We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you'll get to know Lauren Williams (@laurenlovesmyhair), a 27-year-old hairstylist based out of PosterChild Salon + Goods in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Lauren Williams (LW): I can recite about 90% of the Twilight movies from memory — which is either impressive or deeply concerning, depending on who you ask.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
LW: I never really set out to be a hairstylist — it always felt like something I just fell into. Looking back, I was drawn to the lifestyle: the creativity, the independence, the ever-changing nature of it. At 18, I asked my mom if I could go to hair school, and she hit me with a hard "No way, they don’t make any money, no benefits." So, I went to college for education instead. At 19, I started as a receptionist at an MGM Resort and Spa, which gave me my first taste of the beauty industry. By 21, I had moved to Jacksonville and landed a job as an experience coordinator at a well-known luxury salon. That’s where it clicked—I saw firsthand how successful and glamorous this career could be, and I knew I wanted in.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
LW: I’ve never had that aha—that’s my role model moment. Although, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sometimes crave the guidance of a mentor. That said, I’ve always admired women in this industry who have been at it for years — those who are confident, established and seem to be knocking out major goals like they’re just checking off a to-do list. That kind of relentless drive and quiet confidence is something I really respect.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
LW: I’ll be honest — there hasn’t been a single moment where I’ve thought, yes, this is it. (Although, being featured here is definitely up there.) I’ve hit some amazing milestones, but I rarely let myself fully celebrate them—probably out of fear they’ll go to my head (I know, I know). What I am proud of, though, is how this industry has thrown me every curveball imaginable. While they definitely weren’t fun in the moment, they’ve shaped me into a stylist who is confident, adaptable and deeply self-aware — both personally and professionally. Early in my career, I had bosses and mentors tell me I’d never make it unless I followed their path — stayed at their salon, did things their way. I’ve never done well with micromanagement. Every time I heard you won’t make it, I looked them in the eye and said, ‘No, but I can.’ Out of sheer spite, I did. If I had to name a proudest achievement so far, it’s that I feel like I’ve lived a thousand versions of myself in this industry, each one teaching me to be more confident, speak my truth (ugh, I know, cliché) and carve out success in a way that feels right for me.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
LW: Never assume what someone can spend. Simple, but a game-changer. It’s so easy to project our own ideas about money onto clients, but the reality is people will invest in what they value. Our job isn’t to decide for them; it’s to offer the best possible experience and let them choose what’s right for them. Confidence in your pricing and your worth is everything.
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
LW: It’s not some groundbreaking technique, but it’s probably the most valuable thing I’ve learned: have an in-depth consultation before every service. I mean long. I ask a ton of questions, dig into the ‘why’ behind what they want and always clarify what they actually mean — because let’s be real, you could say tomato, and I’m thinking tomato. When in doubt, I ask for photos. Clients don’t speak hairstylist, and it’s our job to bridge that gap — to understand their vision and translate it into something that works for them. I’ve worked with plenty of stylists who keep their consultations short and sweet, but I take my time because it helps me feel confident in delivering results my clients will love. Oh, and I’m never afraid to be 1000% honest. If something isn’t realistic or won’t suit them, I tell them. And honestly? They respect it.
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
LW: I love that we’re moving toward more customized color — embracing natural roots, soft dimension and tones that actually complement the client rather than making them adapt to the color. It creates this effortless, meant-to-be feel, like their hair color was designed for them instead of just being another trend. It’s chic, low-maintenance and makes every client feel like the best version of themselves—what’s not to love?
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
LW: The Europeans. I swear they’re always a step ahead — effortless, chic and never trying too hard. I love the way high fashion treats hair as just another accessory to the overall look, never overdone, just perfectly in sync with the outfit and the attitude. And honestly? Working alongside my husband. He keeps me on my toes, isn’t afraid to call me out on my shit and is always thinking creatively. It pushes me to keep up, evolve and never let myself feel stale.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
LW: I wish more brands prioritized the stylist over the follower count. It’s exhausting to show up authentically, push on social media and create beautiful work —only to be constantly overlooked because your numbers don’t meet some arbitrary standard. It can feel discouraging, like no matter how much talent or passion you have, growth is at a standstill because the industry is so focused on clout over craftsmanship. I’d also love to see more affordable and quality education that actually delivers. I’ve spent hundreds — sometimes thousands — on classes, only to walk away feeling like I paid for an influencer’s ego boost, rather than real, valuable education. I get that people can charge what they want, and it’s my choice to invest or not, but if I’m paying a premium, I want to learn something original — something that actually helps me grow, not just reaffirms someone else’s personal brand.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
LW: As cliché as it sounds, I’d love to open a salon one day — run it with my husband (he’s a barber) and create a luxury space that not only looks beautiful, but actually supports stylists. A place that promotes free thinking, education and shapes the next generation of artists (also, my OCD would thrive in that environment). I’m also flirting with the idea of becoming a certified trichologist because, honestly, the science of hair fascinates me. Maybe one day, I’ll evolve Lauren Loves My Hair into a well-known haircare brand—who knows? What I do know is that I truly love hair, and I want everyone to know it.
