We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you''ll get to know Kaitlyn Karika (@cosmetologywithkait), a 27-year-old hairstylist and educator based out of Salon Nouvé in Orange, MA.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Kaitlyn Karika (KK): I am an adrenaline seeker! I have a motorcycle. I snowmobile and four wheel, and I’ve jumped out of a plane twice!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
KK: I attended a technical high school. I started cosmetology halfway through my freshman year, and received my license my senior year.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
KK: My mentor is Lisa Giles because who else would it be? I got to shadow Lisa in Summer 2023 while I was pregnant with my daughter. Lisa made me realize that I was meant for big things in the industry, but I needed to get out of my own way.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
KK: It’s a three-way tie between getting nominated for The Rainbow Convention, working NYFW and teaching my first independent education class with Lynda Peterson!
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
KK: Rebecca Taylor said this at The Rainbow Convention: “Don’t stay in contemplation. It’s scary, but you have to start.”
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
KK: The best tip when it comes to styling is investing in a really good quality magnetic bracelet to hold your pins and clips. My absolute favorite is from Pink Pewter!
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
KK: I blame Hailee Kay, but festival braids have me in a chokehold!
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
KK: A big source of my inspiration this year has been from a lot of the artists I got to see and meet at The Rainbow Convention. Two whole days with so many amazing hairstylists who value community over competition will definitely light a spark in you!
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
KK: Fostering more community over competition. Brands working with real stylists who are passionate about their products. Reciprocity between states for licensing. Educators actually teaching instead of trying to sell you things. Investing in newer stylists. More mentorships. Accessible education. Can you tell I’ve thought about this question a lot? Becoming a cosmetology instructor does that to you!
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
KK: I’m hoping by the end of 2025 I will have launched my own independent education courses!
