
My First Time: A Razor Cut with Nick Arrojo
In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.
Allison McElroy of Clive and Co. in Addison Texas and Ashley Peters of Jewel Hair Design in Alexandria, Virginia will each receive an immersive week of learning in Chicago, courtesy of Pivot Point International along with tickets to America’s Beauty Show and the Beauty Changes Lives Experience.

Alison McElroy, Clive and Co. Salon, Addison, TX
Two emerging hairstylists have been selected to receive the 2018 Leo Passage NEXTGEN Scholarship. Allison McElroy of Clive and Co. (@_elle_mc_) in Addison Texas and Ashley Peters (@thestylistabroad) of Jewel Hair Design in Alexandria, Virginia will each receive an immersive week of learning in Chicago, courtesy of Pivot Point International along with tickets to America’s Beauty Show and the Beauty Changes Lives Experience. McElroy and Peters were selected as scholarship winners following a national competition open to hairstylists with one-to-five years of experience. A panel of judges evaluated each applicant’s inspiration board and brief video describing how a career in beauty has changed their life.

Ashley Peters (@thestylistabroad)
In her application video, MCElroy shared how her passion for beauty continues to grow as she helps clients become more confident. “I’ve fallen in love with design and as I practice my craft, I’m developing relationships that inspire me to tear down walls, reset boundaries and change how people see beauty,” she stated.
Ashley Peters submitted a video describing her career as a journey that allows her to connect her art with humanity. “Hair and beauty is the cornerstone of self-expression and it’s my privilege to help each guest, bride or model express their beauty through my art,” said Peters, who plans to eventually pay her success forward by sharing her artistic skills with at-risk youth.
McElroy and Ashley will travel to Chicago in March for a week of advanced education and a professional photo shoot. “The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation is honored to not only help people enter the industry with basic scholarships, but help nurture the talent of NEXTGEN hairstylists,” said Lynelle Lynch, president of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation.
Applications for the 2019 Leo Passage NEXTGen scholarship will be accepted starting August 1, 2019. More information is available at www.beautychangelives.org/scholarships.

In an anniversary year for the Arrojo NYC brand, on an early Monday morning, Nick Arrojo used a razor on my hair. And I liked it.

Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.

With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.

Ashley Leoncini believes success in beauty is built through genuine connection, resourcefulness and the willingness to evolve. A bridal specialist with 17 years in the industry, Leoncini has created a career by making clients feel valued, investing in hands-on education and redefining success to include a healthier work-life balance.

Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.

When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.

Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.

Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.

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.

North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.

For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.

Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.

Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.

For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.

Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.

Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.

For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.