable MP3s.

In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.

Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.

With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.

Ashley Leoncini believes success in beauty is built through genuine connection, resourcefulness and the willingness to evolve. A bridal specialist with 17 years in the industry, Leoncini has created a career by making clients feel valued, investing in hands-on education and redefining success to include a healthier work-life balance.

Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.

When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.

Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.

Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.

Erin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.

North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.

For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.

Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.

Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.

For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.

Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.

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.