
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.
I am writing this post as a follow-up to my last post. I was proud of my last post. I am passionate about what was shared. When I read it online after it went live I was immediately struck by not only how important the message is bit also by the ...

Ivan Zoot
I am writing this post as a follow-up to my last post. I was proud of my last post. I am passionate about what was shared. When I read it online after it went live I was immediately struck by not only how important the message is bit also by the importance of the exact same message delivered form a positive perspective.
Read on. Thank you for your continued support of me and these postings.
I was a first time client. I was a long time client. I saw things in the shop. I was your client. I am coming back.
I saw you sweeping. I saw you grab the broom after every client. I saw you sweep for the other cutters in the shop when you swept your chair. I saw you get most but not all of the hair. I saw that your sweeping was about more than cleaning the floor. I saw you treat sweeping as an act of respect for yourself and all your clients. I saw you act as though sweeping is an act of courtesy to your co-workers. You sweep every client. I am coming back. I will tell my friends.
I saw you ignore the phone. The phone rings all day. I understand that the sound of the ring is the sound of money. You did not jump for the phone. You let the guy who was not cutting answer the phone. You let the machine (voicemail) get it. The ringing phone begs to take your attention. It seeks to break your concentration. You chose to send the message that the haircut you were doing, the client in your chair was the priority right now. You CHOSE not to answer. You made the right choice. When you did not have a choice you took a call. You kept it short. You got back to the haircut, but you apologized to the client before you got back to work. I saw you. I am I coming back. I am impressed. I appreciate you. You respect me.
I saw you show compassion and patience. I saw you lock the chair and hold the arm of an old man with a walker who was scared to climb into the chair for fear of losing his balance and falling. I saw you slow down your work and change your tone with that little boy who was a bit freaked out at the sights, sounds and smells of a “big boy” haircut in a barbershop. I saw you do that. I am coming back. I am referring my friends (and their kids and their Grandpa’s)
I saw you raised your price. I saw the change on the menu board. I saw the new price in the service pamphlet. I will not tell you I am happy about it, at least not for me. I am, however, happy for you. I appreciate your work. I respect your skills. I want a raise at work. I know you deserve one, too. I appreciate the fact that you did not apologize for the increase when I commented on it. I admire your confidence in the value you bring and the worth of your business. I am happy to pay the new price. You are worth it. I am coming back.
I am your client. I see everything. I hear everything. I am a consumer. I choose where I spend my money. I have influence over where my friends and family spend their money. Luck for you, I am on social media. I talk. I tell them what I saw.
Happy Clippering.
Ivan

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