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.
by Anne Moratto
Photography by Surviving Beautifully Celebrates Survivors’ Strength and Beauty
Texas photographer Amanda Featherston wanted to use her skills for something really special, especially after her mentor died of colon cancer. She founded Surviving Beautifully, which provides makeovers and professional photo shoots to women who ...
March 7, 2016
Stephanie Johnson while undergoing chemotherapy treatment (inset) and four years later as photographed by Surviving Beautifully.
1 min to read
Texas photographer Amanda Featherston wanted to use her skills for something really special, especially after her mentor died of colon cancer. She founded Surviving Beautifully, which provides makeovers and professional photo shoots to women who are survivors of critical illness, violence and other adversity, at no cost to the survivor, although the survivor does purchase the photographs if she chooses. Female veterans and exceptional moms are new model category additions.
Healthy Hairdresser learned about Surviving Beautifully through Dallas hairdresser and breast cancer survivor Stephanie Johnson, who was photographed recently. Read about Stephanie’s story in the Healthy Hairdresser feature of the upcoming April issue of MODERN SALON.
Surviving Beautifully always needs volunteer salon professionals to do hair and makeup. If you want to help, you can sign up at the Surviving Beautifully website or Facebook page. You also can nominate a Surviving Beautifully model.
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AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"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
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50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
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What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
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6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
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MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
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How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
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.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
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
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
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.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
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.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
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.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
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.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
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.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
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