
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.
Don't allow yourself to get bored or burnt out by your stylist career. Find a supportive team and a place where you can do your best, most exciting work - a place like Ulta Beauty!


Sometimes, when working in a salon, you might notice that the clients are all very similar in terms of their hair. Some stylists get a bit tired of doing the same old highlights and color that they do every day. A diverse clientele is part of what keeps a stylist’s career interesting, so don’t feel bad if you get bored occasionally, but know that you have options for more stimulating work environments.
Ulta Beauty is one of those exciting options. Las Vegas-based Ulta Elite Stylist Takeyra Shipps (@hair_bytakeyra) is a wealth of knowledge about all things hair, including texture, color and extensions, and she is also a member of the award winning Ulta Beauty Design Team. Shipps loves the variety her Ulta career offers, from the clients that sit in her chair to the special projects she gets to work on all over the country.
See below for a look at Shipps’ range of work and how her Ulta career keeps her looking forward to each day.
People of all hair textures rely on Ulta Beauty stylists to keep them feeling their best. This client looks happy to have a knowledgeable stylist like Shipps to take care of her beautiful curls.
Although Shipps doesn’t like to heavily criticize anyone else’s work, she knew that this client would look much better with a bit of a color correction to the halo highlight placement she had gotten previously. Then Shipps was able to work her color blocking magic, completing the beautiful look.
Ulta Stylists have all the materials they need to give clients their dream hair – including high-quality extensions! This client’s confident smile says it all…she feels great after this amazing length and fullness transformation.
If you’re looking for a chance to elevate your career while surrounded by a supportive team, look no further than the Salons at Ulta Beauty. Chances are that with over 1,400 locations across the US, there’s one right in or near your hometown.

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