
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.
There are thousands of powerful, personal salon success stories happening every day throughout the Salon at Ulta Beauty. Here’s an inspiring one—watch for more online and on social media, and inside special editions of insideLOOK!


There are thousands of powerful, personal salon success stories happening every day throughout the Salon at Ulta Beauty. Here’s an inspiring one—watch for more online and on social media, and inside special editions of insideLOOK!
NICOLE DOVE
Services District Leader, Washington, DC
Years with Ulta beauty: 5
Career journey: While working as a stylist in my 20s, I went to nursing school, thinking that career would provide better health insurance options when I turned 24 and would be kicked off my family’s policy. I started working for a dermatologist, but hated it. Then, a recruiter at Ulta contacted me about a new store opening. I started as Salon Manager, which included working behind the chair, and the full range of Ulta Beauty benefits, with great health insurance, PTO, paid education, 401k and more.
Since then, I have held titles of Elite 100k Stylist, Salon Market Trainer, Master Business Facilitator, Regional Field Services Manager and currently, the new Services District Leader role, working with salon managers, store general managers and district managers to support, strategize and grow the salon business. We are one box, one team, one dream.
I started at Ulta Beauty as a salon manager opening a new store and had to build my team from scratch. I never dreamed I would become a corporate partner! Here at Ulta, you get recognized for your talents and for being authentically you. If you use the tools provided and push yourself daily, anything can happen. I have had the best mentors and leaders that offered real and constructive feedback and held me accountable to my goals I set for myself. That is what you can expect at Ulta Beauty—true leadership and an open career path. I am enjoying the ride and today I LOVE what I am doing.
Check out the Salon at Ulta Beauty near you. Ask the salon manager for more info on local—and free!—Ulta Academy education and events. Apply at careers.ulta.com
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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.