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SEARCHIn March, everything felt uncertain and insecure as salons closed and communities went into quarantine. Nine months later, so much has happened and so much has changed. Through all the COVID craziness, here are some of the things that kept these stylists sane and centered.
In mid-March of 2020, we were reeling and the COVID crisis was changing by the day. By the hour, really. For the members of MODERN SALON’s Artist Connective, a tribe of talented, supportive stylists, the situation was rapidly evolving.
At that time, many had stopped working or were completely closed. They were waiting on unemployment to kick in, looking for guidance, finding ways to connect and create, and praying for a cure.
Now, as 2020 is coming to a close, and so much has happened in our world, we asked them to give us a quick, 20-word description to the prompt, “What got me through 2020.” We heard faith, family, puppies, and pasta and so, so much gratitude.
Here’s how some of these amazingly resilient artists replied…
What got me through 2020 is knowing I’ve survived 100% of my hardest days and that I have the strength to continue to do so. ❤️-Aly Davis @alydavishair
Knowing that I’m not alone. Knowing that as long as I have my loved ones still with me, nothing else matters. - Erin Mills @erin.mills
What got me through 2020 was the birth of my son. No matter the state of the world, he’s my anchor. -Hailey Livingston @haileymahonehair
What got me through 2020 was adapting and taking it day by day. Knowing that I’m not alone, we all are going through it. And having time off was great to pause and redirect 🙏🏻—Shannon Marie Demont @shanondemont
What got me through 2020 was remembering how fortunate I am to have a loving, supportive family by my side.-Natalie Thomas @bridal_bynatalie
My respectful clients!-Diana Giannini @lzhouseofhair
This beautiful face! -Melissa Eppers @roguehairstudio
pic: Melissa's baby, Moya
My family and the support of my fellow hairstylists! Remembering how things could always be worse and how fortunate I still am. Also dad jokes. — Caralee Fox Pridemore @caraleestyles
My family, friends/clients, and prayer got me through.🙏—Melanie Sorrow @melaniesorrowhair
What got me through 2020 was nothin’ but faith. God's plan ❤️❤️—Amanda Lynn Ludwig @thehairwhich
The only thing that got me through 2020 was copious amounts of pasta, wine, and the phrase "This too shall pass"— Brendan Buoni @thebalayageboy
Lots of Netflix and I got a puppy that melts my heart. He’s the sweetest monster you’ll ever meet ♥️ —Stephanie Hodges @stephhstyles
pic: Stephanie's little monster, Leo
My husband, family and friends, the time to truly focus in on what matters most, and a bit of wine. -Haley Garber @beautybyhaleygarber
What helped me get through 2020 was reprioritizing my life and actually living it. ❤️—Sally Lemmo @clevelandhairboss
My horses and urban farming really kept my head in gear. I’d be lost without my horses. -Jessica Page Morelli @hairhunter
Alone during the 13 week lockdown was brutal! My pittbull Chance, my awesome industry friends online and my VIP clients! —Johnee Livingston @jcashthehairtech
What got me through 2020 was my family and friends. -Aoife Seitz @blendedblondes
What got me through 2020 was my salon if it wasn’t for my clients and the love and support they showed I wouldn’t know what to do ‼️❤️—Alisha Rodrigues @hairmajestiii
Shannon Demont has found her calling, having taken her passions for hair, photography, social media strategy, and education, and rolling them all into one successful offering: hair photography education.
Skyla Kuykendall's work is the kind of hair that makes you happy. As a colorist who loves to blend natural with fantasy, she attributes her continued success in finding her dream clients to being her authentic self.
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.
