
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.
This is the latest installment of the Cosmos Update with Yara de la Torre: "The general vibe of this season is asking us to open up our hearts, to have courage when it comes to facing our own truths and to take this opportunity to make bold moves that support our growth and evolution."

In her work, de la Torre says she helps beauty professionals identify and conquer their limiting beliefs and blockages.
“I guide them to tap into their very own unique, natural power and unlock their full potential, leading to a more abundant and aligned personal and professional life,” says de la Torre. “It’s about making it all connect!”
It's Leo Season, and Yara de la Torre’s (@yara.delatorre) most recent Cosmos Update speaks to you fire signs, born between approximately July 23 and August 22.
The Cosmos Update, an ongoing content series, reflects de la Torre’s passion for understanding the world through the ancient belief system and cultural practice of astrology.
With over 15+ years of experience in the beauty industry, de la Torre, a dynamic salon owner, stylist, and Business Energetics Coach, has built a reputation not only for her talent but also for her resilience, bouncing back after a devastating injury in 2019 that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Today, she does hair from her wheelchair, while at the same time, she has found a unique way to guide beauty pros to harness their inner strengths, with a blend of business experience, astrology, intuition, and empathy.
With each installment of the Cosmos Updates, de la Torre encourages self-reflection and discovery, and offers insight into what each season might hold. Through this lens, astrology becomes a tool for personal development and self-awareness.
The zodiac sign of Leo is the fifth sign of the astrological zodiac and is represented by the lion. Leo is a fire sign, along with Aries and Sagittarius, and it is ruled by the sun. In astrology, Leo season is considered significant as it marks the period when the sun transits through the zodiac sign of Leo. Traditionally, Leos are known for their boldness, leadership qualities, and love for attention.
"The general vibe of this season is asking us to open up our hearts, to have courage when it comes to facing our own truths and to take this opportunity to make bold moves that support our growth and evolution," says de la Torre.
Get the lowdown on Leo Season here:

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.