
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.
Many stylists struggle with the juggle—finding the time they need to build their careers plus the time they need to nurture their families. As a Master Stylist at The Salon by InStyle in Las Vegas, Cassie McIntosh has earned the right to schedule her time to fit the needs of her clients and her family, and she’s grateful to the company that makes it possible.

Thanks to ongoing free training and support from her team and company, Cassie McIntosh feels all her goals are within reach.

Many stylists struggle with the juggle—finding the time they need to build their careers plus the time they need to nurture their families. As a Master Stylist at The Salon by InStyle in Las Vegas, Cassie McIntosh has earned the right to schedule her time to fit the needs of her clients and her family, and she’s grateful to the company that makes it possible.
MOTHER-IN-LAW KNOWS BEST
When Cassie was starting her career, it was her mother-in-law who pointed her in the direction of the Salon by InStyle. “She went to a JCPenney salon in Florida and she saw how much all the stylists loved working there and loved each other,” says Cassie. “She kept saying, ‘You’ve got to go to JCPenney.’ I did and I’m so glad. Everyone is great. It’s like having another family.”
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
Cassie started her career at Salon by InStyle at the Designer level, and from day one was determined to move up. “It took hard work and consistency,” she says. “But I kept busy and kept at it.”
TIME + FREEDOM
The result of Cassie’s hard work was a promotion that gives her the flexibility and freedom that few commissioned stylists can claim. “One of the best days of my career was learning I made Master Stylist,” she remembers. “It changed my life. Now I can set goals, I earn a great commission and I have the flexibility to set my schedule so I can go to my daughter’s soccer games and hang out with my husband. I love it!”
WHY I BELONG @THE SALON BY INSTYLE
“I don’t have family close by,” says Cassie. “So if I my daughter gets sick or needs me, I have to figure it out. The company understands that, and they have my back.”
More Salon by InStyle associates share their #IBELONGinbeauty stories:

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.