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.
by Anne Moratto
Hairdressers in the Pink
Salon pros Sherri Martens-Curtis and Ann Nguyen share their stories of how they support breast cancer awareness and research.
September 8, 2014
3 min to read
(This is a version of an excerpt from an article published in the Healthy Hairdresser section of the September 2014 issue of MODERN SALON.)
Sherri Martens-Curtis (foreground) with her mom, the late Linda Martens
Neither Sherri Martens-Curtis nor Ann Nguyen has ever had breast cancer. Nguyen doesn’t even have a relative directly impacted by breast cancer. But Martens-Curtis and Nguyen each contribute to the fight against the disease in a remarkable way.
When Sherri Martens-Curtis and her mother, Linda Martens, owned a Miami beauty product distributorship together, the late Paul Mitchell dubbed them the “dynamic duo.” Linda was the creative force, an artistic hairdresser who was passionate about this industry, while her daughter took care of the managerial duties. When Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, the pair added an important piece to their workday: breast cancer fundraising and activism. Servicing more than 1,500 salons in south Florida, they had a good place to start. Although they’d always brought their customers into all types of charitable campaigns, this one was different.
“We had taken our own health for granted,” Martens-Curtis recalls. “We didn’t stay vigilant with mammograms. So we decided to involve the salon community when we became very active in our local Susan G. Komen (SGK) affiliate.”
The first year, their efforts raised $20,000. But as Linda Martens grew increasingly ill, neither woman had as much time and energy to devote to the cause. Although her mom’s death in 2006 was devastating, Martens-Curtis has carried on. Today, through her ElitePinkMiami.com, Martens-Curtis holds annual Pink Parties to raise funds and awareness. Paul Mitchell top guest artists are on hand, and everything is donated or discounted, from the d.j. and live performances to flowers, linens and publicity. Along with the annual cut-a-thons she organizes, the Pink Parties have raised $316,000 for SGK as of the end of 2013. Martens-Curtis earmarks 25 percent for national research while keeping 75 percent at the local level.
Martens-Curtis sold the distributorship but has steadily expanded her Elite Pink Miami efforts, rounding up 60 stylists to do the upcoming October 6 cut-a-thon at the Paul Mitchell School in Miami. She’s doubled her goal as well, aiming to raise up to $10,000.
Pivotal beauty show
Ann Nguyen’s connection with breast cancer began a few years ago at CosmoProf’s Spring Style Show in San Jose, CA. A lifelong altruist, Nguyen noticed a “breast cancer booth” at the show that was raising funds for Susan G. Komen and awareness about the disease. The brainchild of CosmoProf staffer Raynae Oswald, the booth offered baskets of manufacturer-donated beauty products and tools as prizes in a drawing; to enter, people just had to give a donation of $2. Nguyen wrote a $500 check instead, and since then has been donating even bigger checks as well as baskets of products and tools from her own salon, Unique Cuts in Redding, CA. She attends annually and has forged a fond relationship with Oswald.
“This lets me help people in a way I couldn’t do on my own,” Nguyen says.
Martens-Curtis, too, is grateful for the support she’s received from the industry her mother loved so much.
“I meet new people every year who either have lost someone or are survivors themselves and don’t know how to get involved, so I give them a way to help,” Martens-Curtis says. “We collaborate and make it happen. I miss my mom every day, but this helps me be less sad and pay honor to being her daughter.”
Linda Martens
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"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
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
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.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
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.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
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.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
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
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
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.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
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.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
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.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
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.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
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.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
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