
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.
Stylist Sherri Jessee created two bridal looks for two-time cancer survivor client Ashley McRoy Disney.




It always feels good when a client leaves your chair really happy with her style. Now imagine that client as a bride needing a special, beautiful style—and that at age 22 she’s survived cancer twice during her life. When you receive a thank-you letter from that client, it really makes your day.
Virginia salon owner and NAHA 2014 finalist and 2013 Editorial Stylist of the Year Sherri Jessee created a bridal look in hair and make-up for model Ashley McRoy Disney. Jessee admired Disney’s tremendous courage in handling her illness, and the admiration was mutual!
“I have been so very blessed to work with such talent such as the AMAZING make-up artist and hair stylist Sherri Jessee,” Disney says. “I am also a very lucky young lady to have survived cancer—not just once, but twice. And it was not just any cancer, but a rare, fast-growing type called signet-ring cell carcinoma that had reached stage 4 both times, first when I was in my teens and again just last year.”
After working with Jessee for a model shoot in 2010, Disney asked her to go onsite to do her wedding hair and make-up.
“I must have sent at least 50 photos of different hairstyles and make-up inspiration,” Disney recalls. “I was just all over the place! But Sherri did such a amazing job and even did a style change for me! How many brides can say that? My make-up could not have been more perfect—the exact dewy look I wanted, and it lasted all day and night! Every bride dreams of having what Sherri did for me!”
Top wedding photographer Marie Labbancz captured the day with beauitiful images like those shown here. Ashley also was featured on an episode of "Say Yes to the Dress."
Click here to get tips from Sherri Jessee about bridal braiding.

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

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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

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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.

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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