Laurel Nelson

Contributor

Laurel Nelson is a freelance writer who worked for Modern Salon Media for 12 years. During her time with the company she served as Author - Editor of Salon Today for several years and then Author - Editor of Modern Salon for two years. She is currently a stay-at-home mom who continues to enjoy writing and researching for the beauty industry.

News

Dare To Dream 2018: Day One

by Laurel Nelson

Leading Aveda professionals encourage stylists to overcome their fears and pursue their dreams at Dare to Dream 2018, while The Salon People encourage that pursuit by giving out the first Best New Aveda Artist Awards.

Nurtur Aveda Institute's (Columbus, OH) 2017 Earth Jam fashion show.

Career

Excellence in Education 2017: Best Practices from Community Involvement Top Honorees

by Laurel Nelson

Engagement in their communities is an important core value to Excellence in Education honorees.Participating in service projects, cut-a-thons, fashion shows and other initiatives isn’t an option for students; it’s a requirement. But it’s one they love to fulfill as owners strive to offer a variety of opportunities every month for students to choose from.

Ring lights for social media imagery at Avenue Five Institute in Austin, TX.

Career

Excellence in Education 2017: Best Practices from Technology Top Honorees

by Laurel Nelson

Excellence in Education honorees are leading the way in utilizing technology to teach.Owners are embracing other high-tech trends in equipment, apps and software as well. Students have come to expect cutting-edge technology in the classroom, and schools are continually stepping up to incorporate new trends, including paperless classrooms.

Red Nose Day at Aveda Institute Nashville in Franklin, TN.

Career

Excellence in Education 2017: Best Practices from School Culture Top Honorees

by Laurel Nelson

Savvy school owners realize the importance of culture in schools and are spending just as much time nurturing this as they are on practical business matters.

One of three internal job-posting boards at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

Career

Excellence in Education 2017: Best Practices from Placement Top Honorees

by Laurel Nelson

Finding a job upon graduation from cosmetology school can be a frustrating experience—but not for the graduates of this year’s Excellence in Education honorees.These schools aren’t just focusing on getting their students employed, but also placing them in salons where they will succeed and thrive.

Evergreen Beauty College (Everett, WA) students at the weekend Nail Camp retreat.

Career

Excellence in Education 2017: Best Practices from Nails Top Honorees

by Laurel Nelson

MODERN SALON was proud to add a new category to the Excellence in Education awards this year—Nails. Nails recognizes schools committed to offering their students an important career option while diversifying and building their own business.

Bellus Academy in Poway, CA, cleverly appeals to potential students with memes.

Career

Excellence in Education 2017: Best Practices from Marketing Innovation Top Honorees

by Laurel Nelson

Although traditional advertising on TV and in local news sources is still utilized, school owners are turning more and more to a more affordable option—social media.

Career

Excellence in Education 2017: Best Practices from Facilities Top Honorees

by Laurel Nelson

This year in the Excellence in Education awards, school owners across the country have been remodeling, making over and adding green initiatives to their buildings. All of these beautiful, modern facilities, from small boutique schools to large powerhouse academies made choosing honorees in this category a challenge—each school was gorgeous in its own way.

Guest Artist Dominick Serna (@domdomhair) teaching an Advanced Academy cutting class at the...

Laurel Nelson

Laurel Nelson wrote