We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K competition, sponsored by Truss Professional.
Today, you will get to know Kyle Huntsberry (@milk.honey.hair). She is the co-owner of Milk Honey Soul in Springfield, NJ.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Kyle Huntsberry (KH): I am a major animal lover, but especially pups!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
KH: At 16, I was dying for a way to get out of my boring high school, and I found out about cosmetology school I could spend at least half the day at. I was like, “Hair, that’s cool. Sign me up!” It was history from there. I knew it was it for me.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
KH: Opening my salon, for sure, and having it truly be an inclusive space.
BLP: What is your current favorite hairstyle trend?
KH: Coppers! I'm just loving all the new hues of reds, copper and strawberry tones I’m seeing! I love creating custom reds on different skin tones.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
KH: Educate! Once you're clear on who you want your audience to be, make sure you are providing them with key useful information that is helpful, so they keep coming back for more.
BLP: What is a piece of advice about styling/working with hair that you have for your fellow stylists?
KH: Get into it! It is our duty as cosmetologists to embrace all textures in our chair. Hair is hair at the end of the day and once you understand how curls/coils behave the possibilities are limitless.
BLP: What do you love about your work?
KH: I love inspiring people to embrace and understand their natural texture, but more than that, be proud of it! Have it be the main attraction. After being controlled for so long, it is time to take up space. It’s all about the Big Rude Hair for me.
BLP: What inspires your work?
KH: My daughters and young girls growing up. I want them to see themselves as beautiful from the beginning. Hair is about identity. It was through my own personal struggle with my hair that I found my inner beauty and voice. As young women, we spend way too much time trying to change to fit in when the beauty was there from the beginning. By showcasing natural texture, I hope to help change the norm of what is beautiful and give young girls the confidence to be themselves. I’ve already seen this change through my 8 year-old who truly embodies being mixed and a big rude hair girl!
BLP: What motivates you about the industry?
KH: I love the energy in this industry. I love that so many people are so passionate, creative and the growth opportunities are endless. I’m here for the evolution in our industry. There is still so much more room to grow and continue to defy beauty standards.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
KH: My goals are endless! One of the first things I can see into, hopefully in the near future, is salon expansion. I want to have a mecca hair salon that doubles as an education space and truly embodies diversity where all hair types and all people can truly feel seen, heard and celebrated. I would also love to connect with a brand that resonates with my values and find a voice through photo shoots and marketing that celebrates the journey of texture with emphasis on the evolution and struggle of mixed hair.
You can learn more about each of our winners in our September/October 2023 digital magazine.
