Room to Grow
The hairstylists, barbers, nail technicians, and salon pros we feature in these pages are combining purpose and passion in a career that excites them and leaves us wanting to hear all about it.
Which makes this issue a real keeper.
To start, we have a cover shoot so beautiful it couldn’t be contained on one page, with a behind-the-scenes story that will touch your heart.
And inside, we have our annual list of inspiring professional beauty artists, our MODERN SALON 100. (Starting on page 22 of the digital edition.) Their words and work will remind you how rewarding it can be to hear from people who have discovered their “why.”
When we put together our MS100 list, we always ask the question, “What do you love about your job?” It’s guaranteed that for most, the response is going to be the ability to inspire confidence in their client and bring them joy—but we keep asking it because we want to hear how this answer evolves, from year to year. It always hints at what is happening in the wider world, and how these artists are responding to it.
Darlynda George (@londonsbeautii) of Bowie, MD, says this about what she loves about her work: “I love the conversations with my clients. I learn from my clients, and they learn from me. It's a great exchange. I also love showcasing the beauty and versatility of Black hair. I love to show all the options we have with our hairstyling.”
It's the mic drop moment for Reno Prezio (@thatguyreno) of San Diego, CA, that is so gratifying: “It’s meeting new people that are ready for the big change. When I chop off their ponytail and toss it on the ground and watch the excitement in their eyes, there’s nothing better.”
Natalie Solotes (@hairreformationbynatalie) of East Amherst, NY, lives to create a safe place for her clients: “I love offering encouragement. There is not much we can control these days, but we can control our hair: detangle it, nurture it, cut it… it is the act of self-care, and we need it now more than ever.”
If you’d like to be surrounded by people who feel like they’re in the right place with their career and want to keep growing, join us at the third installment of our MODERN SALON Independent Boot Camp.
On the evening of Sunday, October 23, in Fort Worth, Texas, we’ll be celebrating this year’s MODERN SALON 100 honorees plus honorees from past years, combined with announcing the winners of our first-ever Independent Pro Award. It will be a night filled with celebration and love for this industry.
The next day, October 24, is a program of business-building education for the salon and barbering professional, with experts speaking on everything from financial strategies and social media marketing to technology solutions, hair extensions, and so much more. Reach out with any questions—we would love to see you there!
Finally, let me introduce you to someone who feels like she is in the right place, and we agree: our colleague, Nicole Johnson, who recently joined the team. Drop her a note at Nicole.johnson@bobit.com and welcome her to the wonderful world of beauty!