Stronger Together Part 2

In Partnership with

stronger

together

our stylist success series

PART 2

be bold!

Access more stories of success, career strength and growth from stylists in the digital edition of BeU from Ulta Beauty. Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

explore your possibilities

Tara Ratliff

Elite Stylist / Services District Educator, St. Louis 8 years with Ulta Beauty @tara_r_ratliff

MY JOURNEY

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

MY JOURNEY

I was considering leaving the industry in 2013, after stints with franchise and private salons that lacked support. Then I interviewed with Ulta Beauty and was prepared with questions to learn more about what education and career growth looked like. I very much liked the answers and started right away as a stylist. And the career path opportunities and education have only gotten better and stronger since. I am now an Elite stylist and Services District Educator.

"JOIN US AND BE SEEN, HEARD AND UNDERSTOOD"

Although my career at Ulta has always been rewarding, it hasn’t always been easy. There are so many people at every level throughout our organization who support each other on a daily basis. I would not be the leader, educator, or the stylist that I am without the leadership and guidance of Director of Services Education Sarah Dahl. She has led me through the toughest of situations and been right by my side to cheer me through the biggest triumphs as well.

mentors matter

Collaboration is my favorite competency, none of us can achieve what we do alone. This realization is largely because Sarah Dahl taught me what collaboration embodies from a very early stage in my career here. She has offered opportunities to stretch the way I think, the way I learn, how to be the best partner I can be.

best practices

As a stylist, I’ve always been in love with bringing the guest’s definition of beauty to light. As an educator, I am mostly proud to bring a stylist’s definition of success to light. In both cases, the spark happens when they feel heard, seen, and understood. It’s not just a plan for beauty or a plan for success, it’s a relevant and customized plan for this person. And that plan considers and speaks to both doubt and hope.

pride + passion

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Downey, CA 2.5 years with Ulta Beauty @phillipdalton323

Phillip Dalton

"I APPRECIATE MY CRAFT MORE THAN EVER"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

Most of all, I am proud that I can be myself at Ulta Beauty. I go to work happy, as an openly gay man who is five years sober, and don't have to hide anything. I've had guests tell me they appreciate my work and my honesty, and both have really factored into why they keep coming back. I am proud of the steps the leaders and team at Ulta Beauty have taken over time to elevate our culture and how we are perceived. I am excited that we are doing so much more with textured hair now and that we are paying attention to how and where we can be better. I'm also excited to help other stylists grow and find their own voices, and keep our salon experiences consistent and up to par. We do our chat-ins and take care of situations as they arise. Sure, you may still have bumps in the road, but as a team and with support, you will succeed.

pride + passion

The level of communication and learning how to do expert consultations have been game changers for me, and the team approach is valuable for the guest, too. For instance, when a guest with compromised hair asks for something outside the realm of what's wise or what I would recommend, I can have Cayla come over chairside to assist with the consultation and lend assurance, back me up. It's an extra buffer and the guest knows we are all professional and on the same page. Ulta Beauty's approach and focus on helping us maximize and deliver the whole WOW factor is a really big deal with my regulars. They tell me how much they appreciate that I am empowered to a little extra thing, like a personalized holiday thank you gift.

best practices

Once you get support, it changes everything. I know have free rein to do what I need to succeed, within boundaries, of course. It's a breath of fresh air to have support from team members like Services Manager Amber Espinoza and Services District Educator Cayla Solomon. The way Cayla teaches us color and cuts and gives us tips has transformed my success over the past year.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I started my career renting five years ago because I didn't know any other way. I didn't learn about the business—like how much it costs to have to buy your own products when you rent—in cosmetology school. The struggle is real, and it cost me a lot of money. Fast forward a couple years. My teacher in beauty school was now a salon manager at Ulta Beauty store and encouraged me to give Ulta a try. The first year was interesting, because I went straight a from a new position behind the chair into the COVID reality. Through it all, Ulta kept me safe, took care of me and paid me. When we couldn't do salon services during our extended California shutdown, I could still work retail in the store and share my expertise with guests and learn what it really takes to run the entire business, together, as a team. It made me appreciate my salon role and craft even more. Now, I've completed my amazing Ulta Academy education, I just hit Elite level this October, and my service business is so strong that I now am working with an Associate Designer who I'm helping train to go behind the chair.

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

be inspired:

be open:

be your best:

Every stylist has a story. And every stylist can see the possibilities are beautiful when they find the right salon, team and support system.

