
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.
The stylist and content creator, Natasha Laurent Johnson (@shayhairmuseum), also known as Shay Slay, has been a licensed cosmetologist for 23 years and an instructor for 15. And her content is funny, moving, and on point.

Her experience in the industry helped her launch education and products, while her natural acting chops and sense of humor help her create content that is engaging and relatable...and hilarious.
Natasha Laurent Johnson (@shayhairmuseum)
The stylist and content creator, Natasha Laurent Johnson (@shayhairmuseum), also known as Shay Slay, has been a licensed cosmetologist for 23 years and an instructor for 15.
Based in Charlotte, NC, Natasha Laurent Johnson has run two successful salons, been a platform educator, an award-winning artist, and the designer of her own wig line featuring the clip-on SidePiece Wig. A dog-lover, she has also introduced wigs for dogs and her own fur babies appear in some of her videos.
Her take on salon work, hairstyling, parenting (she is a wife and mom to four), and life are relatable, hilarious, and often moving. Laurent Johnson has launched Shay Slay Academy (shayslayacademy.com), an online series of courses teaching the art of designing and styling one-of-a-kind hair toppers.
She says her love for making women beautiful and building up their confidence is a God given ministry.
Why “Shay Hair Museum”? I wanted to create a page of all my art. I display my hair styles, my comedy, and all forms of creativity in my museum. It’s my talent collection.
My guilty pleasures: It’s taking on hairstyles that I’ve never done before, looking at a picture, and trying to make it better.
My favorite hair product I can’t live without: My favorite is ShaySlay wax. It’s the only edge control that lays the hair smooth.
If I hadn't become a hairdresser I would have been: If I wasn’t doing hair I’d be singing with a band and traveling the world as a performer.
Every beauty professional should: Every beauty professional should have great insurance and a set retirement plan. Plan your exit properly.
Most people would be surprised to learn: They would be surprised to know how scared I am to post. My anxiety goes through the roof, but I post anyway.
Person whose hair I would love to cut/style/color and why: I would love to style Mary J. Blige. Her style matches what I do daily, and I know I’d rock out.
The best advice I ever received: My best advice given was “Nothing beats a fail but a try.” You never know the outcome until you try.
Favorite editing tools for my content: I love to use the Videoshop app to edit my videos. It’s easy to grasp for older, not tech savvy people.
Favorite social app: My favorite social app is Instagram. I connect with genuine people who find value in what I share.

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.