
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.
We are following Jessica DeAngelo as she leaves school and sets herself up for success in the salon world. She will be blogging in subsequent posts and we wanted to introduce you to how she found her passion for hair:"Perhaps the ...

JESSICA DEANGELO
We are following Jessica DeAngelo as she leaves school and sets herself up for success in the salon world. She will be blogging in subsequent posts and we wanted to introduce you to how she found her passion for hair:
"Perhaps the strongest trait I posses is confidence; confidence that has been described as amazing, tenacious, and a bit obnoxious by friends and family. The total belief that I can do what I set my mind to and that I deserve great things is really at the center of who I am, but I was losing that in college. For as long as I tried to drag myself through school I never hit a point where things clicked. I didn’t like the work, I was not stimulated by the class environment, I fought an endless battle to find passion and my confidence, my flaming personal core, was being constantly assaulted by a crashing tide of questions: What do I want? Why am I not happy? Why can’t I make this work? Will I ever re-ignite my spark?
"I moved back home in emotional shambles not knowing what to do next. Going to work at the front desk of my dad’s orthodontic practice I started my hunt for options, trying to find someone or something that could make my skills a career. The longer I pondered, the more distraught I became until I finally realized, I didn’t hate working at the office. I was invigorated by seeing people and connecting with them on a personal level and especially relished the joy that people got from their orthodontic transformation. Finally I thought of my aunt who had worked as a cosmetologist for years, building relationships with clients and brightening their lives. I knew I had to try it.
"I researched schools, picked the Casal Aveda Institute and started determined work on my application requirements. Finally, my confidence came rushing back. I was accepted and everything about cosmetology was right- hands on work kept me interested and I was finally flexing my creative mind again. Working personally with clients was all I had hoped when I got out on the floor, I found myself flush with joy when I could coax an insecurity out of someone in my chair and cut and color it away until we’d created a new point of pride. My greatest gift is my confidence, cosmetology allows me to help instill it in others.
"I am thrilled to share my coming adventure with Modern Salon readers. Thank you to Steve (Reiss, publisher) and Maggie (Mulhern, Beauty and Fashion Director) for allowing me this opportunity to express my experience as I make a home for myself in the world of cosmetology. Heres to changing the world with color!"

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