
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.
The theme of the 2012 Paul Mitchell Gathering was I'MPOSSIBLE because "anything is possible when you partner with John Paul Mitchell Systems." Each morning, the opening show was a rousing start to a day of inspiring education plus community--and character-- building.





















The Gathering, Paul Mitchell System's annual assembly of hairdressers, distributors, educators, and the Paul Mitchell family, took place July 16 and 17 at the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas. Themed "I'MPOSSIBLE" attendees were encouraged throughout to go beyond their boundaries, to strive for excellence and to ingore naysayers. Monday morning kicked off with a stage show to rival anything on the Vegas Strip.
John Paul DeJoria, Co-founder and CEO, welcomed the nearly 3500 attendees. "A big part of our culture is having fun and being excited." This launch into The Gathering offered both (see videos below).
Heard at The Gathering:
"When we're doing exciting things, people want to help, they want to be part of something special. The word is 'synergism': 1 + 1 doesn't equal 2. Coming together like this makes us something bigger then we all are individually."--John Paul DeJoria, Co-founder and CEO
"My Dad (Paul Mitchell) had a Volkswagen that was so rusted you could see through the bottom of it. Everytime my parents parked, a tow truck would come take it away because they thought it was abandoned."--Angus Mitchell, Co-owner and Artistic Director of Education talking about the improbable, humble beginnings of John Paul Mitchell Systems.
"I'll tell you what's possible. I failed the State Boards a number of times and now I'm in the Milady Textbook!"--Robert Cromeans, Global Artistic Director
"When all else fails, just work really, really hard. Volunteer for everything. Be the most positive person in the room."--Winn Claybaugh, Dean of Paul Mitchell Schools
"The only place I ever felt at home was a hair salon. It was the most magical place I ever entered."--Stephanie Kocielski, VP of Education
"I said, 'I want to go to Hollywood' and nobody thought I would but I'm here because I'm possible."-- Diana Schmidtke, Celebrity Men's Grooomer who has worked on the famous heads of countless Hollywood leading men.
Highlights:
The introduction of the amped-up Sports Marketing Program and the athletes.
Product launch of Curls and the Curl Confessional Booths.
Customized JPMS gear at The Mall and a demo of Pin Grip.
John Anthony DeJoria, John Paul's son, spinning as DJ at the Hollywood Party.
Watching the Artistic Directors transform eight already-blonde models into forever bombshells on stage, in minutes.
The crowded classrooms, the enthusiastic educators, and the committment of the JPMS crew to keeping everything moving smoothly.
Baby Sophia.
VIDEOS :
* The new Curls System was introduced with a carousel theme: curls and carousels, they both go round.
* MITCH, the men's line of grooming products, took the stage--and shook it. Extreme athletes, dancers, gymnasts, skateboarders, and even nunchucks.

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