
Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
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!
GILAD GOLDSTEIN
Design Team, Harrisburg, PA
Years with Ulta Beauty: 5
Career journey: When I first joined Ulta Beauty, I never thought I’d become so involved with the company. I had worked at a private salon for years, starting as an assistant in high school, which was an amazing place for me to learn about the salon industry, but was a challenging place for me to grow my clientele. In just the first few months of being with Ulta Beauty, my books were filled with new guests who pre-booked their future appointments, and my income had increased quitea bit. Now, with commission up to 70 percent, it is even stronger.
Ulta Beauty has allowed me to grow into and explore many different roles—Master Stylist, Artistic Educator and Design Team Member—and helped me discover what I enjoy doing the most. Working as a national educator sparked my passion for helping people grow their salon skillset. Working on our Design Team pushes me to grow my session styling skills, as we shoot seasonal Trend Images to share in our stores nationwide. I’ve also discovered a personal love for public speaking, and I get to utilize that skill by sharing trend education on stage at America’s Beauty Show and Premiere Orlando.
I believe in what Ulta Beauty is doing to elevate the salon professional and beauty business. I plan to use my reach to make the industry aware that The Salon at Ulta Beauty is the number-one place to build a successful career in beauty. Growing with this company is really shaping me to be the best version of myself, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
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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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.

Transformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.