
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.
I fired up my video camera, started early and managed to hit multiple hot spots throughout the city. My goal was to visit one “club”, one salon, one manufacturer event and one upper east side designer store.
It’s midnight and I am “Fashion Nighted Out”.
Sadly.
This has been one fun fun fun evening.
Good taste (and some not so good taste) was everywhere. Fortunately…and finally… the weather co-operated. It was a bit “soup-y” earlier in the day, but the clouds broke for the first time in three days to allow for a truly glorious night.
I fired up my video camera, started early and managed to hit multiple hot spots throughout the city. My goal was to visit one “club”, one salon, one manufacturer event and one upper east side designer store. Daunting…but do-able. It took several hours, many miles, 4 cabs and lots of patience…but it was all worth it. As always, my mission was to find the BEAUTY in fashion. Find I did…and had a great time along the way.
It all started at rooftop of the STK club in the meatpacking district. There I met with the beautifully dressed and tressed Babe Rizzuto, Conair’s VP of PR, who was introducing the BabylissPro Nano Titanium Portofino 6600 Dryer - Gold Edition to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of BaByliss. Babe was hanging with Laurence Borrione of Scunci who was showing the power of accessories in fashion. Talk about walking the walk…Laurence was in a breathtaking animal print pant/gown. So cool…so tasteful. I asked Paola Velasquez, Babe’s associate, to find out what FASHION’S NIGHT OUT meant to them:
Next stop was the Ted Gibson salon in Union Square. The salon was totally hopping as they had just wrapped up an editor event and were preparing for a private FNO party. Jason Backe was there to share his plans and thoughts on this very special night:
The pros at the Redken Exchange were holding a special “dry style” event for customers of their Fifth Avenue store. Famed Redken stylist Guido Palau designed four fashion week trends for the lucky clients who were able to score an appointment with any of the Redken artists that were on hand to execute the finishes. I had a chance to chat with Jenni Bingham, Senior Manager for PR for Redken, who was sporting the tres fashionable “Strictly Speaking”:
Last stop was the upper east side where I bopped in and out of the designer stores on Madison Avenue in the 60’s and 70’s. I must say, the crowd on Manhattan’s most famous fashion street was celebrating wardrobe in a much more “glamorous” way from the meatpacking crowd (where it was all FUN fashion).
At Alice and Olivia on Madison and 65, the theme was “Carnivale”. Lynette Tatum of Sebastian set up a mini station in the store and was adding pink extensions to celebrate the collaboration with the designer and the re-launch of Shaper Hair Spray:
After leaving Alice and Olivia I headed uptown. There was so much police activity that I got a bit nervous. There had been concern because of some fresh and legit terrorist activity and it looked like something pretty bad was happening.
Turns out the heavy security had less to do with terrorism and more to do with a Justin Bieber sighting at Dolce & Gabbana on 69th. Looks like everyone is getting in on this fashion scene!
All in all, it was pretty much a perfect evening. Fashion’s Night Out has become one of the most exciting events in NYC…and is actually “up there” with NEW YEARS EVE AND HALLOWEEN. It’s the fun, inclusive, fashionable and BEAUTIFUL way to kick off New York Fashion Week.

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