We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 30 Over 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Brush.
Get to know Bobbie Murray (@bobbiepiins). She is a hairstylist and owner of Bobbiepiins Studio in Media, PA.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Bobbie Murray (BM): I was slimed on “Slime Time Live” when I was 12!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
BM: I was always the friend who did everyone’s hair for dances, and I loved it! I actually really wanted to be a police officer and got talked out of it! When I realized hair is what I was meant to do, my parents helped me research the best schools and started touring right away!
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
BM: This is so hard to answer because I am genuinely so proud of myself for all the little things that have gotten me here today! Aside from any awards/recognitions, my proudest achievement is my suite, Bobbiepiins, that I opened almost four years ago mid-COVID.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
BM: You will not come out of school with a full book and a specialty – those things take time and dedication! Working long nights/weekends at that chain salon will pay off. You will work inconvenient days/hours, but you will build your book and grow! Always be willing to learn – If you think you know it all, you will not be successful.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
BM: Blonding + Lived-in foilayage!
BLP: What is a valuable hair tip that you want to share with your fellow stylists (whether it’s a business tip or something related to styling/working with hair)?
BM: You don’t need a color stain remover! If you save a little left over from your color service before applying any water to the hair at the bowl, reapply that color to the stained hairline, and massage it for a minute! Work in a little shampoo, and it will completely rinse off!
BLP: What inspires your work?
BM: Absolutely the relationships I’ve built – my stylist friends in the industry/IG friends and the brands I work with/for! Whether it’s a friend's post with a formula combo or a custom box a brand has sent me to try, new things like this keep me going day in and day out.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
BM: My clients! I know they expect to leave feeling hot and trendy, and it’s my responsibility to make sure I know what that looks like for each guest! The industry is ever-changing – There is quite literally ALWAYS something new to learn or classes to take to stay current — learning and educating keeps me going!
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
BM: This industry can be pretty intense and cutthroat – It's hard to know exactly where change would be beneficial sometimes. I feel like if you have a special way of teaching or communicating with stylists, that’s a huge start. SO many people get discouraged with a follower count they forget to be a stylist. I feel like if we can get back to a place of not focusing so much on followers, there’s hope!
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
BM: I eventually want to take educating to the next level! I personally feel like our current industry is over-saturated with the same type of teaching/learning, which is not a bad thing! I just know I’d like to have a different approach once I commit and set my mind to it! I rely a lot on my humor in all aspects of life — being relatable will really help me get to where I need to be soon!
To see the full list of winners, read Beauty Launchpad's May/June issue.
