We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Kelly Martin (@kellyawesomesauce), a hairstylist and educator based out of The Warren Salon in Bethlehem, PA who specializes in vivid hair colors.
Q&A with Kelly
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Kelly Martin (KM): I love... L-O-V-E football. GO BIRDS!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
KM: I worked as a receptionist/assistant at a local salon while I was in beauty school. This experience allowed me to apply what I was learning in school while witnessing the stylist/client experiences in real time.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
KM: Any opportunity I have to make other stylists feel more confident in their skill set is a proud moment for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the time others took to extend their ear to me, so to be able to give back is a full circle moment and something I am always happy to do.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
KM: Color blocking of any kind is literally life, but the neapolitan palette is my current favorite.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
KM: Engage! Is consistency important? Sure. Engaging is what builds community, though. Show up for others the way you want them to show up for you. Like, comment, share, follow, etc.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
KM: My favorite quote to share with others is “comparison is the thief of joy." My younger self did a lot of comparing to others instead of keeping the focus on personal growth.
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
KM: Color shifting, i.e. utilizing the color wheel to create a new color palette for your guest without having to re-lighten and further compromise the hair.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
KM: So many people, honestly. There’s so much talent and so many artists I look up to. Currently, I’d say Cory Hoffman, Nikki Houston and Ally Nicole.
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
KM: When I’m with friends and family, I keep my phone in my bag. Since our phones have become an extension of our work, this allows me to remain fully present in my time away with others.
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
KM: More texture education – knowledge is power. Sign up at the Texture of Change website and follow on Instagram (@thetextureofchange) for up to date texture education.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
KM: Continuing to inspire, educate and uplift other stylists while I continue to build a sound individual brand for myself.
