
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.
At Premiere Anaheim on February 23rd, MODERN SALON's Anne Moratto moderated a panel discussion around the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in your beauty business with four industry experts.

The panelists took a post-event picture with some of the attendees who joined in the discussion.
Creating Healthy Boundaries in Your Beauty Business
Boundaries are a limit, a standard, or a guideline that help define how we manage our time, manage our emotions, and manage client expectations.
At Premiere Anaheim on February 23rd, MODERN SALON's Anne Moratto moderated a panel discussion around the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in your beauty business with four industry experts.
They shared their policies around cancellations, no-shows or payment while also talking about how to prevent overextending themselves, which can lead to burnout.
An important call-out was the value of clear communication and how to tackle the tough conversations with clients.

From left to right: Bennie Alvarez, Paula Peralta, Stephanie Hodges, and Jalia Pettis
Photo: Anne Moratto
BENNIE ALVAREZ (@yourstylistbennie)
Based in Palm Desert, CA, Bennie Alvarez is a stylist and digital creator, who works with brands ranging from K18 to Style Craft Pro. He is also a Cosmoprof Beauty Pro. His Instagram profile calls out his salons as an LGBTQIA safe space.
PAULA PERALTA @thepaulaperalta
Paula Peralta is a Los Angeles-based stylist, coach, and podcaster. She is also an experienced educator and Paul Mitchell Artistic Director. She hosts The Paula Peralta Show, interviewing celebrities and experts in a wide range of fields.
Based in Agoura Hills, CA, Stephanie Hodges is a Master Colorist, an Extension Specialist, a Braids and Styling Educator, and a Member of the DangerJones Crew. Hodges is a member of the MODERN SALON Artist Connective and has been a MODERN SALON 100 Honoree.
Jalia Pettis is an Arizona-based makeup artist, hairstylist, educator and creative director. She has been recognized for her work by the North American Hairstyling Awards, she was the Denman Stage Star USA (2023), and a finalist for the Global Image Awards Finalist. Pettis has been recognized as a MODERN SALON 100 Honoree.

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

"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

Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.

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.

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.

From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.

A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.

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.

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

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.

These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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