We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 30 Over 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Brush.
Get to know Elaine Cavada (@elainecavadahair). She is a hairstylist and owner of Blush + Ivy Salon in Wheaton, IL.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Elaine Cavada (EC): I’m fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
EC: I went straight out of beauty school right into an apprenticeship in a high end salon in 2008. I trained with Schwarzkopf, then a bit later, I attended Goldwell Academy in NYC. I was a commission hairstylist for 15 years of my hair career.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
EC: I just opened my own salon – Blush + Ivy – with my two partners in April 2023. We’ve been open for a little over a year, and it’s been amazing so far.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
EC: I would tell her to keep chasing the dream and never play small!
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
EC: Dimensional brunettes + lived-in color – This trend is definitely here to stay, and I love everything about it.
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)?
EC: Always alwayssss invest in your education and stay up to date with the trends, but also stay true to what speaks to you!
BLP: What inspires your work?
EC: That's a good question! I’m inspired daily by all the amazing talent we have in our industry. Social media platforms like Beauty Launchpad are ones that I have always come to for inspiration since day one! Also, the fashion world!
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
EC: I love creating beautiful hair, and I’m always up for a good challenge. Brunettes are my passion, and I’ve made it my business to master all things brunette.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
EC: If you would’ve asked me this a few years ago, I would say give us more education, but I think our industry has come a long way, and I’m here for it.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
EC: To keep growing my business, I would love to eventually work for a color company that I’m passionate about!
To see the full list of winners, read Beauty Launchpad's May/June issue.
