We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Kamilah Dunbar (@mshairandhumor), an independent hairstylist and founder of Knotless Nation (@knotlessnation).
Q&A with Kamilah
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Kamilah Dunbar (KD): 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 I 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!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
KD: My career started as a leap of faith. After three lay offs within a two-year period in the diamond district working as a gemologist, I decided to switch careers in my mid 30s. First, I obtained my natural hair license, which allowed me to offer limited services to clients. Then, when clients expressed they wanted more from my chair, I obtained my cosmetology license. Most recently, I added licensed barber to my skillset, and I still feel like there are more avenues to explore.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
KD: Even though it has been 10 years since my transition into beauty, I am still the most proud of the moment I took the first step to become a hairstylist. It’s scary to bet on yourself with no plan, no guidance and not even a reference point in the industry. It was easy to think “What if I fail?" but I held on the the wild idea of “What if I don’t?” and that has always propelled me forward.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
KD: My favorite trend right now is the imperfect/textured look—especially within the curly, coily and kinky hair community. There used to be a large obsession with getting a “perfect curl,” but I believe there is a shift that I hope is less of a trend and more of a way to live with curly hair! Trendy styles like faux locs and boho braids make it evident to me that there is a desire for structure and freedom. I love seeing more and more women embrace texture without striving for perfection. My natural curls are part of my signature, and there’s something powerful about choosing relationship over control—It’s bringing “fun” back to styles and less about looking perfect and more about honoring. I’m here for all of it.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
KD: One tip I have is to not be afraid to niche down and give themselves a title. When I was challenged to put “The Knotless Queen” in my header, it wasn’t because I felt I was. It was actually a bit awkward and a title my clients gave me. However, what that title did was tell anyone on social media in two words who I was and how to perceive my skill. Bold, yes. But also, clear. A few years ago a major magazine interviewed me online and referred to me as “The Knotless Queen,” it became obvious why it mattered. The statement wasn’t saying that I was the only queen, but that I was one. In a world where people scroll fast and forget faster, clarity is currency. Don’t wait until you feel ready to own your lane —claim it, and grow into it.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
KD: I would tell my younger self: have a strategy and a goal because “winging it” is not a game plan. As a free spirit, I felt my way through a lot of my journey —trusting my instincts, following passion and letting things unfold. While that gave me beautiful experiences and creativity, it also led to burnout, missed opportunities and moments where I didn’t know how to scale or sustain what I built. Structure doesn’t kill freedom — it supports it. Having a clear vision and some systems in place doesn’t mean you’re boxed in. It means you’re giving your talent room to grow intentionally. Passion is powerful, but direction gives it momentum.
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
KD: One of the most powerful techniques I’ve learned is in the art of conversation and choosing the right language to communicate. Never underestimate the consultation. It’s truly the most important part of the service. Before I start a client, even if they sat in my chair before, I “meet” their hair. I want my client to feel seen, heard and understood. Most people aren’t just looking for a style —they’re looking for connection, clarity and care. A thoughtful consultation sets the tone, builds trust and often prevents miscommunication down the line. It’s not just about efficiency — it’s about intention. When people feel safe in your chair, the service becomes more than just hair — it becomes healing and that’s the type of work I want to always do.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
KD: There are so many amazing artists in this industry that I have seen through all the years do amazing things, but lately, I’ve found myself more drawn to impact than individual influence. While I don’t have one specific mentor, I’m inspired by brands like Paul Mitchell and PATTERN Beauty that lead with care, connection and community. Seeing up close how they truly center care and education confirmed that their mission goes beyond marketing. As someone who feels deeply and sees hair as a form of healing, I’m aligned with brands that make people feel seen because that’s always been my approach behind the chair. Having worked with both brands I can also say with confidence that they are amazing examples of what it means to actually have boots on the ground doing the work, not just when a hashtag becomes popular.
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
KD: Placing limits on responding to texts, emails and DMs has been a game-changer for my mental health. When I first started, I thought I had to respond to every message immediately. I was afraid of being labeled a “rude stylist” or losing opportunities. But, constantly being accessible kept me in a state of anxiety and burnout. Now, I honor my personal time and trust that the right clients will respect those boundaries. I’ve learned that protecting my peace is part of being a professional. My energy is a resource, and I’m at my best—creatively and emotionally—when I manage it with intention.
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
KD: 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. Hair care 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.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
KD: I’m on the verge of another leap—not from the industry, I actually love it here. But, I need to bring together everything I’ve done behind the chair with what’s been quietly brewing behind the scenes in alignment with who I am. In true Scorpio fashion, I’m not revealing all the details just yet—but trust, it’s intentional, aligned and rooted in purpose. From teaching through Knotless Nation Education to showing up on YouTube, working on my podcast and maybe even creating a product, my goal is to produce content and products that help and heal. I’m shifting; therefore, what I offer needs to shift. It’s less about numbers and more about doing what actually feels good—stay tuned. The next chapter is unfolding.
