THIS YEAR’S 25 UNDER 50K RECIPIENTS ARE MAKING WAVES IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY. From stunning nail art to gorgeous cut, color and style transformations, booming businesses and impactful education, these pros are doing the most. And, this is only the beginning of their bright, burgeoning careers! Read on to learn their business and social media tips, how they prioritize self-care, what advice they would give their younger selves and so much more.
NAME: Ashleigh Owens
IG: @fauxjacat
SPECIALTY: Gel X and Nail Art
LOCATION: Art Official Nails in Denver, CO
FUN FACT: I have an identical twin sister. People mistake her for me all the time!
FAVORITE TREND: My current favorite nail art trend is 3D sculpting. I love how playful it is. Mini fruits, animals, candy, flowers – the possibilities are endless! I’m also a fan of syrup colors. I love how they seem opaque but sheer at the same time.
NAME: Beau Dieda
IG: @beausef
SPECIALTY: Hair Color and Extensions
LOCATION: Beau Dieda Studio in Los Angeles, CA
FUN FACT: I’m very athletic. I grew up playing sports, and I love the outdoors. My favorite past times involve being out on the lake on our boat (Jolene) skiing or hanging out on the dock fishing. I spend most of my time with my husband and our three fur babies Mary, Sally and Dolly.
SELF-CARE TIP: I have definitely learned how to set boundaries. I turn my phone off on the weekends, and don’t make myself available 24/7. I get up and go to the gym, spending time taking care of my body. This helps reset my mental health by doing something for myself to start the day with a clear and strong mind.
NAME: Brittney Tester
IG: @braiditbritt
SPECIALTY: Special Occasion Styling, Dimensional Color and Curly Hair
LOCATION: The Gallery of Springfield in Springfield, IL
FUN FACT: I used to work in construction.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: Becoming a milk_shake National Artist.
NAME: Carlie Huffman
IG: @carlie.salontrend
SPECIALTY: Lived-in Color
LOCATION: SalonTREND in Vestal, NY
FUN FACT: I was in theatre from 6th grade to 12th grade!
ADVICE FOR MY YOUNGER SELF: My advice to my younger self regarding the industry would be to do it the exact same way I did. Don’t rush into a career just because you feel pressure. All of the people I graduated high school with went to college and graduated all before I even went to cosmetology school. I know that I would not be where I am in my career if I hadn’t done it the way I did. Find someone that you can learn from! Find a mentor and a leader that wants to see you succeed! I was very blessed to find my mentor, Sherette! Six years into working at SalonTREND, and I can say with all my heart that I have learned more in these six years with her than I would have in 10 years in another salon environment!
NAME: Carlos Mitchell
IG: @carlosthecolorist
SPECIALTY: Blondes and Lived-in Color
LOCATION: thetylercollection in Northville, MI
FUN FACT: I’ve been told I can sing, but I’ll only prove it if Beyoncé calls in sick.
HAIR TIP: One of the biggest things that’s helped me behind the chair is learning how the hair naturally falls. I used to over-foil everything thinking more was better, but now I work with intention. Strategic placement has made my work cleaner, more efficient and way more impactful.
NAME: Emily Phommaleuth
IG: @emznailedit
SPECIALTY: Nail Art
LOCATION: St. Charles, IL
FUN FACT: When I was younger, I used to sing at weddings with my parents' band.
SOCIAL TIP: One tip I’d share is to just show up as yourself. It can be easy to get caught up in trends or feel like you have to post a certain way, but the more you lean into who you are and what makes your work unique, the more your people will naturally find you. Stay consistent, keep learning and don’t be afraid to share your journey—even the messy parts.
NAME: Icey Milli
IG: @iceymilli
SPECIALTY: Acrylics, Nail Art and Encapsulation
LOCATION: Everything Ruthless in Sacramento, CA
FUN FACT:
NAME: Julieta Castillo
IG: @castilloclawz
SPECIALTY: Nail Art, Gel-x, Acrylic and Gel
LOCATION: CastilloClawz in Talent, OR
FUN FACT: I have been creating and painting since I was young! My art mediums range from sketching to oil paints. My love for art isn’t limited to painting – I love interior design and to make photo collages and create movie edits. I also have a huge interest in the performing arts as well.
INDUSTRY SHIFT: As nail techs, I believe we owe it to ourselves to demand healthier products from nail companies when it comes to using gels that have HEMA and other products that expose technicians and everyday consumers to skin allergies and other health problems. Let’s work hard to make doing nails and getting our nails done a fun experience, not a health risk!
NAME: Kamilah Dunbar
IG: @mshairandhumor
SPECIALTY: Natural hair and Braiding
FUN FACT: After getting my cosmetology license in 2019, I went on tour with Madonna for the first time. It was one of the most eye opening and amazing experiences of my early career! My first tour was the sole braider for the dancers on the Madame X Tour, and then I was hired again in 2023 as a stylist for the Celebration Tour celebrating 40 years of her iconic music!
