
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.
MODERN SALON Media has named the 2014 class of Excellence in Education honorees in its fifth annual program recognizing leadership and best practices among cosmetology schools. MODERN SALON Publisher Steve Reiss announced the recipients ...

MODERN SALON Media has named the 2014 class of Excellence in Education honorees in its fifth annual program recognizing leadership and best practices among cosmetology schools. MODERN SALON Publisher Steve Reiss announced the recipients during the AACS (American Association of Cosmetology Schools) fall convention in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 16.
Hundreds of entries were submitted from cosmetology schools across North America, in eight categories ranging from marketing to placement to school culture. Honorees were determined based on key criteria in each category, and grouped according to school size or number of locations. Two top honorees were chosen in each category—one individual school location, and a multi-location school organization.
“We are proud of the great things so many schools and educators are doing to secure a beautiful future for the professional beauty community,” MODERN SALON Editorial Director Michele Musgrove says. “We received applications from a record-breaking number of cosmetology schools this year. In coming weeks, we will launch a series of profiles of each of the Overall Honorees from the 2014 Excellence in Education program, along with snapshots of best practices happening across each category. Watch for details on modernsalon.com, on our Facebook page and in our daily eletters.”
Sharing stories of innovation, inspiration and collaboration from a diverse group of leading schools is an important part of MODERN SALON’s Excellence in Education mission, Musgrove explains. “Our team at MODERN is committed to spreading the word about the exceptional work cosmetology schools are doing and to encouraging more people to choose beauty as a rewarding career. Small schools, large schools, chain schools and single units of chain schools are all represented. We hope the professional salon industry and their communities will join us in celebrating them.”
To learn more about MODERN SALON’s Excellence in Education program and how to apply, visit modernsalon.com/ExcellenceInEducation or contact Joyce Alverio at jalverio@vancepublishing.com.

