MENU
SEARCHAfter completing auditions and a 4-day training session in Chicago in early March 2023, six new artists join the award-winning group of salon and industry ambassadors. All collaborate on a range of internal and industry-engaging creative projects while growing and owning their success in their salons.
Ulta Beauty Design Team
The Ulta Beauty Design Team
The Ulta Beauty Design Team keeps growing and winning together. From a pool of more than 200 applicants and after an immersive, four-day training and audition for 14 finalists, a new class of six stylists are joining the talented Design Team of beauty experts and ambassadors.
Congratulations to the newest Ulta Beauty Design Team members: Amanda Diaz, Shyloh Hadley, Evgeniya Karpova, Brittany Prater, Ana Remon and Luis Rodriguez.
Congratulations to the six newest members of the Ulta Beauty Design Team (top row, left to right): Ana Remon, Miami, FL; Shyloh Hadley, Homestead, PA; Amanda Diaz, Bourbonnais, IL; (second row, left to right): Luis Rodriguez, Allentown, PA; Brittany Prater, Carlsbad, CA; and Evgeniya Karpova, Santa Monica, CA .
This Ulta Beauty Design Team class of 2023 will collaborate and work side by side with all 15 returning Design Team members across a range of creative projects, including industry trade show events, Ulta Beauty led-education opportunities, photo shoots, fashion week collaborations and more. In addition, each Design Team stylist will continue welcoming Ulta Beauty guests in their salons, driving a thriving business behind the chair as a services expert.
“Our Design Team brings to life all the best elements of the tremendous culture, beauty expertise and career possibilities we enjoy here at Ulta Beauty,” says Anna Manukyan, Ulta Beauty Sr. Director, Education and Creative. “We welcome our newest members and look forward to celebrating their diverse skills, perspectives and artistry.”
Now at 21 members and seven years strong, the Design Team represents hands-on services professionals at nearly 1,400 Ulta Beauty salons across the country. The Design Team works to inspire and connect the Ulta Beauty community, and shares tips, trends and techniques throughout the beauty industry. In 2022, the Design Team won the North American Hairstyling Awards Team of the Year honors.
“The Design Team’s footprint and relevance in the industry keeps growing because of the work they are involved in, and the culture shift they are creating,” says Haley Valadez, Sr. Manager, Design Team. “It is a strong group that keeps winning together because each person is so talented individually, and also generous in helping and mentoring each other.”
At auditions held February 27 through March 2 at the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago, experienced Design Team members were present to meet and greet the 2023 finalists at an opening night cocktail reception. They also joined finalists the next day to lend pointers and guidance during trainings and demos. “The Design Team spirit is definitely one of collaboration, not competition,” Valadez says.
Ultimately, however, a decision had to be made about who would join the growing Design Team in 2023. The 14 finalists presented to a panel of Ulta Beauty experts made up of Pro Team artists with education and creative leadership.
Valadez says that while narrowing the field was challenging at every stage, “it’s gratifying to see the passion, expertise and respect throughout our Ulta Beauty salon community. I can’t wait for everyone to see what our Design Team creates next.”
“I want to be defined by the things I love. Not the things I am afraid of. You are what you love.” — Shyloh Hadley
“Just getting to this point has been a win. I will not say it was luck, because I have worked hard. I’ll always be thankful for those who have made my path easier.” — Ana Remon
“YOU are amazing, each and every one of you!” — Brittany Prater
“What a dream this has been. We can truly be ourselves. And bringing joy to people’s lives every day is the luckiest thing we get to do.” —Amanda Diaz
“What an amazing experience. I love sharing with people who are as passionate as I am about beauty.” — Luis Rodriguez
“This is a platform where I can express myself. My heart is full of gratitude.” — Evgeniya Karpova
Jerwin Carlos, @jwinclos
Bianca Donahue, @bianca.ultastylist
Janelle Eyre, @jeyre.hair
Meghan Felicione, @meghanfelicionehair
Gilad Goldstein, @myguiltycrown
Laura Gunter, @lauragunterhair
Reva Haga, @reva_danielle
Stacey-Ann Houston, @stacceyann
Anthony Negron, @kinganthonyyyy
Galyna Poczinwinski, @ufirami
Cristina Rodriguez, @thatssotina
Beto Sanchez, @betoloveshair
Takeyra Shipps, @hair_bytakeyra
Justin Toves-Vincilione, @happyjustin
Leonardo Valencia, @leo.valencia
Haley Valadez, Sr. Manager, @haleyki
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