INDUSTRY SHIFT: I think the industry needs to prioritize teaching soft skills just as much as technical ones. At beauty expos, you’ll find an abundance of classes on cutting, coloring and styling—but where are the workshops on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and compassionate communication? We need more education around handling irate clients with grace, conducting thoughtful consultations and truly caring for people, not just their hair. Haircare is self-care, and as service providers, we’re often guiding clients through deeply personal transformations. The industry’s current obsession with numbers, hustle culture and chasing the bag overlooks the humanity at the heart of this work. If we want longevity and true impact, we have to put the “care” back into hair care.
NAME: Kelly Martin
IG: @kellyawesomesauce
SPECIALTY: Vivids
LOCATION: The Warren Salon in Bethlehem, PA
FUN FACT: I love (L-O-V-E) football. GO BIRDS!
HAIR TIP: Color shifting – utilizing the color wheel to create a new color palette for your guest without having to re-lighten and further compromise the hair.
NAME: Kimberly Loomis
IG: @kimberlyloomis
SPECIALTY: Hair Color and Cuts, Education
LOCATION: Urban Posh Salon in Columbus, OH
FUN FACT: As a kid, I used to “color” my Barbies’ hair using my mom’s makeup — think bold blue eyeshadow highlights and lipstick lowlights. It was the ’80s, after all!
CAREER GOAL: A major goal of mine is to continue growing Free Your Mind Education. I created it to challenge the outdated (boring) standards and bring modern, actionable education to all beauty professionals. Our industry is evolving — our education should too. Free Your Mind is about creating space for information that’s real, usable and sharable in the salon and beyond. The response so far has been incredible, and it motivates me to keep building an educational movement that empowers artists at every level.
NAME: Kisandra Taylor
IG: @kissysbombshellbeauties
SPECIALTY: Vivids and Blondes
LOCATION: Kissysbombshellbeauties in Idaho Falls, ID
FUN FACT: I run two beauty businesses! I specialize in vivid hair color and also do fine-line tattoos through my second brand Taylor Luxe.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: Getting to teach at Premiere Beauty Shows. It was a full-circle moment. I went from sitting in the crowd dreaming of “someday,” to being the one with the mic. That moment made every late night, every risk and every doubt completely worth it.
NAME: Kristen Benstog
IG: @kristenbenstoghair
SPECIALTY: Short Hair, Pixies, Blondes and Vivids
LOCATION: Maven Hair Studio in Riverdale, UT
FUN FACT: I once moonwalked out of an interview… and it landed me a job as a cosmetology instructor.
MY MENTOR: I’ve met so many incredible people in this industry who I consider mentors. From my friend who pushed me to try hair school in the first place, to artists who saw something in me and gave me opportunities I’ll never forget — like shadowing for a weekend at Presley Poe & Friends. Some of my best friends have talked me off the edge when I wanted to quit, and now I even find mentorship in the students I get to teach. Honestly, if I started dropping names, I know I’d forget someone important. If we’ve crossed paths—you’ve probably inspired me more than you know.
NAME: Laura Symons
IG: @iamlauraelizabeth
SPECIALTY: Salon Education + Extensions
LOCATION: Aura the Art of Hair in Frisco, TX
FUN FACT: I used to compete in Strong Man Competitions, and I won once and placed second twice.
FAVORITE TREND: Toppers and Crowns – I’ve been helping women with thinning hair for over 15 years, and I am LOVING that toppers, mesh integration and crowns are finally getting the attention they deserve.
NAME: Lex Ruggiero
IG: @lexruggiero
SPECIALTY: Lived-In Color, Hair Apparel
LOCATION: Londonderry, NH
FUN FACT: I can do an exact impersonation of Britney Spears singing – it's like… scary good.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: Creating my hairstylist apparel brand “Hot Girls’ Hair.” I am so proud of how much it has expanded, being a fairly new brand. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many hairstylists because of it. It's so amazing and surreal seeing hairstylists wearing my brand behind the chair, to their brand shoots and out in the world. It has really helped me define who I am in the industry and made me feel like I'm leaving a dent in the hair world!
NAME: Lynn Levesque
IG: @limitlesshairbylynn
SPECIALTY: Bridal Hair
LOCATION: Limitless Hair Studio in West Greenwich, RI
FUN FACT: I'm a proud mom to my adorable little girl Shih Tzu, Gari, who’s my loyal sidekick and travels with me everywhere. We’re rarely apart, and she brings me so much joy every day.
MY MENTOR: I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors who’ve shaped my career and life: Jenny Strebe, Laura Chihaia (Lala’s Updos), Nina Tulio, Ruth Roche and Monae Everett — to name a few. Their guidance continues to inspire me every day.
NAME: Mahaila Penson
IG: @1800hellyeah
SPECIALTY: Precision Cutter and Curl Specialist
LOCATION: Khana Studio in Portland, OR
HOW I GOT MY START: I was working at Netflix, home from college and decided I wasn’t going to go back to university. Instead, I would pursue my passion to work with my hands and be creative. A co-worker and friend of mine at the time quit and went on to enroll at the Aveda Institute in Portland. I did the same, and it changed my life. It was the right decision.
