We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Carlie Huffman (@carlie.salontrend), a hairstylist and salon manager of SalonTREND in Vestal, NY who specializes in lived-in colors.
Q&A with Carlie
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Carlie Huffman (CH): I was in theatre from 6th grade to 12th grade!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
CH: I got my start in the industry by responding to an advertisement about a Salon Coordinator position at Sherette’s salon, SalonTREND! I have always had an interest in doing hair long before I came across the opportunity, so I figured this was a great way to get my foot in it and see if it was the career for me!
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
CH: I cannot pick just one accomplishment, but if I had to, I would say it is seeing people return to my chair that came when I first got licensed! Nothing makes me happier than seeing the reaction of our TRENDmodels when they turn around and see their hair in the mirror! It’s the reason I have always wanted to do hair and the reason I will continue to choose this career!
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
CH: My favorite hair trend currently is low maintenance colors. I love to see a beautiful blended root that grows out seamlessly! I also love layers!
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
CH: My tip for growing a following on socials would be to remain consistent and authentic. Always remember that your following does not define you as a stylist, the work we do behind the chair daily is what does!
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
CH: 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 pressured. 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!
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
CH: Something that I have learned that has helped to keep me efficient and successful is to not rush through a service. The person in your chair has chosen you to give their time and money, so let them know how much they are valued. Take the extra time with them so that they know you are not rushing through your time with them. People sit in our chairs to feel beautiful and valued! Make it a point to ensure that they leave feeling that way.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
CH: My mentor and role model in the industry is Sherette Parker (@sherette.salontrendnewyork). She truly has the highest level of passion for what she does out of anybody that I have encountered in this industry, both online and in person. She shows what it means to prevail! She teaches and inspires me daily! I would not be where I am in my career today if I didn’t have her.
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
CH: Working in an industry that revolves around making people feel their best, it can sometimes be hard to remember that we are also in need of self-care! Boundaries, in my opinion, should be put in place to protect your mental health and your energy. My idea of boundaries does NOT include leaving people without a response on Instagram or Facebook just because I am not in the salon. This is my passion, and I love helping people with any and all questions. My idea of boundaries is only allowing people in my chair that respect me, my team, our space, and our time in the same way that we respect theirs!
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
CH: A change that I would like to see in the industry is PRIDE and EGO! Those two things alone can destroy a person. In any profession! Never let yourself be “too good” to learn something new! Education is endless in this industry and is always readily available!
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
CH: My biggest career goal at the moment is to stay booked out 3-4 weeks and to learn at least one new thing a day, whether it be hair-related, business-related or life-related!
