We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 30 Under 30 for 2023, sponsored by Denman Pro.
Today, you will get to know Nneke McClain (@nnekesbeauty). She is a 28-year-old stylist at Nnekesbeauty in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Nneke McClain (NM): Bob Ross was my biggest inspiration growing up. I was an aspiring artist before I discovered my passion for hair, and Bob taught me how to embrace the beauty in learning from our mistakes and to take risks in all of my artistic endeavors.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
NM: I was only 14 years old when I taught myself to do extensions. I was lucky enough to have a support system of friends and family to let me practice on them to really uncover my talents. Now, 10 years in, I successfully run a business with some of those same supporters as my clientele.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
NM: My favorite trend at the moment is micro-link extensions done on curly hair. I love that anyone from any background with any hair type can easily match their hair texture and have access to the length and fullness of hair that they desire without hiding what their natural texture is, as this wasn’t the norm for us growing up.
BLP: What is a hair tip you have for your fellow stylists?
NM: My main tip would be to learn as much as you can. Learn different techniques and get comfortable with them all. As you progress, find one to three niches and advance your technique to attract your ideal clientele and lifestyle. Don't forget to plan for the long run –Talk to your accountants, and be sure to set your future self up as well.
BLP: What do you love about your work?
NM: I love how many souls I am able to touch mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Looking beautiful on the outside is a plus to our time spent together, but truly listening to my clients’ stories, struggles, achievements and everything in between lets me see their beauty on the inside. That is what I’ll always love most.
BLP: What motivates you about the industry you are in?
NM: The industry is always growing. There’s always new techniques that are being taught and are easily accessible to learn. For progression to continue in the industry, we are learning to be more comfortable with tweaking old techniques or simply trying things out that we've never done.
BLP: What is a professional goal you have for yourself?
NM: My professional goal overall is to open my own salon suite business and use that income to train others. I feel that my life’s purpose is to share and pass down all of the knowledge that I’ve acquired in the field to all of those who are open to learning.
You can see the full list of this year's 30 Under 30 by reading Beauty Launchpad's May/June 2023 digital magazine.
