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
Your Time Is Money
Question: what happens if you book an airline ticket and then don't show up for the flight?Does the airline call you and say: “Hey sugar, see you didn’t make the flight, that’s OK, we'll just refund you, hit us back up ...
February 8, 2016
3 min to read
Question: what happens if you book an airline ticket and then don't show up for the flight?
Does the airline call you and say: “Hey sugar, see you didn’t make the flight, that’s OK, we'll just refund you, hit us back up when you're ready to travel again Buh-bye.”
NO. They take your money.
Why? Because that seat has value – if you don’t show up, they’re still charging you. Their reservations aren’t made on a maybe, they’re made in iron clad, credit card charging, you’re to be at the gate on this date at this time. Couldn’t make it? Something came up? Awwww, things happen, they’re leaving without you but WITH your money. You want a refund? Nope. Without question, you will be charged.
How? They have your Credit Card Number. It was charged at booking.
HEY, THAT’S NOT FAIR!! Yes, it is. It’s business. The airline makes money on scheduled daily and future seat sales. That’s how they plan, forecast, and guarantee the money will be generated and consistently to flow. You book, you pay, and you fly. You book, you pay, and you don’t fly……still you pay. They don’t lose revenue from no-shows.
So, what about you? Isn’t your salary is determined by what’s on your book? Isn’t that too how you plan, forecast, and guarantee your own cash flow? You’re not an airline; I get that, and granted there are unforeseen totally understandable circumstances with clients that have to be addressed, understood. BUT, what about the NO SHOW, NO CALL, NO NOTHIN’ folks out there? And even worse, what if more than one of those situations occur on the same day? And super double triple worse, what happens if you have a couple of times in the same week where that happens? Same as the airlines, that seat has value. Client didn’t show? OK. Did you lose money? Do the math.
STORY: I hosted a shower at my house at the end of August last year - called the party rental place to get 2 drink dispensers - Guess what they required? - A 50% NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT. Why? If I don’t show, they could have rented it to someone else. If I don’t show they lose money, they can’t and don’t take that risk. They still lose money if I don’t show - BUT, some money is always better than no money. What can you do with no money? Make a bank deposit? Nope. Save for retirement? Nope. Buy groceries? Nope. Nope. NOTHIN’
Back to YOU: GREAT clients that schedule and show up on time, no question, they’re not the issue. But, for existing and new hit or miss clients that arrive late to the point you can’t get them in, or the ones that just don’t show up at all without calling or any other reasonable explanation, think about getting a deposit for 25% , 50% or even 100% for their scheduled service cost. Need some motivation to do it? Think about how your days and pocketbook have been KILLED by no-shows….that’ll get it.
Your time as a professional should be respected. Take the money up front. It’s the norm. Our world expects it. It’s not personal, it’s business.
Believe in yourself.
#theheathersmithproject
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