Learn how strong mentors, constant access to industry-leading education and immersion into a powerful team culture translate beautifully into career success, personal happiness and continued growth. Ready for a change? Beautiful opportunities are within your reach.

Beauty professionals from across the country, all of whom have found a salon home in which to create, thrive and live their beauty—share their personal, professional journeys. Their stories could spark a new chapter in your own. Read on!

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

to build your brighter future . . .

TARA RATLIFF

PhilLip Dalton

LISA Mitchell

Miranda Algarin

Ana Karla Remon

Brittany Prater

TERRY Balduzzi

JESSIE Wilhelm

ANNE Seikel

Nora Mazrekaj

experience their journeys

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist / Services District Educator Denton, TX 3.5 years with Ulta Beauty @ladyhairdoctor

Lisa Mitchell

"TO EXPERIENCED STYLISTS: WE CAN GROW AND BE OUR AUTHENTIC SELVES"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

Because we celebrate diversity, I can be my true, authentic self. I am very proud of the DE&I (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) work that we do at Ulta Beauty. I also love the fact that we do culture surveys that really take our feedback and convert it into a plan into action for our associates. What I would tell a more seasoned stylist who may want or need to consider a career change is that Ulta Beauty is not just a starting place that you come to right out of school. It is a destination for experienced stylists ready to create and enjoy a great career path. Your career can grow into whatever you want it to be. The possibilities here at Ulta Beauty really are beautiful and endless.

pride + passion

From Ulta Beauty Pro Team's Pekela Riley I learned how to work on a set, how to rebrand myself and how to teach texture to other stylists. She taught me how to elevate the "whys" in teaching texture. Sometimes when you are a natural at something you can forget how to teach for understanding. From Services District Educator Eddie Stafford I learned how to bring the best out of people. I watched him go the extra mile and support his teams. By watching and learning from him, I make sure to do more to support a stylist in different ways. For instance, when teaching virtually, you bring the same energy to a session with only one attendee as you do to teach a full house.

best practices

So many great people have poured into me in various ways during my tenure at Ulta Beauty. Because my role is that of an artist as well as a multi-unit business leader, one of my most important mentors is Senior District Manager Eddie Stafford, who helps me improve always, focusing on the business side. For my artist's perspective, I have been fortunate to have Ulta Beauty Pro Team member and MUSE 100 honoree Pekela Riley teach me so much.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

As what most might describe as already a "seasoned" or experienced stylist, I was recruited to first join Ulta Beauty to open a new store and be the Salon Manager. My journey since has taken me to the top stylist level at Ulta Beauty—Elite—and I am also a Services District Educator, meaning I see guests in my home-base salon, but also travel regularly to work with about 10 other salons in my area to do education classes, one-on-one in-salon training and offer other support. I still have goals and dreams to achieve here—for instance, I would like to be at a director level someday.

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Rossford, OH 3 years with Ulta Beauty @Miranda_house_of_h.a.i.r

Miranda Algarin

"FIND YOUr 'WHY' AND PEOPLE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE IT"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I am most proud of achieving $100k in services not only during the pandemic year of 2020, but also for achieving that threshold in 2021 in just 25 weeks. I cried with my Ulta Beauty team and leaders who supported me each week as they celebrated me. I tell hairdressers who are new to the industry and young people I talk to about the beauty industry that success happens when you value your dreams and surround yourself with people who will push you to be the best you can be.

pride + passion

At Ulta Beauty, we focus on finding your "why." To succeed and be happy, you have to have clarity on what you’re working towards. Identifying your goals/targets is an important first step, then break it down to achievable milestones, that's an important part of our daily, weekly and monthly process at Ulta Beauty. Identifying those targets and helping each other reach them. But it's not just about the numbers, it's the people you surround yourself with and who support each other. To find what career you want, where you want to work and where you want to give 120% of your effort, you first have to find your "why." I know I can out-work anyone, but I’ve also got to know how to work effectively to get where I want to be. Ulta Beauty helps me and others work smarter, not harder.

best practices

What I've enjoyed most are the connections I have made through my career at Ulta Beauty. I have a circle of strong mentors who have invested their time and energy in me. They believed in me and lifted me up in times when I wasn’t sure—through change and even tears. They listened and helped me conquer my goals. So, thank you to the team who always fought for me and pushed me: District Manager Stacy Simmons, Services District Leader Nicole Naumann, Services District Educator Uhlonda Martin-Maurer, Region Services Manager Angela Freeman and Regional Services Education Manager Stacy Coblentz.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I have been in the industry for 18 years and want success more than ever—and I'm finding it. I first started at Ulta three years ago as a Salon Manager, after working in a cosmetology school, and successfully leading a team of skilled salon pros. When Ulta made an organizational transition from Salon Manager to Services Manager (a salon leadership role that doesn’t include being behind the chair), I took a leap and decided to follow my passion and first love, hair! I am now a top producer in the region, surpassing $150k in service sales, with a goal set of reaching $200k before the end of the fiscal year.

