We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you'll get to know Vanessa Miranda (@nessieshair), a 22-year-old independent hairstylist based out of Drop Dead Hair Studio in Mesa, AZ.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Vanessa Miranda (VM): I’m an artistic person, but my biggest art form growing up was music. I’ve been playing the piano since I was six and started playing the violin when I was 14. Hopefully, one day I’ll be playing a cello, too.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
VM: I’ve always been drawn towards cosmetology, but I was so scared to go for it. I thought I might not be good enough or that I was too awkward to get clients or that I can’t make a living wage doing it. Someone close to me gave me the push I needed. She eased my fears, and I enrolled in school. Fast forward a year and a half, I graduated and thankfully found a job the same week and started assisting someone whose work inspired me.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
VM: The person I see as a role model/mentor WAS my mentor Krysta Alyse. I assisted her for a year, and she taught me SO much. Her work has always been amazing, but every year I’ve seen her push herself and get better and better! She encouraged me, she never let me give up on myself and she is the reason I am the stylist I am today.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
VM: I haven’t been in the industry too long, so my proudest achievement is going independent straight after assisting. I was able to grow my clientele very fast when I started taking models and went part time rental while still assisting. I did that for six months, then went straight to full time rental. It might seem small, but it was definitely a challenge to build up my business, especially as a new stylist.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
VM: My favorite advice I’ve received is from my salon owner Kristi Day. “You can’t grow as an artist if you don’t try new things and possibly fail because you won’t actually fail. You’ll just learn something new.” I’m not sure if she even remembers telling me this, but she said it when I first started at her salon, and I’ve held onto it ever since.
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
VM: A tip that’s made me a more successful stylist is to treat every returning client like it’s their first time being with you, giving them a thorough, detailed consult and the same experience every time. My clients definitely appreciate it!
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
VM: My favorite hair trend right now is definitely raccoon tails and Hime cuts. I am so glad they’re getting the spotlight again.
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
VM: @empalmm is definitely my biggest inspiration for hair color. I also get a lot of inspiration from the world around me: critters, national parks, the sky, etc. As a vivid stylist, there’s so many things I see that give me inspiration for my work.
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
VM: I would like to see more support and uplifting of other stylists. There’s room for everyone in this industry, and we already face so much backlash. I think we really need to be more united and cheer each other on!
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
VM: I want to open my own salon one day, and I would love to be an educator.
