Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
The MODERN Artist Erin Munoz: Grow Your Business, Protect Your Balance
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.
July 20, 2026
"Your career is what you put into and make of it. If you treat it like a hobby, it will be a hobby. If you want to own a business, you must treat it like a business." — Erin Munoz
3 min to read
- Erin Munoz, a seasoned color specialist and salon owner, emphasizes the importance of viewing beauty careers as businesses.
- With her 17 years of experience, Munoz exemplifies a balance between achieving business success and maintaining a fulfilling life outside work.
- Munoz advocates for embracing change and prioritizing both financial growth and personal satisfaction in the beauty industry.
*Summarized by AI
Grow Your Business, Protect Your Balance
Erin Munozbelieves long-term success comes from treating your career like a business while creating a life you enjoy outside the salon. A stylist specializing in dimensional color, vivid color and bridal styling, Munoz has spent 17 years growing her business, embracing content creation and finding better balance between working in her business and working on it.
Named to the MODERN SALON 100 in 2019, Munoz says beauty professionals should never stop evolving, from adopting new technology to investing in themselves and planning for their financial future.
Artist Snapshot
Name: Erin Munoz
Salon: Opal Hair Studio
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Years in the Industry: 17
Specialty:Dimensional color, vivid color and bridal styling
Instagram:@hairbyerinc
MODERN SALON 100: 2019
Q&A
Three words that describe you?
Driven. Resilient. Charismatic.
What's the best career advice you've ever received?
Your career is what you put into and make of it. If you treat it like a hobby, it will be a hobby. If you want to own a business, you must treat it like a business.
What's something you wish every beauty professional knew earlier?
Clients will come and go. If someone leaves your chair and doesn't return, try not to stress. An empty chair creates space for a new client to join your roster.
What's one habit that's contributed most to your success?
I try to reply to all of my client messages before I walk into the house after a workday. That way, I can leave work at the door and be fully present at home.
What's one mistake you see beauty professionals make repeatedly?
Undercharging for their services.
What's one investment that paid off more than you expected?
Content creation.
It has opened so many doors for me, both financially and by helping me build meaningful connections. I genuinely enjoy creating content, and I've learned so much through the process.
What's something you've changed your mind about during your career?
Work-life balance.
For the first 15 years of my career, I felt like I needed to see clients five or more days a week. Over the past few years, I've embraced working behind the chair just three to four days a week, giving myself more time to work on my business instead of only in it.
What's inspiring you right now?
I love seeing more clients embrace their natural color and simply enhance it with dimensional color. It's a beautiful shift toward celebrating what people already have.
What should our industry be talking about more?
Retirement planning, financial planning for self-employed professionals and taxes.
What skill will matter most over the next five years?
Communication through technology and salon software.
The industry has been moving in that direction for years, but many stylists are still relying on paper appointment books. Adapting to new technology is essential to maintaining momentum and continuing to grow.
"Most You" emoji?
🤩
Karaoke song?
"Wide Open Spaces" by The Chicks.
One last piece of advice for the MODERN SALON community?
Attend a MODERN SALON Boot Camp! I've attended several over the years and always walk away with valuable education, fresh ideas and inspiration from the speakers.
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