We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you'll get to know Gianna DeCaro (@thehairmom), a 29-year-old master colorist and director of education based out of Luscious & Co. in Shelton, CT.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Gianna Decaro (GD): I love to cook almost as much as I love doing hair!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
GD: It’s crazy, but I fell into the industry by accident. In high school, I was on track to attend my top college but was in a car accident that put me in the hospital for a week. I missed an exam that was necessary to finalize my acceptance and was told I’d have to reapply the following year. After that, I started experimenting with my own hair as a coping outlet to keep myself busy. I had a Frenchie from Grease moment and accidentally turned it pink, but it actually brought so much joy to my soul. I wanted more of that, then I began my journey at PMTS North Haven!
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
GD: The person I’d consider a mentor/role model in this industry is my boss, Liz Arrindell. I met her when I was 16 at an airbrush makeup class, and we had kept in touch via Facebook until I started working for her 3 years later. She is the most tactful, selfless and fierce leader, and I would never have made it this far without her!
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
GD: I think my proudest achievement thus far has been stepping into the role of education in my salon. I’ve always been passionate about learning, and it fills my cup to ‘make it make sense’ to others.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
GD: Ask more questions! You can never ask too many — over communicating will always debunk all!
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
GD: Learning to utilize color extractors and pigment disruptors was an absolute game changer for me! They’ve helped me create some of the most transformational looks I’ve ever done.
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
GD: I LOVEEEEE the sunny blondes and wispy face-framing cuts.
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
GD: I would say my clients inspire my work. Getting to know them, their lifestyles and personalities inspire me.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
GD: I would love to see more affordable education readily available for stylists who want to learn — not just techniques, but also how to be financially successful and succeed in an industry where the average professional only has a lifespan of about 3-5 years.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
GD: One career goal I have is to develop an online platform to help fellow beauty industry professionals grow their businesses — inclusive of skills development, networking, business fundamentals, etc.