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Miami, FL 4 years with Ulta Beauty @anitabeautypage

Ana Karla Remon

"BEAUTIFUL POSSIBILITIES START HERE"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I'm proud of my journey and passionate about working for a company that offers endless possibilities. I started as a guest coordinator and four years later I’m a top-level Elite stylist booking $100k+ in services per year.

pride + passion

Jason and others from the Ulta Beauty team and processes have helped me learn and grow. I've focused on rebooking and have learned that being able to empathize and consult with guests effectively and consistently are the key to building a clientele.

best practices

Jason Rosario has helped guide me every step of the way. He was my Salon Manager and today he is our Services District Educator.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I came to the United States from Cuba in April of 2015. I discovered my passion for beauty while working as an Ulta Beauty Guest Coordinator in 2017 while going to Paul Mitchell the School Miami. I began working as a stylist in March of 2019 and seven months later was promoted to Salon Manager, and now work as an Elite level stylist.

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist / Services District Educator Carlsbad, CA 11 years with Ulta Beauty @bee.hair.day

Brittany Prater

"MY SECOND SHOT BECAME A BEAUTIFUL CAREER PATH"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I am most proud of my personal development. I went from being a stylist who was afraid that my clients might not like what I have created to being a strong professional who isn't afraid of feedback and sees a successful career ahead. Giving hairdressing a second chance turned into a career path here at Ulta Beauty that no other company offers.

pride + passion

My best practice learnings are self-reflection and the consistent awareness of what and how I can improve. I take time after every presentation, class I teach, or client makeover to celebrate what I accomplished and still reflect on what personal improvements to apply next time. Remember, when you're nervous it means you care. Never stop improving always.

best practices

Throughout the 11 years I have worked for Ulta Beauty, I have crossed paths with many talented and strong people who have influenced and inspired me, including: •Director of Services Education Sarah Dahl, who speaks and guides with grace, empathy, and power. Watching her career path and the way she humbly has impacted so many has inspired me to see the possibilities of my own career at Ulta beauty. •Samantha Manuzak, who is Manager of Salon Training/Hair, makes me feel like I don't have to be anyone other than myself to deserve great opportunities. She teaches how important self-care is to maintain energy and love for what we do behind the chair. • Regional Services Education Manager Shanae Morgan believes in me and encourages me to develop a career of my dreams even if it doesn't yet exist. She celebrates my wins, big and small. Having a manager that holds you accountable but also will stand up for you is something every employee deserves. •Services District Educator Kayla Matusek is my sounding board, hype crew and pushes me to be the strongest version of myself. I highly recommend everyone has that one partner in the salon so you can hype each other up and create healthy competitions to push yourself to your fullest pro-tentional.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

Ulta Beauty was the second salon I worked at, two years after receiving my license. It was also my second chance at a career in beauty. Because of challenges at my first salon, I came close to writing off hairdressing. Then a friend encouraged me to apply at Ulta Beauty. My second shot turned into a beautiful, successful career as an Elite-level stylist and a Services District Educator for other stylists in my own salon and other Ulta Beauty locations in my area.

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist / Technical Ambassador Commack, NY 11.5 years with Ulta Beauty @terryduzzhair

Terry Balduzzi

"I FOUND MORE STABILITY FOR MY FUTURE"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I am proud to be working for a company that works to elevate its employees. My career at Ulta Beauty has been so much more than I ever imagined. I’ve been chasing the $100,000 benchmark in annual services booked, coming so close many times. I’m hopeful this is my year to hit it. My future is exactly that—my future. Even after 34 or so years in this ever-changing profession, anything is possible.

pride + passion

I have changed in so many ways since joining this team, from reinventing myself to learning how to navigate a corporate environment after 20 years in a private salon. Flexibility, getting to my own "why" and understanding how and why others work have been the keys. I've also earned It's not a "me" game but a "we" game: if you succeed, I succeed, we succeed. I worked in a bubble for many years, so this concept was really daunting at first. I was used to coming and going as I pleased. I’m still working on myself and my salon self. I have to be open minded and take control of my part of the store's business. It takes a lot of tenacity to succeed and not everything always works out. You make mistakes but from those mistakes you learn something. You have to evolve as a person, stylist, mentor and employee. My leaders helped bring this to light for me.

