We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you'll get to know Julia Gambell (@salonj.raine), a 27-year-old hairstylist and salon owner based out of Salon J. Raine in Yardley, PA.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Julia Gambell (JG): My whole life, I volunteered with children with special needs. It was always a goal of mine to help them feel equal. Although college wasn’t for me, and I couldn’t be a special education teacher, my salon is a safe space for them and everyone who walks through the door.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
JG: I tried going to college and couldn’t pass math or biology. My parents sat me down after failing at least three times and said. "Are you ready to go to beauty school yet? We know it’s always been your dream." I applied that month and started two months later!
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
JG: Nina Tulio: the best business mentor and advisor there is.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
JG: Opening up my own salon suite at age 23. Then, opening up my own store front at 26 in my hometown and creating the team of my dreams.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
JG: Set the standard high and your expectations low, and under promise and over deliver.
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
JG: Wet balayage is an old trick but one I’ll never stop using to brighten a blonde without damage. Low and slow!
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
JG: Sun-kissed hair and beachy/witchy waves.
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
JG: My team and how hard they work. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and knowledge they bring to the salon.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
JG: I think it’s important that the hours to become licensed are the same in each state. Moving to a different state was challenging when I was extremely eager to start my career, but then I had to go back to school and do the same thing I did in my home state for another three months. This held me back.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
JG: I hope to make my inner child/teen and baby stylist self proud (not that they aren’t already) and get involved with platform work. Working NY or Paris Fashion Week would be unreal.
