
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.
As I sit here in another very nice hotel, I need to log into the Internet and realize I don't even know my room number…even though I seemed to have gotten myself here. I also realize how lucky I am and what an honor it is to be ...

Having fun with some of my KMS California Artist Friends.
As I sit here in another very nice hotel, I need to log into the Internet and realize I don't even know my room number…even though I seemed to have gotten myself here. I also realize how lucky I am and what an honor it is to be invited into salon professionals "homes" and share ideas with the team.
What I love today is so many artists understand the level of respect and understanding we must have in order to have the right to share. It's known as ETR or Earning The Right to share. There are so many artists I know today who definitely have Earned The Right to share, because they are successful business owners, amazing haircutters, colorists, stylists, photographers, makeup artists, etc., and they know how to share and how to inspire. These are people who when you sit down to watch, gave up your time and maybe even paid too, you walk feeling like you should have paid more, and when you apply what they shared, it works. That's Earning The Right and it’s an investment, not just expense.
How do you Earn The Right? Do what you do and be better than everyone else. You honestly don't have to be the "best" to Earn The Right to share. ETR means the thing we are doing now. A funny example from my life is from before I met my wife, Leah, I dated two women who ended up being black belts. My mother was BIG on manors, and even today when people comment on a door being held open or when I say ‘yes please’ or ‘no thank you,’ I comment that my mother would have corrected me if I didn't, and I think it's a good thing.
So, back to the old girlfriends… one of the women, we were just old enough to drink, was quite pretty, she was not big (I'm only 5' 6.5", I even list the half), she was smaller than me and she worked security at the A&S where I managed the Glemby Salon. She was well known for beating the heck, and I mean the heck, out of guys she was arresting for shoplifting when they assaulted her. It was funny how big they were and how bad they looked after they tried to hit her, especially as she would school them about hitting girls at the same time.
So, we are on a date at the Jersey Shore late at night 25+ years ago and we are on a more abandoned part of the boardwalk, walking. It was dark and suddenly from a side street an obviously drunk guy emerged stumbling towards us as I moved my date to the opposite side of the boardwalk placing myself between her and our new friend. As I took one more step forward, she moved me to the outside of the boardwalk and placed herself in between me and our new friend, I realized that was probably a better idea as our new friend stumbled past off into the night. Honestly, that was probably the first time in my life I realized I didn't even need to try to earn the right and if I had it might have looked like a time I tried to teach styling on stage at the Tarrytown Marriott, it still haunts me.
So if you have an idea share it, and if you're the best in the group, stand up and share. And when you are looking for education, make sure you're making an investment, because those sharing have Earned The Right to have your time, to share and make you better.
-p

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