MODERN's Publisher Steve Reiss announced the winners on Sunday, November 16, 2014.
BEAUTY CHANGES LIVES
Multi-unit (entire organization): Evergreen Beauty College: Everett, WA
Individual location: State College of Beauty Culture: Wausau, WI
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Multi-unit (entire organization): Northwest College: Tualatin, OR
Individual location: TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy: Albuquerque, NM
FACILITIES
Multi-unit (entire organization): Paul Mitchell Schools: Sandy, UT
Individual location: Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati: West Chester, OH
MARKETING
Multi-unit (entire organization): Ogle School: Arlington, TX
Individual location: Eric Fisher Academy: Wichita, KS
NEXT LEVEL: ADVANCED EDUCATION & ALUMNI PROGRAMS
Multi-unit (entire organization): MC College: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Individual location: International Institute of Cosmetology: Wethersfield, CT
PLACEMENT
Multi-unit (entire organization): Bellus Academy: Poway, CA
Individual location: Paul Mitchell the School San Antonio: San Antonio, TX
SCHOOL CULTURE
Multi-unit (entire organization): Nurtur Aveda Institutes: Columbus, OH
Individual location: Kaizen Beauty Academy: Pembroke Pines, FL
TECHNOLOGY
Multi-unit (entire organization): Tricoci University of Beauty Culture: Oak Brook, IL
Individual location: PenroseAcademy: Scottsdale, AZ
BEAUTY CHANGES LIVES
Multi-Unit School (complete organization):
Evergreen Beauty College: Everett, WA
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture: Oak Brook, IL
Pivot Point Academy: Evanston, IL
Individual Locations:
126 + students
Paul Mitchell the School, Dallas: Carrollton, TX
Clary Sage College: Tulsa, OK
Paul Mitchell the School Esani: Roswell, GA
76-125 students
Xenon International Academy: Wichita, KS
Paul Mitchell the School San Antonio: San Antonio, TX
Less than 75 students
State College of Beauty Culture: Wausau, WI
Xenon International Academy: Ballwin, MO
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Multi-Unit School (complete organization):
Northwest College: Tualatin, OR
Eveline Charles Academy: Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Salon Professional Academy Franchise: Fargo, ND
Individual Locations:
126 + students
National Institute of Medical Aesthetics: South Jordan, UT
Eric Fisher Academy: Wichita, KS
Clary Sage College: Tulsa, OK
76-125 students
The Salon Professional Academy: Fargo, ND
Pulse Beauty Academy, a Paul Mitchell Partner School: Downingtown, PA
Altoona Beauty School Inc.: Altoona, PA
Less than 75 students
TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy: Albuquerque, NM
Empire Beauty School: Pottsville, PA
State College of Beauty Culture: Wausau, WI
FACILITIES
Multi-Unit School (complete organization):
Paul Mitchell Schools: Sandy, UT
Empire Education Group: Pottsville, PA
Bellus Academy: Poway, CA
Individual Locations:
126+ students
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati: West Chester, OH
The Institute of Beauty & Wellness: Milwaukee, WI
Federico Beauty Institute: Sacramento, CA
76-125 students
Aveda Institute Birmingham: Hoover, AL
VICI Aveda Institute: Milwaukee, WI
Paul Mitchell the School, Jersey Shore: Brick, NJ
Less than 75 students
International Institute of Cosmetology: Plainville, CT
Aveda Institute Rhode Island: Cranston, RI
TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy: Albuquerque, NM
MARKETING:
Multi-Unit School (complete organization):
Nurtur Aveda Institutes: Columbus, OH
Ogle School: Arlington, TX
Aveda Institutes South: Hammond, LA
Individual Locations:
126 + students
Eric Fisher Academy: Wichita, KS
Cameo College of Essential Beauty: Murray, UT
The Institute of Beauty and Wellness: Milwaukee, WI
76-125 students
Paul Mitchell the School, San Antonio: San Antonio, TX
Xenon International Academy: Wichita, KS
Less than 75 students
State College of Beauty Culture: Wausau, WI
Xenon International Academy: Ballwin, MO
DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology: West Springfield, MA
NEXT LEVEL: ADVANCED EDUCATION & ALUMNI PROGRAMS
Multi-Unit School (complete organization):
Evergreen Beauty College: Everett, WA
Beau Monde College of Hair Design: Portland, OR
MC College: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Individual Locations:
126 + students
Aveda Institute Orlando: Winter Park, FL
Paul Mitchell the School Esani: Roswell, GA
The Institute of Beauty and Wellness: Milwaukee, WI
76-125 students
International Institute of Cosmetology: Wethersfield, CT
Arrojo Cosmetology School: New York, NY
Less than 75 students
Xenon International Academy: Ballwin, MO
State College of Beauty Culture: Wausau, WI
PLACEMENT
Multi-Unit School (complete organization):
Bellus Academy: Poway, CA
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture: Oak Brook, IL
Evergreen Beauty College: Everett, WA
Individual Locations:
126 + students
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati: West Chester, OH
Paul Mitchell the School Esani: Roswell, GA
National Institute of Medical Aesthetics: South Jordan, UT
76-125 students
Paul Mitchell the School San Antonio: San Antonio, TX
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN
Arrojo Cosmetology School: New York, NY
Less than 75 students
State College of Beauty Culture: Wausau, WI
Empire Beauty School: Framingham, MA
Xenon International Academy: Ballwin, MO
SCHOOL CULTURE
Multi-Unit School (complete organization):
Nurtur Aveda Institutes: Columbus, OH
Paul Mitchell Schools: Sandy, UT
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture: Oak Brook, IL
Individual Locations:
126 + students
Paul Mitchell the School Arlington: Arlington, TX
Paul Mitchell the School Dallas: Carrollton, TX
Paul Mitchell the School Chicago: Chicago, IL
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Cincinnati: West Chester, OH
76-125 students
Kaizen Beauty Academy: Pembroke Pines, FL
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN
Arrojo Cosmetology School: New York, NY
Less than 75 students
TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy: Albuquerque, NM
Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Designs: Greenville, NC
DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology: West Springfield, MA
TECHNOLOGY
Multi-Unit School (complete organization):
Paul Mitchell Schools: Sandy, UT
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture: Oak Brook, IL
Aveda Institute Colorado, Arizona and Utah: Denver, CO
Individual Locations:
126 + students
Penrose Academy: Scottsdale, AZ
Eric Fisher Academy: Wichita, KS
Cameo College of Essential Beauty: Murray, UT
76-125 students
Paul Mitchell the School San Antonio: San Antonio, TX
Aveda Fredric’s Institute Indianapolis: Indianapolis, IN
Avenue Five Institute: Austin, TX
Less than 75 students
Paul Mitchell the School Normal: Normal, IL
The Salon Professional Academy: Iowa City, IA
Aveda Institute Rhode Island: Cranston, RI

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

"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

Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.

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.

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.

From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.

A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.

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.

This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.

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

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.

These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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