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
Summer Trouble: Lyme Disease
“You may know me as the person who introduced eyelash extensions to the world, but you might not know that I have been battling lyme disease, chronic erlichiosis and babesiosis for 30 years,” says Sophy Merszei, founder of NovaLash. ...
May 22, 2015
NovaLash's Sophy Merszei before lyme disease and during treatment.
2 min to read
“You may know me as the person who introduced eyelash extensions to the world, but you might not know that I have been battling lyme disease, chronic erlichiosis and babesiosis for 30 years,” says Sophy Merszei, founder of NovaLash. “I didn’t get tested as a child, because even the best doctors didn’t have the right information back then. Still today, most doctors—including my husband!—are being taught outdated information on lyme disease.”
Warmer-weather May is Lyme Disease Month for good reason, since the disease is caused by insect bites. “It is treatable if caught early, but if left undetected it is debilitating ad extremely painful,” says Merszei, who’s also a molecular biologist and cosmetic chemist.
NovaLash is helping everyone spread the word by encouraging “Lashionistas” to take the Lyme Disease Challenge by sharing a “Sourpuss Selfie”: suck on a slice of lime, make a sour face, snap a photo or take a video and post it to social platforms (#LymeDiseaseChallenge, #NovaLashtakesabiteoutofLyme) along with a fact about lyme disease and a tag to challenge a friend. For every post that follows those directions, NovaLash will make a charitable donation and send a free pot of lashes to certified stylists with their next NovaLash order.
Know and spread the facts listed by NovaLash:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 300,000 new cases of lyme disease occur each year in the U.S., and some experts believe the actual number to be much higher.
Children are at the highest risk of contracting lyme disease and are more vulnerable to central nervous system infections.
Transmission can take place in a matter of minutes, particularly if the tick is not removed properly.
Called “The Great Imitator,” lyme disease is hard to diagnose because it gets mistaken for other illnesses.
Research suggests that lyme disease can be spread from mother to baby during pregnancy.
More than 63% of patients treated for lyme disease continue to suffer symptoms that can be debilitating.
Lyme disease has been reported in every state except Hawaii and has been found on every continent except Antarctica.
Lyme disease has six times more new cases each year than HIV/AIDS, yet it receives less than 1% of the funding.
Fewer than half of lyme disease patients recall a tick bite or any rash.
There are no tests available to prove that the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease has been eradicated or that the patient is cured after treatment.
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