We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Get to know Hallie Czerwinski (@hairbyhalliee), a 25-year-old independent hairstylist and cosmetologist based out of Vivid Dreams Hair Co. inside of Electric Leopard Hair Studio in Cocoa Village, FL.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Hallie Czerwinski (HC): A fun fact about me is that I’m a huge concert enthusiast — I’ve attended over 80 shows in my lifetime! I’ve had the chance to see a diverse range of artists, from No Doubt and Ozzy Osbourne to Tech N9ne, The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry, Jelly Roll, Rob Zombie, $uicideboys and Beyoncé, just to name a few. Music festivals are also a big part of my life, and I’ve been to six different ones, with Rockville/Fort Rock being my favorite, which I’ve attended eight times!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
HC: I’ve always been an artsy, science-loving kid with a passion for all things cool, funky and unconventional. At 10 years old, I started experimenting with vivid hair colors on myself, and I quickly developed a love for creating fun, vibrant hair! By 13, I was coloring my friends' hair, and by high school, I was already "taking clients" — doing hair and makeup for dances to make some extra cash. After graduating, I moved away and dove straight into cosmetology school to begin building my career.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
HC: One of my biggest role models going into hair school was Guy Tang. I loved watching his color transformation videos on YouTube back in high school, and he constantly inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with new techniques. Now, almost 10 years later, I've watched him win awards, earn global recognition, start his own company, become a musician and achieve so much more. Artists like Guy Tang show me that there are no limits to what you can accomplish in your career and life.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
HC: My proudest career achievement so far is being nominated for two awards! In 2024, I was honored to be nominated for “Best Color Transformation” in the Booksy Live Fashion Awards and was also a Top 10 Finalist for The Rainbow Convention in the Hair Tattoo Category! The hair tattoo, which was only my third design EVER, really took me out of my comfort zone due to its intricate detail, making this accomplishment all the more rewarding.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
HC: The best advice I’ve received, which has had the biggest impact on my career, was about going independent. It had always been a goal of mine to work for myself and eventually own my own salon, but I was often held back by anxiety—worrying about not having enough clientele, the right business knowledge and more. For years, other stylists and salon owners told me there would never be a ‘perfect’ time and sometimes you just have to take the risk and try. They assured me that I probably wouldn’t ever feel fully prepared, but with enough knowledge and determination, I can do anything. This past year, I finally took the leap, and I’ve never looked back!
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
HC: Pre-loading my foils and the hair with product has been a game changer, especially when doing platinum cards. It gives me the confidence to take bigger sections, knowing they’ll lift evenly and be fully saturated. This has saved me so much time, as I no longer feel the need to double-check every foil.
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
HC: Lately, I’ve been loving chunky color-blocked looks, like the Calico and Neopolitan hair colors. I love that the trend is more synonymous with the colors than it is the placement. Five different people can all have the Calico color, but it can/will look different on each person.
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
HC: This is honestly a tough question to answer because my inspiration is always evolving! I find inspiration in so many places — art, nature, beauty, music, people — and it all continuously shapes and influences my work.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
HC: I’d love to see a shift towards more well-rounded education in cosmetology schools, especially when it comes to the basics. When learning the skills to cut, color and style hair, students should be trained on all hair types and textures. This not only boosts a stylist’s confidence behind the chair, but also fosters greater trust within the client community, so they no longer feel the need to search for a specialist for every service.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
HC: My ultimate career goal is to work with one of my dream brands — Pulp Riot or Danger Jones. I aspire to become both an educator and an influencer, traveling the world to teach classes and inspire others on stage at hair shows. Beyond that, I’m eager to collaborate on cutting-edge, high-fashion looks for photo shoots and advertisements, pushing the boundaries of creativity and making an impact in the industry. I’m passionate about using my skills and platform to not only elevate my own career, but also inspire and influence others in the world of beauty.
