We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K competition, sponsored by Truss Professional.
Today, you will get to know Jessica Roth (@jessilee_hairartist). She is a national educator and hairstylist at Salon 611 in Columbia, SC.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Jessica Roth (JR): I’m the lead singer of a 90s pop/rock cover band.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
JR: My grandmother was a hairstylist. She had a salon in her house in NY, and every time I went to visit her, I would always be playing there. I remember it had a black and white checkered floor and reeked of perm solution. It was awesome. My start in the business though was with my hairstylist/mentor Doug Martucci. I was a bar manager in NY for TGI Fridays, and he was the one who told me I needed to go to hair school. He definitely helped mold and shape the artist I am today. I fell in love with the hair industry all over again.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
JR: Making a full time career out of what most called a hobby, and being fortunate enough to share my knowledge with stylists all over the country!
BLP: What is your current favorite hairstyle trend?
JR: Man, that’s tough! There’s so many! I would say my favorite to do right now is vivid color placements in lived in color. “Cowboy Copper” is awesome too!
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
JR: Be YOU! Find your niche, and post content everyday. Reels are great for engagement.
BLP: What is a piece of advice about styling/working with hair that you have for your fellow stylists?
JR: “The Finish” is just as important as how you got there. There’s so many brushes/tools out there for styling. Learn how to use them and what different brushes/techniques do for different hair types. The brush can literally make or break your finish.
BLP: What do you love about your work?
JR: I love that my work not only helps to inspire other stylists like me but also has the ability to change a person's outlook. Making my guests feel like the best versions of themselves is an awesome feeling.
BLP: What inspires your work?
JR: Being able to travel around the country meeting other stylists and educating with them is one of my biggest inspirations. I love meeting new people, and there’s always something new to learn as well as teach!
BLP: What motivates you about the industry?
JR: The thing that motivates me most about this industry is that it is ever changing. You can’t get bored. There's always more to learn. Techniques shift all the time, and the moment you feel stuck, there’s something new!
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
JR: I would love to start my own education program and open my own salon, a place where stylists would come to learn my techniques and also help to build the next generation of hair stylists. There were so many things I got from having a great mentor right out of school. I would love to be that support for others.
You can learn more about each of our winners in our September/October 2023 digital magazine.
