Lauren Moser – NAHA 2019
Since its humble beginnings in 1989, NAHA finalists and industry elite have brought this iconic photographic beauty competition to new heights year after year. NAHA continues to recognize the beauty industry’s most talented artists and advance the careers of stylists around the world. Nothing makes us happier than meeting artists we REALLY want to root for… Good people who love the industry, value education and aren’t afraid to put in the hard work.
What one word describes how you felt when you hit submit on your entry?
EXCITED!
That one word description has evolved a lot since the first time I entered. Every year the emotion has been a little different.
How does competing help you as an artist?
Personally entering helps me grow. The way I approach NAHA is to look at it as a learning experience. Every year I enter, I teach myself one new technique that becomes my showpiece. For me, competing is a chance to experiment with skill and creativity to come up with a collection that invokes emotion. I think the pressure of competing adds to the excitement and thrill of the shoot. We spend all day doing hair for others. Shooting for NAHA is a chance to do hair for ourselves. Something to be really proud of.
Beyond hair, what other creative outlets do you have?
My life is very full. Between owning a salon, standing behind the chair full time, traveling to teach, and being a wife and mom I don’t have a lot of brain space for extracurriculars, but when I do I love writing and any kind of ceramics and crafting. When things calm down a bit I am definitely going to sign up for some sculpting classes. I love working with my hands and it’s one thing I’ve been dying to try out.
Tell us your life story in 3 sentences
I have always chased my dreams and fought for my success. My husband, Rodrick Samuels, and I have built a successful salon and education brand, and are raising 2 amazing teenagers together. I love my journey and am always excited to see what the future holds for us.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I literally have no backup plan, and so many things interest me that’s a tough one to answer. There are still so many jobs in our industry I would love to do, I’m just enjoying the ride.
What was your biggest F-up with a client?
The biggest F-up is ALWAYS chomping through a heavy chunk of hair with what you thought were your texturizing shears……
Real life advice to someone entering the world of cosmetology
All the stylists that are successful and making a good living have worked when they were sick, regularly work 12+ hour days, missed family events and birthday parties, have been so tired they cry, have been chewed up and spit out by this industry and didn’t give up, never say “it’s too hard” or ” it’s impossible” or “I don’t feel like it”. There is no piece of advice, or shortcut that can take you to the top. Everyone wants to be successful, but not everyone is prepared for the sacrifices required to get you there.
I knew I was a Hair Nerd when…
I went to my first hair show. It was an Intercoiffure show in 1998. I felt at home and knew I was born to do hair.