We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Kimberly Loomis (@kimberlyloomis), an educator and owner of Urban Posh Salon in Columbus, OH.
Q&A with Kimberly
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Kimberly Loomis (KL): 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.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
KL: I got my start in high school through a local trade program. Coming from a small town, it was the only real option we had—but it changed my life. That experience made me fall in love with the industry and opened my eyes to the incredible range of opportunities that exist beyond the salon chair.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
KL: One of my proudest accomplishments is serving on the advisory board for the very school I graduated from. It’s a full-circle moment. Being able to help shape the curriculum and mentor the next generation of beauty professionals is incredibly rewarding. Supporting future artists and leaders is where true legacy begins.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
KL: I love that there are no set rules anymore—if you have the confidence to wear it, it’s a trend! Individuality is in, and I’m here for it. I also deeply appreciate the growing shift toward cleaner, greener and more sustainable beauty. It’s not technically a “trend,” just the future—it’s the new level of luxury.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
KL: Show up as yourself. In a sea of trends and sameness, authenticity is what truly stands out. Share your values, your story and the things you’re passionate about—even if it’s different from what others are doing. There’s always someone out there looking for exactly the perspective you bring.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
KL: Don’t settle. Don’t stay in spaces—whether that’s salons, clients or relationships—that don’t believe in your vision or support your growth. Keep evolving. Never stop learning, never stop refining your craft. The industry will keep changing—and your mindset has to grow with it.
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
KL: Automate where you can. Time is money, and your energy is valuable. Putting systems in place—especially for scheduling, communication and follow-ups—can create the boundaries you need to avoid burnout. The smoother your business runs behind the scenes, the more space you have for creativity and presence.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
KL: My role models are the ones who show up hungry to learn—at every age and every stage. I’ve seen seasoned pros in their 80s attending trend classes, and fresh beauty students investing in business education at major shows. That kind of dedication inspires me more than anything.
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
KL: I check in with myself often and ask, “Am I operating from overflow or depletion?” Creating hard stops in my day—digitally and physically—helps me protect my peace. I also carve out time for daily meditation and to be in nature and reconnect with who I am outside of my career. That’s where I reset and refuel.
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
KL: We need more open communication and collaboration. There’s so much wisdom in the seasoned generation, and so much innovation from the newer one. When we create space for that exchange without ego, we all win. The future of beauty is rooted in sharing, not gatekeeping.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
KL: 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.