best practices

Many Ulta Beauty leaders helped steer me in the right direction. Our "one team, one box" philosophy makes each location's success truly a group effort, with everyone contributing. My current leaders at the store level have encouraged and cheered me to this level and my role as a Technical Ambassador. My mentors include Brittany Notaroberta, General Manager; Brit Hanson, Services Manager; along with our District Services Leader JT Cassese and our District Manager Jamie Flanagan. My previous salon manager, Helen Johnson, always thought I was stronger and more talented than I could ever see. They collectively made me strive and realize my potential. From afar, Senior Vice President, Store and Services Operations Nick Stenson has been an inspirational leader as well, even answering questions from a store-level stylist—me! How is that possible in a corporate environment? It happens because everyone throughout our company wants success for its employees. Ulta Beauty has treated me well and I appreciate everything that they offer.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

Stylist life was a second career choice for me. After completing my Bachelor of Science degree, I quickly became bored with office life. So, I quit my job and went to cosmetology school. After 20 years working in a family salon owned by my sister, she retired and I didn't want to take it over, so I tried out two private salons. With two young teenagers to raise, I decided I needed more stability and had to think about my future. I applied for a position at Ulta Beauty and never looked back. It was the best decision I ever made.

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist / Services District Educator Kalispell, MT 7.5 years with Ulta Beauty @blondetooboujee

Jessie Wilhelm

"MY MENTORS NEVER GAVE UP ON ME"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

Today I am so proud of team and peers I get to lead. They inspire me daily and push me to be a better educator and person. I am proud to work for a company that celebrates employees as individuals and encourages our differences. I cannot speak enough about the culture that Ulta creates and am honored to be a part of the journey that is happening here now. The future with Ulta Beauty is so bright and the possibilities are truly endless.

pride + passion

Communication and collaboration are the two most important skills I've developed as a stylist through my education and experience at Ulta Beauty. Communicating to my clients seemed easy, but I had to learn how to communicate on a higher level—to speak in a way where I could be heard no matter the audience. As far as collaboration goes, so often in our industry stylists work alone or independently. I love the culture Ulta Beauty creates—feeling and believing that we truly are all one family. We want our peers to succeed and celebrate successes.

best practices

Ulta Beauty immerses you into a caring team and strong system to ensure you have the very best chances of success. For me, the mentors who made a difference in my career include Services District Educator Carly Tesdall, who was my salon manager in Vegas prior to my relocating to Montana as a salon manager myself. I have so much respect for who she is as a leader. I was going through an extremely rough time in life and was not always the nicest or the most cooperative salon professional. She never gave up on me, and that speaks volumes to who she is as a person and leader. District Manager Kristen Durbin guided me during my time as a salon manager and she delivered the hardest thing for me to hear: that I wasn’t ready to be a Services District Educator. Her honest feedback pushed me to throw myself into polishing and improving the technical and people side of my work. She challenged and made me the confident stylist and Services District Educator I am today. Kayla Wright is General Manager of my store. I would not be the leader I am today without the partnership I had as a salon manager with my GM. She trusted me and my opinions when it came to the salon in our store and allowed me to lead and grow.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I had been licensed for about four years, comfortable in a salon job that ended up falling apart. Moving to Ulta Beauty—first in Las Vegas, now in Montana—was the best thing to happen to me. I grew quickly through education and service bookings and earned my Elite level before transitioning from Salon Manager to my current role of Services District Educator.

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist, Pittsburgh, PA 9 years with Ulta Beauty @ann.seikel

Ann Seikel

"THE EDUCATION AND BENEFITS ARE TOO GOOD TO PASS UP"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

As I reflect on my path to where I am now, I am so proud of the hard work and dedication I put forth to grow and I am humbled by the support I've had from not only my salon team but the entire Ulta Beauty community.

pride + passion

Also, having the opportunity to recruit guests from the sales floor really enabled me to quickly build a lasting clientele. After becoming Redken Color Certified, my confidence behind the chair evolved, making color a great passion within my career, and helping escalate my book to the top level.

best practices

I started with Ulta Beauty nine years ago entering a salon filled with very talented stylists, including Diana Cain, Elite stylist; Lindsay Gibson, Services District Educator; Jillian Russell, Master stylist; and Dara Weaver, Elite stylist. They really became a support system for not only my career but my personal growth.

