
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.
Redefining Hollywood glam isn’t an easy thing to do, but Los-Angeles-based Cate Torrealba is already her own star.

@thisischarliet
Redefining Hollywood glam isn’t an easy thing to do, but Los-Angeles-based Cate Torrealba is already her own star.
Before entering the hair industry, Torrealba studied art and graphic design. As a member of CosmoProf’s Artistic Team, Torrealba is the mastermind behind an abundance of retro glam styles including big waves, curls and updos. Her picture-perfect work has gained her more than 160k followers on her @beautybymissruby Instagram page and has led to Torrealba touring the country teaching Miss Ruby’s Beauty School.
When she isn’t focused on vintage styling, Torrealba says her passion falls for editorial and creative modern styling.
Born and raised:
Minneapolis
I became a hairdresser because:
I’m an artist at heart. Being a hairdresser means creating living, breathing art every day.
Best part of your job:
Seeing my creative vision come to life.
Favorite tool:
Any BaBylissPro curling iron.
Industry icon:
Mustafa Avci
Hardest part of your job:
Getting noticed in a sea of other amazing creative artists.
Guilty pleasure:
I’ve recently been binge watching 90 Day Fiancé!
Favorite song:
The Beatles “I Saw Her Standing There”
Favorite city: Barcelona
Most people would be surprised to know:
I’m an introvert that likes to spend free time watching Netflix with my dogs.
Biggest splurge:
My husband and I have the travel bug, so we like to go on trips.
How do you treat yourself?
Massages
Pets?
I own two Boston Terriers, Moose and Sebastian.
Which living person do you most admire?
Barack Obama, because I admire when people are kind and inclusive.
What is your greatest achievement?
Being asked to join the CosmoProf Artistic Team has been my greatest career achievement so far.
What is your motto?
Do what makes you happy!

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.