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
The Cost of Creativity
The costs--and benefits--of a creative lifestyle.
July 23, 2014
Carlos Valenzuela
3 min to read
While my taxi made its way to the Hard Rock Hotel to celebrate Dwight Miller’s lifetime achievement award, I thought, “Wow, fifty years, where did time go?” I recalled Vegas being affordable hotels, food, gambler’s offered free drinks, cigarettes (yes) and snacks. My reality check was seconds away with the taxi driver saying, “Twenty-two dollars, please.”
I walked though the clinking of slot machines in the lobby remembering how forty years ago the total cost of my beauty education was seven hundred dollars, but a gallon of gas was fifty cents. Life was simple—you went to work in a commission salon and build a clientele. It sounds like a dreamlike delusion, but this is really the way it was across America. Clients came in once a week for a shampoo set, a color every four weeks and a perm every three months. As a professional you needed one week’s worth of clients—and, you were pretty much set.
I reached the Vinyl Room at the Hard Rock Hotel, all set up for a great celebration by Dwight’s partner, lovely Charlet Pelissier. The years of dedication to the industry had given me a treasure of memorable times and friendships. I saw common traits many of us in the group had in common. I call these “The Cost of Creativity,” and I share these with you, my loyal readers-- I don’t think these are good or bad—they are a benefit or a drawback on an individual basis.
If you are creative, you are ambitious. I don’t know many who create anything and not want someone see, taste, wear, or hopefully, enjoy it.
If you are ambitious you spent many late nights and early mornings—if not at work, at a minimum worrying about “it.”
There were many birthdays, graduations and Thanksgivings you missed or showed up late and tired.
You learned that anything you do—someone would criticize or not like, so you developed a short list of close friends. Lots of acquaintances and few friends. You value privacy.
If you did not find someone who totally gets you-- you are ok single because you know your mind (at times your heart) goes where it deems necessary. How many are willing to stand by?
Outside your inner group, you are aware of those who don’t cheer your talents. It’s a vibe you pick up when they are around—with time; this is an awareness you respond to with compassion. You are so over it.
In life, you have taken yourself to many places—on your own. --from a movie to dinner, to a museum or Paris—a creative person wants the experience and doesn’t need a consensus to go for it.
You now understand that being creative is a something money can’t buy. Given a choice, you would rather be creative and struggle, than secure and dull.
Perhaps the greatest gift of a creative lifestyle is the acceptance that nothing stays the same forever, one must learn to change as life changes, or life will force it on you, one way or another. Move along, now.
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