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SEARCHSpotlighting two female barbers who #BreakTheBias in a male-dominated field.
@STAYGOLD31
Pok is a Los Angeles-based barber, member of the Babyliss Pro team and co-founder of STMNT Grooming Goods. She shares her work and inspiration with her more than 400,000 followers on Instagram, and credits this as one of the catalysts to her success.
What do you love about barbering?
I loved how fast-paced it is, and what a fun environment it is. The challenges of structuring short hair to blend well and seeing how good it makes people feel are awesome too.
How did you link up with Babyliss?
They found me standing out on social media one year and I just happened to network with one of their educators. He helped put in a good word for me while they were looking to build a team.
@STAYGOLD31
In a male-dominated field, were there ever times when you felt you didn’t belong?
Plenty of times. When things become difficult or frustrating you always wonder if it's the right path for you. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re building clientele from scratch and getting judged by your gender.
What makes you an awesome barber?
I listen well to my clients; I'm sensitive to people feeling awkward so I go out of my way to make sure they are comfortable.I always invest in my craft and education, too—there's always more to learn.
@STAYGOLD31
What’s been the proudest moment of your barbering career?
Being an educator for a barbering program edition for schools, and winning a Barber of the Year award for being a barber and not just a “female" barber.
What advice would you have for other women in barbering, or who are considering becoming a barber?
Don’t overthink things or where you think you need to be. You need to stay in tune with why you got into barbering and what you enjoy about it. The rest works itself out. Find your voice and don't forget to document your journey—you never know who it could help.
@KEYTHEBARBER
New York native Tkeya Cox started cutting hair at the age of 14 at her home in the South Bronx. Her oldest brother was the first head she touched, and she admits that she didn’t know what she was doing back then. But each time she cut his hair, the goal was to get better. Soon, her work was getting noticed by friends and classmates, and she started cutting in a shop at age 16.
What drew you to barbering, and what’s your favorite thing about it ?
The idea that something I created can boost someone’s self-esteem, which is therapeutic in a sense. I enjoy meeting so many amazing people, who come from so many different backgrounds. I honestly love giving people a new look, that fresh start with a boost of confidence makes me feel like I did the job right. I view haircuts as my artwork. Each person’s head is shaped differently, which gives me the opportunity to try different techniques and explore my talent.
In a male-dominated field, were there ever times when you felt you didn’t belong?
There were many times where I felt like I didn’t belong due to being judged on my female anatomy or my sexuality. I didn’t let that stop me. Instead, I competed with myself everyday to become better. No matter what you do there will always be positive feedback and negative feedback. The older I became I stopped caring about what people said. I poured all of my energy into my craft.
@KEYTHEBARBER
What makes you an awesome barber?
My ability to execute any hairstyle, no matter the texture. I always make sure to give my best when doing each cut—the goal is to make the client happy. Along with my personality and sense of humor, I enjoy creating a bond with my clients and meeting so many amazing people.
What advice would you have for other women in barbering, or who are considering becoming a barber?
My advice to women who are considering joining the barber community would be to never give up, there is always a way. Make sure to challenge yourself everyday and be consistent—in due time you’ll become a successful barber!
@KEYTHEBARBER
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.
Transformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
