We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K competition, sponsored by Truss Professional.
Today, you will get to know Lauren Herzog (@thehillbillyhairpainter). She is a hairstylist and salon suite owner at The Hillbilly Hair Painter Studio LLC in Whitehall, PA.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Lauren Herzog (LH): I will likely die by trying to pet something I shouldn’t
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
LH: I started out as a receptionist at a salon in the small town I grew up in when I was 14. I swept hair, answered phones, learned to schedule appointments and always watched the girls (and guy) work. I was fascinated watching them create and transform. I went to beauty school in 2005, assisted some more (yay I could shampoo hair now) and the rest is history.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
LH: Besides my two beautiful sons, opening my salon suite. Creating a sacred, safe and stable environment for myself and my clients to enjoy. My little space was such a heart project, and walking in there every day makes me feel so proud.
BLP: What is your current favorite hairstyle trend?
LH: It’s always been and likely always will be any kind of bob/lob.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
LH: Stay consistent, be opinionated and put in the time to create content. Provide education on your feed for your clients and your peers. Be vulnerable and put yourself out there.
BLP: What is a piece of advice about styling/working with hair that you have for your fellow stylists?
LH: Work at your own pace, and pay attention to detail.
BLP: What do you love about your work?
LH: Leaving the salon every day with a full heart never gets old. As stylists, we are so blessed to be able to hand-deliver newfound confidence to our clients. I literally LIVE for seeing my clients looking at themselves/taking selfies/smiling/crying happy tears.
BLP: What inspires your work?
LH: Taking classes from my favorite hair heroes in the industry. I love taking bits and pieces from everyone, and I get so excited to get behind the chair with new tools in my toolbelt. Social media because there’s so many different artists to learn from. Having a great mentor like @hairbychrissydanielle has kept me inspired through the tough times, and I’m so grateful for her guidance. Last but not least, the ocean. I swear every time I’m in the FL Keys my creative flow is unrelenting. New ideas just don’t stop.
BLP: What motivates you about the industry?
LH: The endless opportunities in our industry and knowing there is a seat at the table for everyone.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
LH: I would love to give back. I love teaching and helping other stylists. Being someone else’s mentor is a role I have played, and I’ll never forget how I felt when my first assistant thanked me and told me she learned a lot from me – I cried the whole way home. I want more of that. I would love to start educating, and I feel as though I have so much to share to help uplift this industry that I LOVE.
You can learn more about each of our winners in our September/October 2023 digital magazine.