ADVICE FOR MY YOUNGER SELF: Remain confident in what you sought out to do, keep your blinders up and know when it’s time to leave. When an environment no longer serves your goals, move on with love and respect.
NAME: Marlee Coles
IG: @marleedidthat
SPECIALTY: Textured Hair Education
LOCATION: Ulta Beauty in Roanoke, VA
FUN FACT: I collect Princess Tiana dolls! I’ve loved her since day one because she represents so much of who I am: a dreamer, a go-getter and someone who’s not afraid to work hard while keeping her crown polished. My collection is a reminder to stay rooted in joy and magic.
HOW I GOT MY START: I actually started my hair journey through experience. My own hair started falling out after too many relaxers during my childhood. That moment was devastating, but it also sparked my curiosity. I wanted to understand what went wrong and how I could fix it — not just for myself, but for other little girls like me. That personal experience sent me down the path of textured hair education, and I’ve been committed ever since to learning everything I can and teaching others what I wish I knew.
NAME: Melissa Reynolds
IG: @hairbymadmel
SPECIALTY: Curly hair, Vivids, Lived-in Color, Reds and Cuts
LOCATION: Mad Mel Hair in Geneva, OH
FUN FACT: I’m a crazy cat lady with six cats.
BUSINESS TIP: Taking classes and getting certifications that actually improved my skills behind the chair. People LOVE seeing how much effort you put into your career. It’s the first thing they tell people when referring you.
NAME: Mia Malchow
IG: @miasarenabeauty
SPECIALTY: Vivids and Color Corrections
LOCATION: Electric Leopard Hair Studio in Cocoa, FL
FUN FACT: I didn’t have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich until I was 28 years old. When I finally had one, my husband sang me happy birthday to commemorate the moment. It, in fact, was not my birthday.
ADVICE FOR MY YOUNGER SELF: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. To be innovative, you have to explore, be curious and learn. It’s okay to not be perfect at something new. Keep going, keep trying new things and don’t stop chasing your dreams!
NAME: Nethan Nguyen
IG: @nailsbynethan
SPECIALTY: Nail Art and Gel
LOCATION: Nails & Co in Cranberry, PA
FUN FACT: I have an eye for perfect color matching, a natural gift for turning nail sessions into therapy, a quick wit that keeps my clients laughing and a true passion for making people feel effortlessly beautiful.
SOCIAL TIP: Invest in quality equipment for filming and editing, stay consistent with daily posts and focus on creating original, authentic content that truly reflects your style because that’s what sets you apart and keeps people coming back.
NAME: Nikki Scandalous
IG: @nikkiscandalous
SPECIALTY: Vivids, Alternative Hair, Hair Tattoos and Extensions
LOCATION: Scandalous Artistry in Orlando, Florida
FUN FACT: I collect tiny trinkets, and when I’m an old lady, I fully plan to have a tiny town.
SELF-CARE TIP: I used to be terrible at saying no. I’d come in on my days off and stretch myself thin. I’ve gotten better about honoring my schedule and not working outside of it. Also, touching grass. Getting out in nature, grounding myself and even dipping into a cold spring helps me reset and cleanse my soul.
NAME: Robert Burgio
IG: @hairbyrobburgio
SPECIALTY: Hair Cuts, Education
LOCATION: Tesoro Salon in Snyder, NY
ADVICE FOR MY YOUNGER SELF: Education is key.
SELF-CARE TIP: I exercise, get message therapy, dedicate time to be alone and with family and listen to music to practice self-care.
NAME: Sandie Tucker
IG: @thehairphoenix
SPECIALTY: Hair Extensions and Dimensional Color
LOCATION: The Hair Phoenix Salon in Port Orange, FL
FUN FACT: I’m a published author of an autobiography and poetry collection.
SELF-CARE TIP: I made a choice to not work more than one Saturday and Monday a month in order to have plenty of time with my family and animals. I actually enjoy taking classes and having trips, so I plan at least every few months some kind of education or opportunity to grow.
NAME: Vincent Saladino
IG: @vinnyvici.tampa
SPECIALTY: Personalized color and men’s and women’s cuts
LOCATION: Tampa, FL
FUN FACT: Something a lot of people don’t know about me is that I was a huge band kid/music nerd in school. I played trumpet for seven years and also sang in chorus, show choir and a barbershop quartet. To this day, I physically cannot refrain from singing a catchy song or joining a song in harmony.
BUSINESS TIP: Something that has helped me become so much more successful and effective behind the chair is knowing how to show up centered and regulated for my clients. I love teaching my peers how to calm the noise in a world of yapping, loud music and blowdryers. A lot of the techniques I use to center my studio, clear and reset energy between clients and decompress after a long day use free resources like air and water and reflective skills to regulate the short-of-breath, the over-thinkers and the behind-the-chair therapists that tend to hold their clients’ emotional weight long after they’ve left the chair. The best thing I’ve ever learned and love to pass on is the art of releasing that weight.
