Meet Beauty Launchpad 25 Under 50K Winner for 2022: Crystale Torres

Crystale Torres is one of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K winners for 2022. Learn more about her in this Q&A.
Crystale Torres is one of Beauty Launchpad's 25 Under 50K winners for 2022. Learn more about her in this Q&A.
courtesy of @crystalescreations

Over the course of the month, we will be spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K for 2022.

Here, you will get to know Crystale Torres. Torres is a hair and makeup artist at ACoLab Salon in Winter Park, Florida. In her Q&A, you will learn her favorite hair trends, a fun fact about her, her proudest accomplishment and more. 

Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you? 

Crystale Torres (CT): A fun fact about me is that I have a dance background. Since the early age of two all I did was dance—everything from ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and ballroom. I’ve even danced professionally and was a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader for a few years.

BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?

CT: This year, I entered Trendvision BEA (Beauty Envision Awards) Hair Competition in the Bridal Category, which was my first entry in any hair competition. I was extremely nervous to put my work out there for the world to see, but I’m so excited to say that I made it to the finals! Out of the thousands of contestants who entered, I’m honored to have made it to top three! Never did I think I would make it that far. 

BLP: What is your current favorite hairstyle trend? 

CT: The shag is back baby! Besides lived-in color, I love me some big hair.  

BLP: What is a hair tip you have for your fellow stylists?

CT: This isn’t particularly a hair tip, but a stylist tip. Finding the right salon home is important. I highly suggest finding a salon that encourages you to grow as a hair artist and challenges you to do things outside of your comfort zone—a salon culture that offers continuing education and helps you on your personal journey within hair. It makes a world of difference to be surrounded by positive salon owners and fellow stylists who are supportive and help each other strive to be their very best.

BLP: What inspires you?  

CT: Traveling, cultures and landmarks inspire me the most. There is something about experiencing something new in the world that sparks creativity and a different perspective not only in my life, but my work.

BLP: What do you love about your work? 

CT: Honestly, what I love most are the friendships I have created with my guests. Each of them has completely different stories, and being able to offer a safe space to recharge while providing a creative outlet for myself makes me feel whole. I find joy knowing I make someone feel beautiful in their own skin simply by doing the craft I love and customizing each guest’s experience.

BLP: What motivates you about this industry?  

CT: The amount of creativity we have within this industry is endless. I find myself always taking a  new class just to expand on different techniques. Finding creative solutions to customize each of my guest’s looks encourages me to want to keep growing as an artist.

BLP: What is a professional goal you have for yourself?  

CT: I have several, but I would really love to work behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week.

BLP: Who is a role model you have in the industry?  

CT: How do I choose just one? Tatiana Nitchenko, Charlem Strelow, Romeu Felipe, Angel Cardona, Myrna Ortiz-Garcia...I could keep going! I’m fortunate enough to work alongside both Angel and Myrna. Being able to see their professionalism and creativity both in and out of the salon has really pushed me to become the artist I am today and think outside my comfort zone; I’m extremely appreciative of their mentorship. 

BLP: What is your favorite career-/work-related memory from this year?  

CT: I really enjoyed an editorial shoot I worked on earlier this year. My mentor, Angel Cardona, gave a class and challenged our salon to find inspiration in something outside the norm and make it come to life for an upcoming photo shoot. My inspiration was a bird’s nest, and watching my creation come to life was absolutely amazing! It was by far one of my favorite looks I’ve done to date.

To see our full spread for this year’s 25 Under 50K recipients, you can read Beauty Launchpad's November/December 2022 digital magazine.


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