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
How-To Feed Your Creativity with The Creative Diet
Creativity is learned, can be diminished or enhanced, is addictive, and so satisfactory it may well be the key to happiness, and just like your cat, creativity must be stroked or it will run away at first chance.
June 13, 2017
2 min to read
Successful stylists have a certain energy about them, have you noticed? They view a head of hair like my nephews eye a Domino's delivery. Walk into any salon and you find two different professionals working side by side. One is a stylist loving everything beauty and another stuck in a creative rut putting out one layered bob with highlights after another. Does one have a creative “gene” and the other not? Is one ambitious and the other lazy? My guess is that it comes down to the understanding and cultivating of creativity itself.
Creativity is learned, can be diminished or enhanced, is addictive, and so satisfactory it may well be the key to happiness, and just like your cat, creativity must be stroked or it will run away at first chance.
I bet you have your own method of turning on your awareness to everything beautiful, here's my creative diet:
~When you first open your eyes get into deep gratitude. Creativity flows when searching for the beautiful things in your life. If at a loss, simply thank the roof over your head.
~Move intentionally--even though you are exhausted at the end of the day, you don't get the right exercise moving around in the salon. I do thirty minutes of Yoga and walk to as many places as possible. Try movement as a remedy for the funk.
~Shake it up--challenge the status quo in your life--do the usual in reverse, work a new foiling pattern, take finer sections in your haircuts, rework your standard colors formulas, try brussel sprouts again.
~Aside from watching technical videos online, take yourself to a class or seminar. There is magic in learning in the company of others--especially a hands on workshop.
~Dedicate a week to taking before and after photos of your clients.
~Nutrition affects your mindset--searching for and preparing healthy nutrition is a very creative outlet.
~Waiting for the right moment to do what you want squashes creativity. Move on your desire of being an educator, a platform artist or astronaut. Surround yourself with the right elements for endless creativity including people, places and things. Allow the beautiful things in your life to become your reality.
Looking for the endless possibilities in yourself and others is the ultimate creative choice. Make it every day.
Carlos Valenzuela is a stylist, educator, former school and salon owner and author of The Skinny on Salon Jobs, https://gumroad.com/l/tsosj. Contact: theskinny@getcarlos.com
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