
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.
Najah Aziz left behind a 16-year corporate career when she decided it was time to pursue her passion for hair. She opened Like The River The Salon and began working to elevate clients and fellow stylists through beauty and education.

Najah Aziz left behind a 16-year corporate career when she decided it was time to pursue her passion for hair. She opened Like The River The Salon and began working to elevate clients and fellow stylists through beauty and education. She founded Beauty Beyond the Hair, a quarterly seminar and workshop to teach stylists technical skills and business practices to advance their careers. Her Instagram is all about fashion-forward styles, especially chic, short cuts.
Owner of Like The River The Salon in Atlanta
Beauty school: Atlanta Technical College
Follow:
Instagram: @najahliketheriver
Twitter: @liketheriveratl
Periscope: @liketheriveratl
Instagram: 189k followers
Best known for: Edgy-but-feminine short haircuts, texture
Most viral post: “This was inspired by the waves and pin curls of the 1920s and ’30s; I just added a few elements to make the old look new again. In addition to being all over social media, other stylists started asking me to
show them how I created the look and, from that, my Beauty Beyond the Hair classes for hairstylists took off.”

Favorite apps: Tweegram, Morebeaute2, PicPlayPost
Tip to get the best results on a post: “Get a model with great hair, take action shots—not sitting in the chair—and make them smile!”
Favorite hashtags: #modernsalon #shorthair
Who you’re following:@liketheriversalon, @beautybeyondthehair
Passions other than beauty: Cooking and mixology
How social media changed your life: “Everywhere I go, people recognize me and ask if I can cut their hair.”
Would love to makeover: Jennifer Hudson and Condoleezza Rice

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

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Sponsored by Great Clips

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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.

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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