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.
by Anne Moratto
Stylists, Stop Getting By: Financial Advice for a Long Career in the Salon
As you make your money, think of the future. Resolve to never live paycheck-to-paycheck. Here are a few rules I follow.
March 29, 2018
2 min to read
We salon professionals work hard for our money and give each client the best of our creative and physical ability. This dedication eventually takes a toll on our body. I no longer offer round brushing, unless I want to check into emergency care. If a client insists on round brush styling, my teammates come to the rescue. As we begin our careers, we focus on as many clients as possible. I was first in and last to leave the salon—and, it totally paid off.
Hairdressing fatigue accumulates and eventually could limit your range of creativity. Certainly, make use of ergonomic advances in tools, products and physical surroundings. Do you have a powerful blow dryer, a brush suitable for your wrist, maybe a waist protector like the one used for heavy lifting, are the shampoo bowls the right height, or do you have to really lean over all day to scrub a head of hair?
As you make your money, think of the future. Resolve to never live paycheck-to-paycheck. Here are a few rules I follow:
1) Pay Yourself First. Place ten-percent of your weekly earning in a secure saving account. Alternatively, you could visit a bank and open a retirement fund like a simple IRA for as little as $50 or less a month. Contributions to an IRA are generally tax deductible. Do you want to give Uncle Sam your hard earned income or keep a share of it for yourself?
2) Streamline your product inventory. Eighty percent of your revenue comes from simple retouches, gray coverage and basic cuts; don’t buy just-in-case products.
3) Think carefully before buy. We are in the fashion business and constantly new products, tint shades and finishing products are introduced. I see lots of product never used on every station.
4) Your goal is six months of living expenses in savings. You will be surprised at what a difference this makes on your outlook, confidence and sense of security.
If you are thrifty and stick to a very strict budget, I commend you. However, bringing in more money, not being frugal, is what creates wealth. Being super frugal keeps you stuck at that income level forever. Hustle, grow, save.
Carlos Valenzuela has forty-plus years experience in the beauty education industry as an international consultant, trainer, author and entrepreneur. He holds a Masters in International Management, and originally trained in London, and Chicago with Pivot Point International. Carlos’s educational program, iFabulous Salon Success guides new salon professionals to attaining successful careers in the salon industry.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"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
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
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.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
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.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
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.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
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
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
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.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
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.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
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.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
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.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
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.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
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