
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.
The scene backstage at Jill Stuart's Spring/Summer '14 New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show was MOBBED. Make-up artists from Sephora were creating metallic eyes and glowing skin using Laura Mercier, Bobby Brown, Mark Jacobs, Givency and Josie Maran products. Hair designers were busy whipping up a "rock and roll, look with a messy part--very fun style," says Odile Gilbert, lead hair, who used a combination of Kerastase Powder Bluff, Kerastase Boucles D'Art and Kerastase Laque Dentelle.






The saying "It takes a village" never rings more true than at a fashion show. Imagine all the hair designers, fashion stylists, make-up artists, nail techs, people with clipboards, beauty editors and photographers all crammed together to create the perfect look, get the exclusive interview or capture the perfect backstage story--THIS is what it's like covering Fashion Week.
The scene backstage at Jill Stuart's Spring/Summer '14 New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show was MOBBED. Often, make-up is done on one side of the tent, and hair is done on the other, with nails wherever the nail tech can fit. At this show, held at Lincoln Center, it was all in one itty-bitty space!
Make-up artists from Sephora were creating metallic eyes and glowing skin using Laura Mercier, Bobby Brown, Mark Jacobs, Givency and Josie Maran products. Hair designers were busy whipping up a "rock and roll, look with a messy part--very fun style," says Odile Gilbert, lead hair, who used a combination of Kerastase Powder Bluff, Kerastase Boucles D'Art and Kerastase Laque Dentelle.
The nail look was a combination of three key Essie lacquers: to begin, lead nail Julie Kandalec applies one coat of Essie First Base, then two coats of the brand new black and navy After School Boy Blazer, and tops with one coat of Good to Go.
"I'm super into blue for both fall and spring," Kandalec says. "And this look has a little unexpected rock and roll look. You don't usually see navy in the spring, but I love it!"
With an open-toe shoe in the fashions, nail techs had to paint both hands and feet--not an easy task when it's a zoo backstage!
In the end, everyone rolls up their sleeves, kicks off their heels, and gets to work. Even if it means sitting on the floor, getting hair product sprayed all over you, working on a model whose feet are more brusied than a banana (poor ladies! Those shoes are NOT comfortable!). It all comes together to create TOTAL beauty.

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.

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.

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.

This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.

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

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.

These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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