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

I began my career in a small, privately owned salon in my hometown. After working there for a few years, I realized there would be no room for advancement, which led me to start looking for my next step, so I could elevate my career. After a little research I found Ulta Beauty in Robinson, Pennsylvania, was offering free continuing education, which is very important to me. On top of the education, they offered amazing benefits which seemed unheard of in the industry. It was an opportunity too good to pass up. I started with Ulta Beauty as a stylist with little to no clientele, and advanced in title and skill set quickly with the tools and leadership support offered, achieving Elite stylist status for the 2018-19 year by being the first one ever in our district to reach 100K+ in service sales.

BACK TO PROFILE MENU

MY JOURNEY

Elite Stylist Upper East Side Manhattan, NY 3.5 years with Ulta Beauty @beautybynoraa

Nora Mazrekaj

"I USED TO DOUBT MYSELF—NOW I LOVE EVERY DAY IN THE SALON"

CLICK EACH BOX TO VIEW RESPONSE

mentors matter

best practices

pride + passion

I just love my salon life at Ulta Beauty. Even though this was my first job as a licensed stylist, I had worked for another salon earlier, in a different role. I experienced and saw the challenges and attitude issues that happen when the culture is not good at a salon. At Ulta Beauty, we trust other stylists and even share our guests. Our salon and our team make me genuinely happy to go to the salon every day. I have a six-year-old daughter and do everything for her and love that she sees me thriving in this career and positive atmosphere. She loves my hair and wants to be an artist when she grows up. I am proud that I have been able to show her that anything is possible.

pride + passion

I used to doubt myself. I really had to work on trusting my instincts and not get discouraged. I still practice a lot, and my trainee in the Associate Stylistprogram actually reminds me of myself when I first started. We work on hands-on techniques and how to get better and faster, so no more second-guessing ourselves. It's all too easy, especially at the beginning of our careers, to question and get in our heads and in our own way. I've developed my techniques and tips, and also have perfected my consultation and communication with the guest, making sure they feel comfortable with our plan for their hair, collaborating with them and managing expectations. We learn to listen well and to "wow" our guests. Part of that is learning how to under-promise and over-achieve

best practices

When I started I was working with and learning from our entire team of salon pros. I got to observe and try so many different services and techniques, and my colleagues helped me stretch in areas where I wasn't comfortable. There were also so many really good classes for all of us to experience, customized to whatever level and skill set we have achieved. Soon I was paired up an Elite level stylist, Jen Raci, who is now a Services Manager. She helped train me and overcome my nervousness and learn to be a strong stylist on my own. She and Services District Leader Elizabeth Foreman were always checking in with me, sharing tips and encouraging me to do better. .

mentors matter

MY JOURNEY

Ulta Beauty was my first job out of school, as an assistant, when a friend recommended I apply. At the time, I didn't even know Ulta Beauty offered what is now called our Associate Stylist program to help stylists get started. But I'm so glad they do. Within three years, I earned two promotions, up to Master Stylist level. I'm a single mom and able to thrive both personally and professionally. Just last month I was promoted again, to Elite, and reached a milestone that brings me full circle—I will now be helping train and mentor an Associate Designer in our program. My leaders and team surprised me with the news and celebrated me with an in-salon party. I am proof that Ulta Beauty is a company that stands by its values and their employees.

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

Learn more at careers.ulta.com or text "Services" to 97211.

CLICK TO JUMP TO A PROFILE

the career possibilities are beautiful

We believe in creating lifelong career opportunities for stylists at every stage of their professional journey. Our education focused approach provides every stylist the opportunity to grow through three skills-based levels—from Stylist to Master, up to Elite—via industry leading Ulta Academy education. At every level, stylists have the chance to earn up to 70% commission, have retirement benefits and health insurance. Elite stylists can continue to maximize their guest services through working with rising talent in a unique Associate Stylist program. The Associate Stylist program was specially created for stylists starting their careers and will provide you with industry leading training, paid education and hands on learning while working with our Elite Stylists. It’s the first step to building a strong foundation for a successful career behind the chair. Education driven stylists can build their career path even further as Services District Educators. When they’re not working behind the chair servicing their guests, they teach and mentor stylists in their area through in-person education, training and one-on-one coaching. Learn more as you meet 10 successful stylists who have tapped into all Ulta Beauty has to offer!