We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K contest for 2025, sponsored by SalonCentric.
Here, you will get to know Marlee Coles (@marleedidthat), a texture hair expert and master stylist based out of Ulta Beauty in Roanoke, VA.
Q&A with Marlee
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Marlee Coles (MC): 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.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
MC: 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.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment/achievement in the industry so far?
MC: Creating the Hairfirmations Festival is hands down my proudest achievement. It started as a way to bring community, creativity and education together for people who love textured hair—and it’s grown into a cultural celebration of beauty, identity and imagination. It’s more than a festival—it’s an affirmation for our hair and ourselves. Watching it expand and seeing the impact it’s had makes all the long hours and challenges worth it.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair/nail trend?
MC: Right now, I’m obsessed with the Mizani Aircut! There’s just something about those full, bouncy bangs on waves, curls and coils that make the hair feel alive. It’s a trend that celebrates volume, shape and individuality—which is what I’m all about when it comes to hair.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow beauty pros who are looking to grow their following on socials?
MC: Consistency really is the secret sauce. You don’t need to go viral—you just need to show up every day in your own voice. Teach something, share what you love and invite people into your chair through your screen. Your clients will come when they see your passion and personality shine through.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
MC: Feel the fear, and do it anyway. Every big leap I’ve taken started with fear. But that fear was never a stop sign, it was just a checkpoint. I’d tell younger Marlee: “You’re capable of more than you can even imagine. Walk in it.”
BLP: What is a tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful in your services or business?
MC: Properly cleansing and detangling is the foundation of every service. It sets the tone. I always tell my clients that healthy hair starts at the scalp, and when you take the time to prepare the hair well, your styling process becomes smoother, faster and the results last longer.
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
MC: Jamal Edmonds. It’s rare to meet someone in this industry who is everything you thought they’d be and more. He’s been a consistent voice of wisdom, generosity and excellence, and I’m so grateful to learn from him. His artistry, authenticity and commitment to uplifting others are what I aspire to model in my own career.
BLP: What is a practice/ritual you have to care for your mental health and set boundaries between your work and personal life?
MC: I make sure to unplug regularly with no phone and no notifications, just me. My skincare routine is sacred and so is my weekly hair day. Those are the moments where I check in with myself, give thanks for how far I’ve come and just be. Setting those boundaries keeps me grounded, especially when life is moving fast.
BLP: What do you think needs to change in the industry to help beauty pros continue to grow and thrive?
MC: Texture education needs to be mandatory, not optional. From cosmetology school to state board exams to CEUs, textured hair education should be a baseline, not a bonus. Clients deserve to be served by professionals who understand their hair, and beauty pros deserve training that equips them to service all textures confidently.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
MC: I want to take Hairfirmations to the national stage — festivals, tours, products, the whole nine. More than that, I want to be a leading voice in the textured hair space through education, content and community. Whether it’s on the salon floor, behind the mic, or on a platform—I want to affirm people through the power of hair and help them feel seen, celebrated and unstoppable.
